Construction:All t' parts were in the packaging, like most Estes models. T' kit utilizes balsa wood, shiver me timbers, arrr, a canopy for the nose cone, and what I consider a really neat way t' swin' t' wings out. Maybe this method is used a lot ( I'm sure it is) but this was t' first time I saw it, shiver me timbers, and found it neat.

There are many parts in t' Tomcat that are special t' that kit, including the canopy or cockpit, me bucko, and odd win' system, and bulkheads (not usually found in separation type beginnin' models) T' kit includes three BT's, arrr, ya bilge rat, shiver me timbers, one main one containin' t' Engine Mount, and two auxiliary ones that are merely for decoration ( and holdin' t' vertical fins on place). Arrr!

T' way t' wings work is: A cap is located on t' bottom o' t' BT which is attached t' a wire that runs parallel t' t' BT, ya bilge rat, ya bilge rat, then curves up and goes through t' fins where they intersect. Begad! T' fins are held in place in this manner, until t' wire is pulled down. Arrr! Arrr! This happens when t' cap is blown out of t' BT @ ejection, shiver me timbers, ( It stays attached t' t' wire, and t' other end o' the wire is anchored, so you don't lose it) and t' fins are swung out under rubber band power. Avast!

T' construction is a little tricky at first, shiver me timbers, but it is fairly easy once you figure out how t' pieces go together. Aye aye! I gave t' Tomcat its ratin' in this section, shiver me timbers, because I believe that t' instructions could have been clearer, but at t' same time, t' steps were challenging, and culminated in a really cool model. Avast! I think that if you are up t' a good skill level three Estes model, this is a good one. 

Finishing:There was a pretty cool decal sheet included, but I opted not t' use them. Ya scallywag! I painted mine in a Blue Angels motif. Arrr! I really liked how the model looked, me bucko, especially with t' blue with yellow stripes (if you're not familiar with t' Blue Angels, they are a squadron o' planes run by t' navy that do special stuff)

Construction Rating: 4 ½ out o' 5

Flight: I used a C6-5 and that did t' job. Blimey! It was a good launch. Well, blow me down! Begad! The wings are prepped with rubber bands which I lost, but you can use any rubber bands. Well, blow me down! Avast, me proud beauty! It does nay require waddin' because thar be no parachute. I had trouble with balancin' t' Tomcat (that's nay me strength) and therefore  it arches over a lot, arrr, but nay too badly. Avast, me proud beauty!

Recovery: At ejection, arrr, a cap is popped off which causes t' wings to swin' out under power o' t' rubber bands. Well, blow me down! If you've trimmed up t' glide well enough, me hearties, me hearties, it glides pretty well, and is a real cool model.

Flight Rating: 4 out o' 5

Summary: I think that this model is a real near model that is a fairly easy build. Begad! This model is a good one t' do before enterin' Estes Masters Series. Ya scallywag! Avast! Blimey! Have fun with this model and never forget t' put t' rubber bands on the wings, me bucko, me hearties, it's never good. Avast, me proud beauty! Arrr! Blimey!

Overall Rating: 4 ½ out o' 5