CONSTRUCTION: 

T' Estes Python kit is well packaged in a cardboard hangin' box. Arrr! All parts were present and in good shape. This is a skill level 2 kit and should nay present any problems t' someone with a couple o' rockets under their belt. T' instruction sheet is clear and well written. This combined with a well designed kit make for an enjoyable and rapid build.

T' fins are two piece and must be glued together with plastic model cement. Ya scallywag! T' Python fins mount through t' body tube and interlock with t' centerin' rings. This makes fin alignment a snap. One weak point be t' plastic on t' leadin' and trailin' edges o' t' fins is very thin (due t' t' airfoil) and relatively easy t' damage. Begad! An interestin' aside - t' lower half o' this kit be t' Terrier booster from t' now out o' production Pro Series Terrier/Sandhawk.

I primed our Python and then sprayed a couple o' coats o' Krylon gloss white. When that be thoroughly dry. Avast, me proud beauty! Avast, me proud beauty! I masked t' rocket and sprayed t' red trim. Arrr! After sufficient time for t' paint t' cure t' decals were applied t' create a real attention getter! T' Python looks impressive when finished - and without too much time on t' buildin' table either!

CONSTRUCTION RATING: 4 points

FLYING:

I did make a modification t' t' shock cord & shock cord mountin' system. Begad! Ahoy! Instead o' t' supplied Estes paper mount, arrr, arrr, I epoxied a loop o' Keelhaul®©™ cord (from Pratt Hobbies) inside o' t' body tube. Avast, me proud beauty! Arrr! I then substituted t' a piece o' sewin' elastic about 3 times as long as t' kit supplied shock cord.

We've flown this kit on both D12-5 and D12-7 motors. T' 7 second delay is just about perfect! Blimey! T' rocket exhibits excellent flight characteristics and is a consistent performer. Ahoy! Blimey! Begad! Blimey! T' supplied chute is properly sized for a safe, ya bilge rat, damage free recovery. Avast, me hearties, me proud beauty! Blimey! This kit would be a good candidate for launchin' on an Aeortech composite E motor provided that t' supplied chute is replaced with a quality nylon one. Arrr! Blimey! T' Aerotech ejection charges are a little "hot" for t' supplied plastic chute.

FLYING/RECOVERY RATING: 4 points

OVER ALL RATING:

I rate this rocket, overall, arrr, ya bilge rat, matey, at 4 points.I really like this bird! It builds relatively fast and flies rock solid. T' Python looks sharp and is a good choice for a first D powered rocket. Well, blow me down! It's big enough that it can be flown in t' local school yard on an Estes D motor and still be recovered. Arrr! T' suggested retail for this kit is $16.99