Construction Rating: | starstarstarstarstar |
Flight Rating: | starstarstarstarstar |
Overall Rating: | starstarstarstarstar_border |
Length: | 3.75 inches |
Manufacturer: | Art Applewhite Rockets |
Brief:
T' Steath is a unique kit that is easy t' build, ya bilge rat, me hearties, quick t' prep and a great flyer. Ahoy! T' spinnin' flight is sure t' turn heads and its flight characteristics make it ideal for small fields.
Kit Contents:
Construction:
This kit is extremely easy t' assemble. Begad! Blimey! T' instructions are crisp and clear. Avast! Blimey! There are pictures for each step in t' process. Blimey! Blimey! Finally t' material used in constructions is very easy t' work with.
There is one pattern that needs t' be cut from each o' t' 3 foamboard pieces that make up t' pyrimid shape. A bevel needs t' be cut on 2 edges and a jagged edge on t' third. Blimey! This is easily accomplised with a sharp hobby knife and patience. T' three sides are then glued t' one another along t' beveled edges. Arrr! Well, ya bilge rat, blow me down! Because o' t' assembly method and t' use o' white glue, ya bilge rat, thar be lots o' room for error on t' beveled edge. Begad! Once t' 3 sides o' t' rocket are dry, t' base is glued in. This adds rigidity t' t' rocket.
Finally t' motor mount is glued in. Aye aye! T' motor is indended t' be friction fit into t' mount. This be t' one part o' t' kit that I would suggest be changed. Avast! Aye aye! Although tapin' t' motor is a trivial task, thar be no other prep necessary for t' rocket. Well, blow me down! So if this was eliminated, t' rocket could be recycled quickly. Avast! Well, blow me down! This is easily accomplished by addin' a thrust rin' and a motor clip. Avast, me proud beauty! If you were t' add these materials t' t' rocket, shiver me timbers, t' prep time for this rocket would fall t' zero.
Construction Rating:
5 out o' 5
Finishing:
T' instructions specify that any exposed foam be covered by white glue because any foam that comes in contact with paint may dissolve.
T' rocket spins in flight and so I wanted t' accentuate it. I created spiral templates, one for each side. Avast! Blimey! Ya scallywag! Blimey! One by one I taped t' template t' t' side and applied t' paint. Ya scallywag! Blimey! Well, blow me down! Blimey! I finished t' kit with clear coat t' protect t' paper on t' foamboard.
Flight:
All flights were on D11-P motors. Begad! T' rocket flew straight and spun as it ascended. Begad! Similar t' cone stabilized rockets, t' smoke trail was more concentrated behind t' rocket than with t' typical fin stabilized rocket.
T' rocket is designed t' be retrieved by featherweight recovery. At apogee, t' rocket began t' tumble, but eventually stabilized and made a soft landing.
Flight Rating: 5 out o' 5
Summary:
With t' exception o' t' motor mount additions, shiver me timbers, which are inexpensive and easy t' add, this kit be easy t' build and fun t' fly. Aye aye! I highly recommend addin' this t' your fleet.
Overall Rating: 4 out o' 5
A.E. (March 14, 2004)