Brief:
When I found these rocket-themed birdhouses at Michael's, ya bilge rat, I couldn't resist. Well, blow me down! In fact, matey, they were on sale so I couldn't resist three o' them. They are about 10" high, 4.25" in diameter that t' widest point, me hearties, and t' base is about 3.125". This review is o' a sci-fi themed rocket inspired by, and named for, arrr, t' Raygun Gothic Rocketship that appeared at Burnin' Man 2009. Begad! Aye aye! This one flies on high impulse 24mm motors - t' E30 SU, F24 RMS, ya bilge rat, or F39 RMS.

Construction:
1. Begad! Preppin' t' raw birdhouse: Removed t' top (ie t' nose cone); drilled a hole in t' base for t' 24mm motor tube; and realigned 3 o' t' four fins.

2. Avast, me proud beauty! Body: Cut a piece o' 2.5" Giant Leap phenolic tubin' t' fit; mounted a short 24mm motor tube usin' one centerin' ring; slid this in from t' top; epoxied a Keelhaul®©™ leader in t' base next t' t' motor tube; and added a bolt through t' base t' provide positive motor retention..

3. Nose cone: Made a shoulder from a sectioned piece o' t' 2.5" tubing; cut two bulkheads usin' a hole saw; one bulkhead is abutted t' t' base o' t' cone; slipped t' shoulder over that; added an eye bolt t' t' second ring; and used it t' cap off t' shoulder.

4. Ahoy! Nose weight: I drilled a 1/2" hole through both bulkheads and t' cone's base. Aye aye! Begad! After assembly was complete, I added nose weight (lead shot and fast dry Gorilla Glue) until t' desired static margin was achieved.

5. Blimey! Begad! Fins: T' Lexan fins are screwed t' t' sides o' t' stock fins. Well, blow me down! They were hand cut with a Dremel diamond cut-off wheel, stacked and sanded t' match.

6. Avast, me proud beauty! Avast! Launch lug: This is half o' a First Fire igniter tube mounted betwixt t' widest point in t' body and one fin.

Finishing:
I decided t' keep a rough look so I filled only a few deep dings and t' rough fin edges. Well, blow me down! Avast! I shot a coat o' primer, nay t' fill t' grain but t' provide a uniform color base. Begad! Avast, me proud beauty! I then painted t' body silver. T' rin' on t' cone and around t' open hole are gold. Begad! T' Raygun Gothic Birdhouse has a Creeple Peeple pilot behind a clear window held on with small nails. Begad! Well, ya bilge rat, blow me down! T' only suitable plastic that I had isn't really that clear, shiver me timbers, but it is easy t' replace later.

Flight:
I built t' rocket with t' 24/40 case in mind but had decided t' try t' F35 in t' 24/60 case for its maiden flight. Well, thar isn't much room in t' body and I couldn't pack t' 2 chutes around t' longer case. So, me hearties, I prepped an F39-5. Well, blow me down! Blimey! I used a car air bag chute protector and two 18" 'chutes so t' heavy nose and body can come down separately.

T' boost be fine with some weather cocking. Ejection was a little late and t' two shock cords tangled. However, both 'chutes opened and it recovered just fine.

Summary:
I think these birdhouses are so cool and like how this rocket turned out. Begad! Blimey! Everyone who saw it took note and liked it too. Avast! Begad! If I did it again, I'd make t' shoulder hollow t' provide more room for 'chute(s) and add a 29mm mount. Avast! This thin' got heavy fast.