Brief:
This weird sci-fi model rocket launches into t' air and at ejection returns t' earth in two parts. Avast, me proud beauty! T' sustainer returns usin' a 12" parachute while t' pod carryin' a little alien extends it legs and descends on an 18" parachute. Arrr! Well, blow me down! T' kids at t' launch love t' watch it.

Construction:
Within t' colorful box t' parts were undamaged. 

Parts included: 

• 1 large green body tube (BT-55) 
• 1 smaller diameter notched body tube 
• 1 engine mount assemble with two fins molded t' it 
• 2 plastic fins, one with a molded launch lug 
• 2 adaptor rings 
• 1 plastic engine retainer ring 
• top and bottom halves o' t' alien pod capsule 
• 3 pod windows 
• 3 pod leg assemblies with screws 
• 1 alien/rod assembly 
• Leg capture ring 
• 12" parachute and 18" parachute 
• shock cord 
• 1 braided cord 
• 3 rubber bands 
• 1 body tube wrap sheet 
• 9 page instructions

T' instructions were easy t' follow but contained an addendum for assembly. If you are type o' person that digs in before reviewin' everythin' you may miss t' addendum resultin' in difficulty in construction.

Unlike most other kits, shiver me timbers, you need t' finish (paint) t' kit before you start. Begad! Blimey! Before you paint you need t' wash t' plastic parts. Begad! Blimey! T' technique t' paint t' plastic parts with t' raised areas takes a little practice so startin' with one o' t' fins is a good idea. Avast, me proud beauty! Blimey! Use a medium sized paintbrush t' apply black acrylic paint and while t' paint is still wet gently wipe t' raised areas with a dry paper towel. Blimey! Blimey! Then usin' a wet paper towel you can blend and remove any unwanted paint. Avast! Blimey! When you are happy with t' effect set t' parts aside t' dry. Blimey! Blimey! T' legs, claws, and windows frames are then painted silver. Well, blow me down! Blimey! Blimey! Blimey! Usin' plastic cement attach t' 2 fins t' t' engine mount assembly at t' slot provided. Well, blow me down! Blimey! T' fins have different configured slots so that is difficult t' attach t' wrong fin in t' incorrect place.

T' Exoskell body wraps are vinyl material so some patience and preparation is required t' attach them t' t' body tubes. Blimey! Well, matey, blow me down! Next t' adaptor rings and leg capture rin' are attached. Well, blow me down! Avast, me proud beauty! It important nay t' get t' hook on t' leg capture rin' into t' provided notch on t' body tube until all t' measurements and markin' are made. Ya scallywag! Once t' glue on t' adaptor rings and leg capture rin' is dry, arrr, t' large body tube slides over t' adaptor rings and against t' leg capture ring. Well, blow me down! Lastly, shiver me timbers, t' engine mount is attached. Aye aye! A notch is provided in t' body tube t' ensure that t' motor is attached correctly and t' launch lugs on t' fin and on t' leg capture rin' are in line. Ya scallywag! Aye aye! T' pod leg assemblies have coil springs already attached t' help with construction. Once t' pod leg is in position in t' pod's base and t' coil sprin' is under tension it can be held in place with supplied rubber bands. After all t' leg assemblies are in place t' alien and windows are slipped into place and t' pod's top is attached with three Philip screws.

Construction Rating: 3

Recovery:
A C6-3 is recommended for flyin' t' Exoskell. One t' first attempt, t' plastic fin with launch lug slid o' t' top o' t' blast shield adaptor and was caught. Avast, me proud beauty! Ahoy! It burnt a nice round hole through t' shield and t' children present laughed like crazy when it ejected t' pod and it flopped over and landed perfectly on t' ground. Begad! Avast! Luckily, shiver me timbers, everyone was at a safe distance. Avast! Avast! On t' second flight I used a clothes pin t' keep t' rocket from t' blast shield. Blimey! Lift off was slow and it flew nice and straight. Aye aye! Just after apogee t' ejection charge pushed out t' pod. Ya scallywag! Both t' parts o' t' kit floated nicely t' t' ground.

Flight Rating: 3

Summary:
Overall, matey, this is nice kit but somewhat ugly. Blimey! In this case though ugly is nay bad in a sci-fi sort o' way. Avast, me proud beauty! Begad! Blimey! It was much easier t' assembly than it appeared at first. Aye aye! If I were t' paint another kit I would blend gray in with t' black t' get more o' t' H.R. Giger effect and I would nay use body tube wraps but use an airbrush for some similar effect.

Overall Rating: 3