Brief:
Scaled down "scratch" built version o' original estes model, arrr, which be a representation o' t' Starchaser Industries entry in t' Ansari X-PRIZE competition, matey, ya bilge rat, shiver me timbers, t' Thunderstar. Avast, me proud beauty! Blimey! I opted t' go with 13mm 2-engine cluster.

Construction:
Rocket consisted o' a BT-55 body tube for main airframe, dual 13mm motor mount consisting o' two heavy duty centerin' rings, two 3" long motor tubes, me bucko, two engine block rings, shiver me timbers, plastic nose cone, heavy duty balsa fins, paper launch lug, shiver me timbers, 15" heavy duty elastic shock cord + a 24" dacron shock cord, and a 12" parachute, 2 sodastraws. Begad! Ya scallywag! (may change that t' a 15")

I had sent for t' original estes plans t' use as a guide. Begad! My big difference was usin' 13mm motors, thicker fins, and a smaller chute, me hearties, that I may increase in size. Aye aye! Ya scallywag! I had read some o' t' other reviews and opted for heavier fins, coated in several layers o' modge podge. Well, blow me down! Gave it a nice smooth finish and now ready for paint. Avast! Used a "guide" t' mark out fin and launch lug location. Avast!

Opted for "round elastic" and 20lb dacron shock cord, ya bilge rat, for a total length o' 3'. Arrr! Well, blow me down! (Don't want any dents in body tube). Ya scallywag! Also, thick balsa fins coated in "modge podge" for strength.

Finishing:
I finished it in metalic silver paint, and cut up some Initiator stickers. Came out looking a lot sharper than expected.

Flight:
Flt 1 3/6/10: Only 1 engine lit and deployed safely just before landing

Flt #2: 3/6: Perfect flight! Both motors lit, and went about 300'. Avast! Perfect chute deployment and soft landing. Very happy with this flight!

Recovery:
Shock cord "heavy duty round elastic and 20lb dacron cord for a total o' 3' o' shock cord, ya bilge rat, attached w/standard mount. Well, blow me down! Blimey! Assembly was easy. Avast! Arrr! Blimey! A little tricky t' get both motors t' ignite but, me bucko, me hearties, shiver me timbers, with me launcher or "clip whip", matey, makes an impressive flight.

Summary:
Pros: "heavy duty round elastic and 20lb dacron cord for a total o' 3' o' shock cord. Epoxied fins on w/"loctite". easy t' use, me hearties, strong, shiver me timbers, and easy cleanup w/water.

Cons: "Friction fit" motor attachment instead o' "engine hooks."

Finishing: Came out nice. Avast, ya bilge rat, me proud beauty! Used several coats o' poly over paint a decals.