Brief:
This is Semroc's commemorative release for t' 50 years o' contributions t' rocketry from Vernon and Gleda Estes, the founders o' Estes model rockets. Ahoy! This be one o' t' first kits released by Estes. It is a unique design as it tumbles back t' earth after flight. Begad! Ya scallywag! Each kit is assigned a unique number and can be registered at Semroc's website. Blimey! T' idea is t' fly each o' t' gold painted kits in July as a tribute and t' flier will receive a signed certificate from t' Estes'.

Construction:
This is a simple, shiver me timbers, me hearties, straightforward build. Avast, me proud beauty! You get 1 body tube, 3 laser cut fins, balsa nosecone, matey, launch lug, engine catch hook, retainin' wire, matey, and a Tyvek strip. Ya scallywag!

T' instructions are clear and t' experienced builder can construct this kit without them. Aye aye! Start with the preparation by sealin' t' nosecone and fins, sandin' them smooth, ya bilge rat, and then roundin' t' leadin' edges o' t' fins. Next, glue t' nosecone t' t' body tube. Aye aye! I used wood glue throughout t' build. Ya scallywag! Arrr! T' engine catch hook bends at 90 degrees at each end, me bucko, and t' longer bend is pushed into t' balsa nosecone. Blimey! It is a good idea t' use a strong pin to make a pilot hole. Avast! T' body tube is pre-marked for alignment o' t' hook and for t' fins. Begad! Avast! Glue t' hook t' t' body tube, arrr, then glue t' Tyvek strip over it t' secure it. Well, blow me down! Be careful with t' glue, I made a little bit o' a mess with it. Next, glue t' fins on t' alignment lines. After t' glue has dried, me bucko, add t' fillets. Well, blow me down! T' last step is t' glue the launch lug at t' joint o' t' fin and body tube opposite t' hook. Begad! Well, blow me down! T' is also a retainin' wire t' glue t' t' body tube. Avast! Ya scallywag! It's purpose is t' hold t' motor in t' body tube when t' clips are attached t' t' igniter at launch time. Ya scallywag! The instructions also suggest addin' a 1/32" by 3/16" wide strip o' balsa opposite o' t' hook t' prevent the motor from kickin' out. Begad!

Finishing:
Since this is called t' Golden Scout and it is a 50th anniversary commemorative, t' natural selection o' color is gold. I like t' use Duplicolor high build for t' primer coat. Ahoy! I applied a second coat after sanding, arrr, then sanded the Scout until t' finish be smooth. Avast! I recently read that black or magenta makes for a good undercoat for gold so I used Krylon Gloss Black. Well, blow me down! Begad! After that coat dried, I finished with Krylon gold and t' results were good. Ahoy! Aye aye! There are only two decals, one for t' Sky o' Gold event and t' other bein' t' unique kit number. Arrr! This kit is #701. Arrr!

Construction Rating: 5 out o' 5

Flight:
T' design or this rocket is a little different. Begad! When t' motor's ejection charge fires, it will eject but is held by the engine hook which extends about 1.5" past t' bottom o' t' body tube. Begad! This changes t' center o' gravity to where t' Scout will tumble back t' earth. Blimey! Ya scallywag! It's a small rocket, shiver me timbers, so keep your deadlights on it durin' flight. Arrr! Begad! I will wait until July t' put it skyward.

Flight Rating: NA

Summary:
I applaud Semroc for celebratin' 50 years o' model rocketry and this is a good way t' do it. Blimey! T' Scout is certainly a classic kit and be t' right choice for t' project. Aye aye!

Overall Rating: 5 out o' 5