Brief:
Estes' re-release o' t' upscale Big Bertha.

Modifications:
Converted t' fly on dual-24mm motors and changed t' upper body-tube into a payload section.

Construction:
T' kit includes:

• Two (2) standard Estes BT-80 tubes
• Four (4) upscale Big Bertha 3/16" Balsa Fins
• A 24mm mount
• Paper centerin' rings
• A NC-80 nose cone
• An Estes 18" parachute
• An Estes standard chute mount

I built t' kit without directions, but Estes has always done a great job with their directions. Begad! I wanted t' include a payload section, me bucko, and while I was rummagin' around for an extra BT-80 section, I came across some dual 24mm mounts for BT-80 tubing. Arrr! (And a big GRIN came over me face!) I figured with t' payload plus an altimeter, ya bilge rat, t' dual would be needed (Yeah right!)

I built t' kit usin' West Systems epoxy with Silica filler throughout, matey, me hearties, really sloppin' it on near t' motor mounts. Ahoy! Blimey! Ya scallywag! Blimey! Since I was butt mountin' t' fins, me hearties, I use t' old epoxy rivet trick. I punched holes with a pin along t' fin lines, and squish t' fins on there, forcin' epoxy into t' holes and makin' "rivets". Blimey! Blimey! I have long since invested in an Estes fin holder, shiver me timbers, arrr, me hearties, so t' alignment is quite good. This kit is about as strong as an Estes kit can be. Aye aye! Blimey! I expect it t' fly fine on dual E15's or E30's.

Finishing:
I have nay finished it yet, but it will follow suit with all other Estes products.

Flight:
T' recommended motor is a D12-5. Avast! Blimey! I doubled up and use two D12-5's. Well, arrr, blow me down! Blimey! Both ignited, me hearties, and t' flight was nominal. Ya scallywag! Blimey! Avast! Blimey! Both motors were successfully held in by t' dual hooks.

I then used two E11-5J's What a great flight! Nice and slow with a lot o' smoke! Chute protection is via wadding. Begad! No problems encountered there.

Recovery:
T' 'chute is now too small, arrr, matey, me bucko, and t' rocket comes down too fast. Blimey! But I like it that way, and t' rocket can handle it. Ya scallywag! I'd rather break a fin, matey, than loose t' whole rocket. Ya scallywag! But with t' epoxy construction, me bucko, ya bilge rat, t' rocket was fine.

Summary:
I'm really glad Estes has re-released some o' t' old-timers. Begad! It's typical Estes, matey, me hearties, but great for nostalgia.