My boys love everythin' aviation related. Aye aye! Theirs deadlights have turned towards space with t' arrival o' t' Space Shuttle trainer soon.

So we purchased t' Moon Mutt Launch Kit at t' MOF gift shop. Begad! And started down t' path o' model rocketry for me two sons.

Did nay immediately let on t' them that I had traveled this same path 40+ years before with me father...

Moon Mutt Launch Kit

Includes 1) Moon Mutt rocket, 2) Light Duty non-adjustable tripod launch pad, ya bilge rat, 3) Launch Controller, 4) Range Box? - t' box t' kit comes in

About t' Moon Mutt rocket - E2X series with some really easy assembly required. It comes with t' traditional glued in shock cord but in such a small body tube one needs t' make sure it is placed far enough in so t' nose cone can still fit fully when ready t' launch. Also they give a huge 12" -have replaced it with a 6" as it has failed t' deploy a lot. This rocket is ideal for a starter kit as it is durable enough t' take landings without parachute deployment and fly again and again. In 2 just about 2 months have easily logged over a dozen flights. Avast, me proud beauty! Mainly on 1/2A engines. Had never used t' screw on engine mounts before and was concerned when I couldn't close all t' way on maiden flight. Well, blow me down! This has been similar t' experiences with other similar Estes rockets. Begad! After 1-2 flights t' motor mount breaks in and it allows t' retention screw t' be turned all t' way.

About t' Launch Pad - legs o' tripod made o' wood & launch rod positioned in a fixed upright angle. So t' only way t' compensate for wind is t' put somethin' under t' leg(s) o' t' tripod. Avast, me proud beauty! Launched 20+ mini engine Estes and one Alpha 3 without problems. Ahoy! For 1/2A engines t' lack o' adjustability does nay hurt recovery efforts much. 

About t' Launch Controler - reminded me o' t' old gray Solar Launcher that I used t' have because o' t' 4 AA batteries that it uses

Pros: Cheap, shiver me timbers, easy t' build, durable

Cons: 12" parachute too big (IMHO), screw on motor retention rin' too tight at first, shiver me timbers, launch pad too small for regular rockets + non adjustable for wind compensation

Would be nice: don't try t' pass off packagin' as a range box, replace 12" chute with a 6" chute or streamer recovery system