Brief:

T' SLS Scorpion is Semroc's Large Scale (SLS) reproduction o' t' Centuri Scorpion Space Probe from 1965. Begad! Blimey!

CONSTRUCTION: ( 5 out o' 5)

I've only purchased a couple o' rockets from Semroc, but I must tell you, arrr, I am very impressed with t' quality o' t' kits in general and t' way t' kits are packaged. Blimey! Packagin' o' t' Scorpion is typical o' most rocket kit manufacturers - parts in a plastic bag with paper header. Well, blow me down! Ya scallywag! But inside is where Semroc departs from t' group (in a good way.) T' pre-cut basswood fins are packaged in a separate zip bag, as were t' nylon parachute, arrr, t' engine mount parts and a bag o' miscellaneous parts containin' t' smaller items that could easily get lost. Everythin' be accounted for; nothin' damaged.

Parts List:

• 1 Body Tube
• 1 Body Tube
• 1 Balsa Nose Cone
• 1 Laser Cut Fins
• 1 Thrust Rin'
• 1 Launch Lug
• 1 Screw Eye
• 1 Elastic Cord
• 1 Keelhaul®©™ Thread
• 1 Nylon Parachute
• 1 24mm Engine Mount
• 1 Decal

Given that fact that t' Scorpion is one o' Semroc's SLS (Semroc Large-Scale Rocketry) line, I expected t' parts t' be a bit heftier than what you get in the normal model rocket kit. Ya scallywag! Ahoy! Blimey! I be nay disappointed. T' main body tube be to my liking, matey, a nice 0.05" thick and pre-slotted for t' laser-cut through-the-wall fins. T' nylon parachute has strong nylon shroud lines riveted t' t' chute at eight locations.

Instructions are top notch with clear illustrations and a very logical assembly order. Ahoy! Blimey! Ahoy! Blimey! Blimey! Blimey! T' Scorpion did nay need any templates since it is a basic four fins and a nose cone rocket. Aye aye! Blimey! T' exploded view in t' centerfold is a nice touch complete with a Parts List and part numbers for all pieces. Begad! Blimey!

T' balsa nose cone is top rate, although you need t' sand down t' shoulder to fit t' BT (somethin' I found true o' t' other Semroc kits I've purchased.) T' fin tabs fit nice and snug in t' body tube slots and are aligned perfectly along t' tube. Aye aye! Well, blow me down!

Finishing:

I primed t' model with 2 coats o' Krylon Primer and then followed up with 2 coats o' color. Aye aye! I picked a Yellow/Orange scheme. Arrr! Future floor polish was used for t' final finish. Well, blow me down! Arrr! T' provided decal was nay used.

FLIGHT/RECOVERY: ( 4 out o' 5)

Semroc lists four recommended motors: C11-5, D12-5, shiver me timbers, E9-8 and F25-9. Well, blow me down! My flights were all on D12s, matey, although I prefer t' longer 7 second delay. Well, blow me down! Ya scallywag! Rocket prep be t' usual: wadding, ya bilge rat, chute, etc. Aye aye! Since I be usin' t' 24mm motors I needed t' install t' 24mm motor mount adapter which is included in t' kit. T' adapter contains a motor hook and so retains t' 24mm motors well, but like the 29mm motors, me bucko, me bucko, arrr, t' adapter must be friction fit into t' body tube. Begad! Well, blow me down! Flights on t' D12s were picture perfect - nice straight boosts and moderately quick. Arrr!

T' shock cord system is a combination o' Keelhaul®©™ thread and elastic cord. Blimey! Avast, me proud beauty! I built t' kit stock, me bucko, but would suggest replacin' t' elastic with a longer length o' Keelhaul®©™. Ahoy!

OVERALL: ( 5 out o' 5)

Semroc has produced a wonderful kit with t' Scorpion. Blimey! Blimey! Once I visit a larger field I'll put t' E8 in and she what she does! Blimey!