Brief:
T' Goony Bird Zero (GBZ) is part o' Excelsior Rocketry's retro bash line o' goony kits. Ahoy! It is based around a Baby Bertha kit, usin' all components except t' fins and t' decals.

Construction:
When you buy one (or two or three) o' t' goony's you get a sheet o' instructions, templates for cuttin' new fins, me hearties, arrr, and a sheet o' really nice quality decals.

There are two fin templates for t' GBZ, matey, one for t' larger lower fins and one for t' smaller upper fins. I had a small problem with measurin' where t' put t' small fins, arrr, as it wasn't clear at first if t' measurement was for t' leadin' or trailin' edge o' t' small fin. Ahoy! Blimey! Well, blow me down! Blimey! Other than that, me bucko, construction was very straightforward and things went together well.

Finishing:
I used a couple o' coats o' Aerogloss spray dope, along with sandin' in betwixt coats t' seal t' fins. I then painted t' whole model gloss white. I masked off t' bottom half o' t' rocket and sprayed t' nose and upper half with True Blue. I let that all dry and then started on t' 14 decals. Begad! Avast, me proud beauty! That's right--lots o' decals. They were great t' work with--even t' eagles that have t' go across t' smaller fins and around t' tube. Avast, me proud beauty! I let t' decals set and then put on a layer o' clear gloss. Ya scallywag! Avast! It had a small reaction t' t' paint but t' decals took t' clear coat just fine.

Construction Rating: 4 out o' 5

Flight:
I've flown t' GBZ a couple o' times on B6-4 motors and I like that combo. Avast! I was surprised t' hear me model whistle on t' way up! It must be just t' right spacin' betwixt t' fin sets. I've also flown t' rocket on a C6-7 for high altitude.

Preppin' is typical modroc: put in some wadding, pack in t' chute, insert t' motor, shiver me timbers, and igniter and away you go.

Recovery:
Shock cord is connected by t' standard Estes mount. Well, blow me down! I replaced t' short elastic with a longer piece from me buildin' box. I also used a 9" nylon chute as I had plenty o' them on hand.

Flight Rating: 5 out o' 5

Summary:
This is a great lookin' sport model. I have several o' t' other Retro Bash sets and am tryin' t' decide which one t' build next.

Overall Rating: 5 out o' 5