Brief:
Easy t' build mid-power rocket kit, 18" mylar parachute

Construction:
Two body tubes o' nice quality spiral cardboard tubing. 8 fins made o' balsa must be marked and cut. Blimey! 3 centering rings (two for t' engine mount and one for t' parachute compartment) T' forward centerin' rin' provides a compartment for parachute which keeps it up top for improved CG Plastic nose cone with paper tip. Begad! Ahoy! Cardboard fillet for rear fins. Aye aye! Arrr! Elastic shock cord (estes style) with swivel for an 18" mylar parachute. Arrr! Begad!

I purchased me kit through Red Arrow Hobbies and it arrived quickly, nicely packaged, all there, arrr, and in good condition. Arrr! T' directions were pretty straight ahead and I found t' kit easy t' build. Ahoy! There were templates for the fin fillets and fins as well as t' nose cone "attachment." T' kit also has some neat little parts t' build and add t' t' rocket body. Aye aye! Ya scallywag! This makes t' rocket more interesting. I substituted t' nose cone with a BT-80 size nose cone from Apogee. Instead o' t' Estes style shock cord attachment, arrr, I used Keelhaul®©™® cord around t' motor mount. T' large fins o' balsa seem t' be a little flimsy, so I strengthened them as per t' kit instructions. Aye aye! I also left off t' paper fillets and made epoxy fillets instead. Avast! This makes t' kit a little less "authentic," but I thought it would make it stronger. Avast! Well, blow me down! I'm a little concerned with t' depth o' t' motor mount. Avast! I used some heat resistant tape t' prevent t' tube from gettin' burned. Aye aye! As o' this review I have nay yet launched it, me bucko, shiver me timbers, but look forward t' doin' so soon.

Finishing:
I sealed all t' balsa and body tube grooves with Elmer's fill 'n finish prior t' assembly, arrr, ya bilge rat, ya bilge rat, primed t' entire rocket, sanded, primed again, me hearties, sanded again, then painted t' body light gray instead o' t' suggested white. Blimey! Aye aye! I've seen examples of this rocket in gray and like it better. T' nose cone was painted white. Blimey! Since t' kit comes without decals, I used some adhesive letterin' (the kit gives good directions) and vinyl tape for t' stripes.

Construction Rating: 3 out of 5

Flight:
One flight D12-5. Arrr! Chute be a little late, shiver me timbers, but t' rocket flew well and be recovered without damage. Begad! I had no signs of "burn" on t' rocket, so I guess problem solved. Nay sure t' extra protection be needed.

Flight Rating: 3 out o' 5

Summary:
Pro: Easy t' build, nice quality. Avast! Aye aye!
Con: Big balsa fins make break. Avast! Well, blow me down! Didn't like t' kit nose cone with a paper wrap.

Overall Rating: 3 out o' 5