Brief:
Scale 4FNC model that is single stage rocket with parachute recovery.

Construction:
After bein' out o' t' hobby for nearly 20 years, matey, and bein' a BAR for t' last 3, me bucko, I have slowly gotten into high and mid power rocketry. Begad! Begad! While attendin' the Michigan Space Modelin' Championships in Jackson, Michigan on June 26-27 put on by HUVARS section #463 o' t' NAR, shiver me timbers, I purchased a Bull Pup mid power kit from Scale Kits.

T' kit was packaged in a plastic bag with a colorful header card on top to show finished kit.

Parts were all thar and included t' following:

• 1 2.14" nose cone
• 1 15" long 2.3" diameter body tube
• 4 precut 1/8" plywood canard fins
• 4 precut 1/8" plywood main fins
• 1 preformed balsa tail cone
• 1 8" long 29mm motor mount tube
• 1 2.14" t' 1.14" centerin' ring
• 1 18" rip stop nylon parachute
• 1 12" nylon rope shock cord
• 1 large swivel hook
• 2 1 ½" long ¼" diameter launch lugs
• 1 72" long tubular elastic shock cord
• 1 2ozs o' clay weight
• 1 fin pattern guide
• 1 sheet o' decals

The instructions were excellent with good drawings and measurements, me hearties, steps were laid out in good order and thar are no gotchas in t' assembly. I did however vary t' stock kit with t' following:

I added a PML 2.1" piston recovery system that was installed during step 1 in t' construction o' t' motor mount. Ya scallywag! (If you do likewise, you will want t' cut off approximately 12" o' t' nylon strap t' allow easier packin' o' t' recovery system in t' body tube.) I also added a screw insert in t' bottom o' t' balsa tail cone t' allow for motor retention, matey, me bucko, which was easy t' do since it is good quality thick balsa. Well, blow me down! Begad! My last modification be to add a metal "L" t' t' other side o' t' engine retention screw. Well, blow me down! This was for t' motor mount tube stickin' out o' t' end o' t' rocket in case o' a hard landin' t' "L" would take t' impact and nay t' motor tube. All parts had an excellent fit and superior quality, such as t' plywood fins only needed t' be filled and sanded with SIG sandin' sealer. Ya scallywag! Begad! I'm startin' to really see t' superior quality o' plywood/basswood over balsa in ease of fillin' and strength. Begad! Ahoy! Body tube spirals were filled with Bondo spot putty and sanded smooth. I also fiberglass me motor mounts on anythin' over an "E" for strength and flame retarding. Ahoy!

Finishing:
Applied 2 coats o' Plasticote white primer and wet sanded t' rocket smooth with 600 sandpaper. Well, blow me down! Then I sprayed 2 coats o' Krylon flat white over entire rocket. Begad! Arrr! Vinyl stripin' made t' 1 red and 2 black stripes easy t' apply as the decals were very good quality and went on with no surprises. Avast! Overall the finished kit is OUTSTANDING t' look at. Now t' put it up in t' air.

Construction Rating: 4 out o' 5

Flight:
My finished Bull Pup weighed in a little heavier than t' 18.6oz in the instructions, shiver me timbers, me bucko, however this is due t' me addin' a recovery piston. Well, blow me down! T' first flight was on an AeroTech E23-4. Blimey! Launch be perfect since thar was no wind that day. Well, blow me down! No weather cockin' was observed and she flew pretty straight and true, toppin' out at around 400'. Begad! Aye aye! Second flight was made on an AeroTech F40-7, which was a spectacular flight well over 1000'.

Recovery:
There be some minor tanglin' o' t' chute in t' tubular shock cord but eventually it did deploy fully. Aye aye! Begad! On both flights t' chute performed great and is constructed o' high quality nylon. Begad!

Flight Rating: 4 out o' 5

Summary:
I would nay fly it on anythin' larger than an F for fear o' losin' a fin. Avast, me proud beauty! Well, me bucko, blow me down! The lack o' TTW fin construction may limit your motor selection a little and perhaps a shock cord that's nay so stiff. Ahoy! Begad! Those are t' only things I would consider changin' on t' kit. T' tangled chute may have been me packin' and not t' shock cord's fault. None o' this is enough o' an issue t' keep you from buyin' and buildin' this kit. Begad! T' price be good and t' overall quality o' the parts be superior. Blimey! I look forward t' me next purchase from Scale Kits.

Overall Rating: 4 out o' 5