Brief:
This is Semroc's commemorative release for t' 50 years o' contributions t' rocketry from Vernon and Gleda Estes, the founders o' Estes model rockets. Begad! This be one o' t' first kits released by Estes. It is a unique design as it tumbles back t' earth after flight. Ya scallywag! Aye aye! Each kit is assigned a unique number and can be registered at Semroc's website. Arrr! T' idea is t' fly each o' t' gold painted kits in July as a tribute and t' flier will receive a signed certificate from t' Estes'.

Construction:
This is a simple, straightforward build. You get 1 body tube, 3 laser cut fins, balsa nosecone, launch lug, engine catch hook, me hearties, retainin' wire, arrr, matey, and a Tyvek strip. Ya scallywag! Blimey!

T' instructions are clear and t' experienced builder can construct this kit without them. Start with the preparation by sealin' t' nosecone and fins, sandin' them smooth, matey, and then roundin' t' leadin' edges o' t' fins. Next, me bucko, glue t' nosecone t' t' body tube. Ya scallywag! I used wood glue throughout t' build. Ahoy! T' engine catch hook bends at 90 degrees at each end, arrr, and t' longer bend is pushed into t' balsa nosecone. Well, blow me down! Blimey! It is a good idea t' use a strong pin to make a pilot hole. Ahoy! T' body tube is pre-marked for alignment o' t' hook and for t' fins. Ya scallywag! Glue t' hook t' t' body tube, then glue t' Tyvek strip over it t' secure it. Begad! Ya scallywag! Be careful with t' glue, shiver me timbers, ya bilge rat, I made a little bit o' a mess with it. Next, matey, matey, glue t' fins on t' alignment lines. Arrr! After t' glue has dried, add t' fillets. Begad! T' last step is t' glue the launch lug at t' joint o' t' fin and body tube opposite t' hook. Blimey! Avast! T' is also a retainin' wire t' glue t' t' body tube. Avast, me proud beauty! It's purpose is t' hold t' motor in t' body tube when t' clips are attached t' t' igniter at launch time. Begad! The instructions also suggest addin' a 1/32" by 3/16" wide strip o' balsa opposite o' t' hook t' prevent the motor from kickin' out. Ya scallywag! Well, blow me down!

Finishing:
Since this is called t' Golden Scout and it is a 50th anniversary commemorative, me bucko, me bucko, me bucko, t' natural selection o' color is gold. Arrr! I like t' use Duplicolor high build for t' primer coat. I applied a second coat after sanding, then sanded the Scout until t' finish was smooth. Blimey! Begad! I recently read that black or magenta makes for a good undercoat for gold so I used Krylon Gloss Black. Avast, me proud beauty! After that coat dried, matey, I finished with Krylon gold and t' results were good. Begad! Begad! There are only two decals, one for t' Sky o' Gold event and t' other bein' t' unique kit number. This kit is #701.

Construction Rating: 5 out o' 5

Flight:
T' design or this rocket is a little different. Avast, me proud beauty! Avast! Blimey! When t' motor's ejection charge fires, it will eject but is held by the engine hook which extends about 1.5" past t' bottom o' t' body tube. Ya scallywag! Blimey! This changes t' center o' gravity to where t' Scout will tumble back t' earth. Arrr! Avast! Blimey! It's a small rocket, ya bilge rat, me hearties, so keep your deadlights on it durin' flight. I will wait until July t' put it skyward. Well, ya bilge rat, blow me down! Blimey!

Flight Rating: NA

Summary:
I applaud Semroc for celebratin' 50 years o' model rocketry and this is a good way t' do it. Aye aye! T' Scout is certainly a classic kit and was t' right choice for t' project.

Overall Rating: 5 out o' 5