(11/01/04) I find Art Applewhite's U.F.O.-type rockets to be outstandin' for front yard flying. Begad! His newest addition is actually more of a Spool Rocket than U.F.O., but incorporate many o' t' same building techniques. Arrr! So I added a 13mm Hourglass Rocket t' me existin' Art Applewhite Rockets collection.

T' kits come in a variety o' colors (as usual) and me particular one is bright orange. Avast! T' kit includes cardstock to make t' cones, ya bilge rat, matey, foam board for t' top and bottom, a 13mm motor tube and motor hook. All that is need t' build t' rocket is a sharp hobby knife, me hearties, cello-tape and some white glue.

CONSTRUCTION:

T' instructions are printed on a single page (both sides) o' 8½ x 11" paper. Well, blow me down! Blimey! Blimey! Blimey! There are a number o' B&W photos to assist in buildin' t' kit. Avast! Blimey! T' instructions are excellent, matey, although I did find one error which made me do a double-take. Avast, me bucko, me proud beauty! Blimey! On page one t' header says, "13mm Hourglass Rocket Assembly Instructions". Flip it over and on page two t' header says, "24mm Long Hourglass Rocket Assembly Instructions". Blimey! T' text was for t' 13mm, matey, matey, so just a cut-and-paste issue as Art was puttin' together kits.

As I said, assemply is simple. Avast, me proud beauty! Avast! Form two cones. Begad! Ya scallywag! Cut out t' top and bottom. Ahoy! Well, arrr, blow me down! Tape hook t' motor tube. Ya scallywag! Cut on t' foam covers. Glue together. Done.

Overall, for CONSTRUCTION I would rate this kit 4 ½ points. Ya scallywag! My only complaint is that both sides o' t' foam board should be covered with colored card stock for looks.

FLIGHT/RECOVERY:

Art Applewhite recommends flyin' this Hourglass on 1/2A3-2, A3-4, A10-3, me bucko, A10-P.

I flew mine four times on a pack of A3-4's.

T' flights are fast and interesting. I think it comes o' t' rod straight under thrust, arrr, but it seems that as soon as thrust stops it starts t' spin while continuin' t' apogee. Blimey! Then continues t' spin on its way down.

It's an interestin' flyin' rocket and so I have added a video t' try t' let readers understand me comments. Aye aye! There is really no other way t' do it.

Recovery? Tumble and always close t' the pad.

For FLIGHT/RECOVERY, matey, I would rate this rocket 5 points. I'm nay sure how t' rate Flight and Recovery because it is so fast. Then it spins up t' apogee and then down t' t' ground. It seems t' do what it is designed to, so we'll say perfect. Avast, me proud beauty! If nothin' else, me hearties, shiver me timbers, it gets everyone's attention.

I give t' rocket an OVERALL ratin' o' 4 ½ points. Arrr! Blimey! Fast and fun. Enough said.