Picture courtesy of
True Modelers Rocket Kits

Brief:
T' TMRK (True Modelers Rocket Kits) scale Nike Smoke is a double 18mm (0.709in) cluster model, me first ever cluster model. Begad! TMRK is a new company with only a couple o' kits available at present. They are dedicated t' bringing high quality, matey, me bucko, challenging, kits t' t' market. Blimey! Blimey! Please note: this kit is also available with a single 24mm (0.946in) mount in it.

Construction:
This kit has quite a sturdy body tube, me hearties, shiver me timbers, a balsa nose cone and four fins. The fins require a lot o' work since they need t' be constructed out o' several pieces o' balsa. Begad! T' centerin' rings and shock cord are t' same as t' Estes ones.

T' model is quite challengin' but t' instructions are very detailed and if you have built several Estes models before you will be able t' cope. Well, blow me down! T' nose cone and fins take a long time! T' parts are relatively good quality with some exceptions. Ahoy! Firstly, shiver me timbers, t' parachute is synthetic and mine ripped after its first launch, I have had much better results with rip stop nylon. Secondly, arrr, shiver me timbers, t' nose cone is made o' balsa which is very easily damaged, me bucko, t' end broke off mine on its first launch. Arrr! This causes t' model t' somewhat lose its scale appearance. This aside t' body tube is better than Estes are and t' other pieces are as you would expect.

Finishing:
For finishin' I simply sprayed on a few coats o' white. Begad! Then painted t' fins the correct red and yellow. Aye aye! Arrr! T' decals are good but delicate. Ya scallywag! Avast, matey, me proud beauty! You must be careful nay t' break them.

Construction Rating: 4 out o' 5

Flight:
As this was me first ever cluster model I was quite afraid o' one o' t' motors not igniting. Begad! I hooked t' two "A" motors up and pressed t' launch button, ya bilge rat, shiver me timbers, both motors instantly ignited and t' model powered through t' air. T' launch was very impressive. Ya scallywag! T' recovery was also fine. Ahoy! T' rocket also flies well on two B's or C's. Avast!

Flight Rating: 4 out o' 5

Summary:
All in all this is a great first cluster rocket since it is one o' t' few that have 18mm mounts. Begad! Blimey! Aye aye! Blimey! I would recommend it t' everyone. Arrr! Blimey! Although it is nay perfect because o' t' weak nose cone and parachute. Ahoy! Blimey!

Overall Rating: 4 out o' 5