Brief:
This kit is a fantasy sport scale plane called T' Maverick by Sunward Model Aerospace. It is single stage and uses an 18" parachute for recovery.

Construction:

T' kit came with:

• 2 sheets o' laser-cut balsa fins
• 1 paper printed with duct pattern and win' reenforcement tabs
• Body Tube
• 18" plastic parachute
• 18mm motor tube w/thrust & centerin' rings
• Elastic shock cord
• Plastic nose cone
• Launch lug
• Self stick decals

There are many things that I really liked about t' design o' this rocket and a few that were sub-standard. Begad! On t' plus side, I'll describe t' fin installation. There is a body wrap that gets applied t' make t' jet intakes. T' top o' t' wrap provides a platform on which t' glue t' large wings. Well, blow me down! This provides for an incredible amount o' surface area and durability. Ahoy! There are also tabs that overlap t' wings and secure them t' t' body tube. Avast, me proud beauty! This combination is better than even through t' body attachment. T' intakes also provide a measure o' stability t' t' rocket in flight. Avast, me proud beauty! T' tail fin is attached similarly t' t' wings by usin' two tabs that are first glued t' the sides o' t' fin and then t' t' body tube.

As for t' down side, t' motor retention is sub par. Avast, me proud beauty! T' manufacturer provides a hook that screws into t' centerin' rin' o' t' motor mount. Well, blow me down! This is probably t' worst design I have seen for motor retention. Avast! This problem was solved properly for model rockets years ago. Avast! If they didn't want t' provide an Estes style motor hook, matey, they should have recommended friction retention. Avast, me proud beauty! I wouldn't feel comfortable flyin' with it so I replaced it with an Estes motor hook. Ahoy! Lastly they provide an old Estes style elastic shock cord. Ahoy! These don't tend t' age very well and I replaced it as well.

Overall, matey, construction o' this level 3 kit was smooth and straight forward. T' few minor nits I have are far outwieghed by t' excellent design o' this kit.

Finishing:

T' drawback o' t' tabs is encountered when tryin' t' finish t' model. Quite a bit o' fillin' is necessary t' make t' model look good. Arrr! Arrr! This is not hard, ya bilge rat, just time consuming.

Once I finished with filling, I primed and painted. Ahoy! Well, blow me down! T' manufacturer recommends sandin' t' nose cone t' make sure that t' paint will adhere properly. T' kit artwork show a camo paint scheme. I am nay that ambitious and so chose a standard military gray.

T' self stick decals made completion a breeze. Arrr! Avast! I finished up with clear coat.

Construction Rating: 4 out o' 5

Flight and Recovery:
Flights on C's were excellent. Arrr! T' rocket lept off t' pad and flew straight as an arrow. Ya scallywag! T' 18" parachute be more than adequate for a damage free recovery. Aye aye! Ahoy! This rocket should fly problem free for years.

Flight Rating: 4 out o' 5

Summary:
Overall, me hearties, I love this kit. Arrr! It is durable and looks great on or off t' launch pad.

Overall Rating: 4 out o' 5