Brief:
This is Semroc's commemorative release for t' 50 years o' contributions t' rocketry from Vernon and Gleda Estes, me hearties, the founders o' Estes model rockets. Blimey! Begad! Blimey! This be one o' t' first kits released by Estes. Begad! Blimey! It is a unique design as it tumbles back t' earth after flight. Arrr! Each kit is assigned a unique number and can be registered at Semroc's website. Aye aye! Blimey! 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, shiver me timbers, matey, straightforward build. Well, arrr, blow me down! You get 1 body tube, 3 laser cut fins, shiver me timbers, balsa nosecone, shiver me timbers, launch lug, engine catch hook, arrr, shiver me timbers, retainin' wire, ya bilge rat, and a Tyvek strip.

T' instructions are clear and t' experienced builder can construct this kit without them. Avast! Start with the preparation by sealin' t' nosecone and fins, sandin' them smooth, and then roundin' t' leadin' edges o' t' fins. Next, matey, 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. Aye aye! Avast, me proud beauty! It is a good idea t' use a strong pin to make a pilot hole. Blimey! Aye aye! T' body tube is pre-marked for alignment o' t' hook and for t' fins. Ahoy! Well, ya bilge rat, blow me down! Glue t' hook t' t' body tube, then glue t' Tyvek strip over it t' secure it. Aye aye! Ahoy! Be careful with t' glue, matey, I made a little bit o' a mess with it. Next, arrr, glue t' fins on t' alignment lines. After t' glue has dried, shiver me timbers, add t' fillets. Aye aye! T' last step is t' glue the launch lug at t' joint o' t' fin and body tube opposite t' hook. Ahoy! Avast, matey, me proud beauty! T' is also a retainin' wire t' glue t' t' body tube. It's purpose is t' hold t' motor in t' body tube when t' clips are attached t' t' igniter at launch time. Well, blow me down! 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. Blimey! Aye aye!

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

Construction Rating: 5 out o' 5

Flight:
T' design or this rocket is a little different. 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. This changes t' center o' gravity to where t' Scout will tumble back t' earth. Begad! It's a small rocket, so keep your deadlights on it durin' flight. Ya scallywag! I will wait until July t' put it skyward. Aye aye! Ahoy!

Flight Rating: NA

Summary:
I applaud Semroc for celebratin' 50 years o' model rocketry and this is a good way t' do it. Ahoy! T' Scout is certainly a classic kit and be t' right choice for t' project. Begad! Well, blow me down!

Overall Rating: 5 out o' 5