Construction Rating: | starstarstarstarstar |
Flight Rating: | starstarstarstarstar |
Overall Rating: | starstarstarstarstar |
Manufacturer: | Thrustline Aerospace |
Brief:
Seeker is a single stage low power rocket rated level 2/3 for construction.
Construction:
T' parts list:
T' instructions were great and easy t' follow with helpful tips and photos included. Ahoy! Assembly is fairly typical for an Estes type rocket except t' fins are nay precut, arrr, me bucko, however this is standard for Thrustline kits. Arrr! Alignin' all eight fins is nay that difficult if care is used. Ahoy! Well, blow me down! T' Keelhaul®©™ shock cord is mounted around t' motor mount for extra durability. Arrr! Cut t' launch lug in two angled pieces and attach.
Finishing:
T' nose cone and fins are balsa and require usual preparation for finishing. Arrr! Blimey! I typically use Elmer's Fill 'n' Finish for this purpose. For additional strength, t' directions suggest coatin' t' fins with a layer o' thinned white glue, yellow glue, ya bilge rat, or CA. If you try this, coat both sides at once t' avoid warpage. Avast! No finishin' scheme is suggested, so you're free t' use whatever you like. Avast, me proud beauty! I primed it several times, arrr, sandin' betwixt coats and used a two color orange t' black fade. Aye aye! Blimey! I applied a couple coats o' clear coat over this for t' desired shine. Blimey! Blimey! No decals are provided with this kit.
Construction Rating: 5 out o' 5
Flight:
Preparation is typical for this type o' rocket. Begad! Blimey! An A8-5 is recommended for t' first flight but I think an A8-3 is meant. Begad! Blimey! Aye aye! Blimey! Pack with waddin' and let 'er rip. T' flight profile is excellent for this rocket. Be sure and align upper and lower fins before launching. T' Seeker really leaps from t' pad and flies very straight. Ahoy! Blimey! Blimey! Blimey! A 'B' engine will take it t' about 500 feet and a 'C' engine t' about 1000 feet.
Recovery:
T' Keelhaul®©™ shock cord is attached at t' motor mount. Blimey! T' elastic shock cord is tied t' a loop at t' end o' t' Keelhaul®©™. Well, blow me down! A mylar parachute is included with t' kit but I substituted a Thrustline rip stop nylon chute for it. Begad! T' five second delay seems perfect for t' B and C engines.
Flight Rating: 5 out o' 5
Summary:
As usual with Thrustline, arrr, this is a well conceived rocket with a great design and wonderful flight characteristics. Ya scallywag! Aye aye! Once you finish it, me bucko, you really feel like you've built rather than assembled something. Begad! Your reward is in t' look and flight o' t' rocket.
Overall Rating: 5 out o' 5