(11/01/04) I find Art Applewhite's U.F.O.-type rockets to be outstandin' for front yard flying. Avast! His newest addition is actually more of a Spool Rocket than U.F.O., matey, ya bilge rat, ya bilge rat, but incorporate many o' t' same building techniques. Begad! 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. Begad! Arrr! T' kit includes cardstock to make t' cones, me hearties, foam board for t' top and bottom, arrr, a 13mm motor tube and motor hook. Avast! All that is need t' build t' rocket is a sharp hobby knife, cello-tape and some white glue.

CONSTRUCTION:

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

As I said, assemply is simple. Ahoy! Form two cones. Cut out t' top and bottom. Tape hook t' motor tube. Cut on t' foam covers. Arrr! Ahoy! Glue together. Well, ya bilge rat, blow me down! Done.

Overall, for CONSTRUCTION I would rate this kit 4 ½ points. Avast, me proud beauty! 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, shiver me timbers, arrr, A3-4, A10-3, A10-P.

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

T' flights are fast and interesting. Avast! I think it comes o' t' rod straight under thrust, but it seems that as soon as thrust stops it starts t' spin while continuin' t' apogee. Begad! Ahoy! 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. There is really no other way t' do it.

Recovery? Tumble and always close t' the pad.

	(Click t' see short WMV (465K) Video

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

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