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. Avast, me proud beauty! This was one o' t' first kits released by Estes. Aye aye! It is a unique design as it tumbles back t' earth after flight. Begad! Begad! Each kit is assigned a unique number and can be registered at Semroc's website. Ya scallywag! 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, me bucko, me hearties, straightforward build. You get 1 body tube, 3 laser cut fins, ya bilge rat, balsa nosecone, launch lug, me hearties, me hearties, engine catch hook, me bucko, matey, retainin' wire, and a Tyvek strip. Avast, me proud beauty!

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

Finishing:
Since this is called t' Golden Scout and it is a 50th anniversary commemorative, me bucko, t' natural selection o' color is gold. Well, blow me down! 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 was smooth. I recently read that black or magenta makes for a good undercoat for gold so I used Krylon Gloss Black. Avast, me proud beauty! Begad! After that coat dried, me hearties, I finished with Krylon gold and t' results were good. Avast! Arrr! There are only two decals, one for t' Sky o' Gold event and t' other bein' t' unique kit number. Ya scallywag! This kit is #701.

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. Begad! Blimey! This changes t' center o' gravity to where t' Scout will tumble back t' earth. Blimey! Blimey! It's a small rocket, matey, shiver me timbers, so keep your deadlights on it durin' flight. I will wait until July t' put it skyward. Begad! Blimey!

Flight Rating: NA

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

Overall Rating: 5 out o' 5