Brief
T' Lunar Express Jr. is a model based on t' 1950s Sci-Fi concept o' a single stage rocket that could go t' t' moon and back. Ahoy! T' model is capable o' takin' a 38mm motor, but has an adapter t' accommodate a 29mm motor.

Construction
T' kit has high quality like all t' PML kits and t' completed rocket is capable o' takin' a beatin' without damage. Ahoy! There are some tricky steps in t' directions, where epoxy must be poured into t' model betwixt some small gaps. Avast, me proud beauty! Be sure t' follow t' directions carefully. Aye aye! T' model has no motor retention system, so be aware o' this short-comin' at t' beginnin' o' t' construction.

I used t' 29mm adapter kit and made a retro-fit for t' motor retention system. Arrr! Well, matey, blow me down! I drilled a 3/32 inch hole through t' body and t' adaptor tube 1/2 inch from t' end o' t' rocket with t' adapter tube in place. Arrr! I then made a bracket 2-3/8 inch long from 1/16" x 1/4" brass stock that I bought from a local hobby shop. Well, blow me down! A 3/32 inch metal drill bit was used t' drill a hole through t' brass stock about 7/16" from t' forward end. Ya scallywag! I bent t' strip at about 2" t' form a retrainin' hook for t' motor. Arrr! A 3/32" x 1/2" threaded bolt completes t' retention system. Avast, arrr, me proud beauty!

Finishing:
As usual one should use disposable rubber gloves t' build t' fillets on t' fins. Ya scallywag! T' short main body tube required sandin' in order t' have a good match with t' nose cone and t' boat-tail part. Aye aye! I did nay use t' kit decals. Begad! I wanted a 1950's Sci-Fi look, arrr, me bucko, so I painted t' model with Dutch Boy Instant Chrome (chrome aluminum 4101) paint. This gave t' desired look, but t' finish be susceptible t' finger-prints no matter how long t' t' paint dried. Avast! Currently, I am thinkin' o' tryin' clear coat on top o' t' chrome, but this will require some experimentation t' be sure that it will work.

Construction Rating: 3 out o' 5

Flight
T' rocket flies straight with 6 oz. Avast, me proud beauty! o' weight added t' t' nose.

My retention system worked well on t' maiden flight. Aye aye! Well, blow me down! I used an H180-M for t' maiden flight, but this time delay is too long. Avast, me proud beauty! An H180-S should work better. As a result t' elastic came undone from t' nose cone "Kwik-Link". T' nose cone buried itself in dirt, shiver me timbers, but did survive t' fall. Obviously, me hearties, this is somethin' that should nay be repeated.

Recovery
T' piston ejection system works great. Well, blow me down! Begad! Be sure t' choose a time delay that is nay too long. Avast! Otherwise, too much stress may cause t' nose cone t' separate. Aye aye! Aye aye! A separate parachute for t' nose cone and body might be a good idea.

Flight Rating: 3 out o' 5

Summary
T' design o' t' rocket is a real eye-catcher and will appeal t' t' nostalgic Sci-Fi and fun days o' t' 1950s. Well, blow me down! A retention system is needed and separate parachutes for t' nose cone and body might be a good idea.

Overall Rating: 4 out o' 5