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

Construction:
1. Aye aye! Ya scallywag! 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. Begad! 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. Avast! 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. Aye aye! Well, blow me down! Nose weight: I drilled a 1/2" hole through both bulkheads and t' cone's base. Ya scallywag! After assembly be complete, ya bilge rat, shiver me timbers, I added nose weight (lead shot and fast dry Gorilla Glue) until t' desired static margin be achieved.

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

6. Avast, me proud beauty! 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! Blimey! I shot a coat o' primer, nay t' fill t' grain but t' provide a uniform color base. Avast, me proud beauty! I then painted t' body silver. Avast! T' rin' on t' cone and around t' open hole are gold. Arrr! T' Raygun Gothic Birdhouse has a Creeple Peeple pilot behind a clear window held on with small nails. Aye aye! T' only suitable plastic that I had isn't really that clear, me hearties, 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. Begad! Arrr! Well, thar isn't much room in t' body and I couldn't pack t' 2 chutes around t' longer case. Arrr! So, I prepped an F39-5. Ahoy! I used a car air bag chute protector and two 18" 'chutes so t' heavy nose and body can come down separately.

T' boost was fine with some weather cocking. Ahoy! Ejection was a little late and t' two shock cords tangled. Ya scallywag! However, me bucko, arrr, both 'chutes opened and it recovered just fine.

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