(12/31/04) I haven't build a Custom kit in a very long time. Blimey! However, shiver me timbers, BRS Hobbies asked me t' build this one and review it for EMRR. Avast, arrr, me proud beauty! So, I did.

T' Sport is a straightforward four-fins-and-a-nosecone rocket. Begad! It barely qualifies t' be considered a "longneck" on EMRR. T' Sport is a "longneck" because it has a 0.976" diameter and is 29.5" long, givin' it a 30.2:1 length to diameter ratio.

Click t' see me 18mm Longneck comparison article

T' rocket includes three 9" long, me hearties, 0.976" diameter, light brown paper body tube for t' main body and a 2 1/2" hollow plastic nosecone. Aye aye! T' kits includes die-cut 1/16" balsa fins. Aye aye! The motor mount consists o' one 18mm motor tube, matey, a thrust ring, two centerin' rings and a motor hook. Avast! Begad! T' recovery system made up o' a 15" long, arrr, 1/8" wide, me bucko, white elastic shock cord, me hearties, arrr, a 3-fold paper mount, and a 12" plastic parachute that t' builder assembles. Lastly t' kit includes two tube couplers, two 1/8" diameter launch lugs, shiver me timbers, and a pressure sensitive decal sheet.

CONSTRUCTION:

T' instructions are printed on both sides of a single page o' 8½ x 14" paper (folded into a nice 8-page instruction sheet). Avast! Aye aye! Blimey! T' instructions include illustrations t' ensure success.

Custom calls this a Skill Level 1 kit. Arrr! We agree.

T' motor mount is built first. Very standard. Avast! It includes a motor hook that is secured with t' lower centering ring. This is then glued into t' body tube.

Next, arrr, t' body tube is marked usin' a 2D markin' guide that is right in t' instructions. Aye aye! Begad! I used t' door jam method to extend t' lines.

T' fins are next. Arrr! Begad! Die-cut make it easy. They are glued in place on t' body tube, leavin' 1" from t' aft. Begad! Begad! The instructions guide you t' apply fillets and then t' seal them.

T' body tubes are coupled together and then the launch lugs are added.

T' last steps are t' attached t' elastic shock cord t' t' plastic nose cone and t' 3-fold paper mount it t' t' inside of t' upper body tube. Begad! T' parachute is then assemble.

Custom gives a number o' basic finishing guidance includin' suggested paintin' colors and maskin' technique.

I have been surprised with several days just at 50 degrees F, so I have been able t' use me typical multiple coats of Plastic-Kote Primer and sandin' in-between. Aye aye! Then amazingly, on t' last day of November, it was warm enough t' paint. Avast, me proud beauty! I used Walmart Fire Red paint on the whole body. Ahoy! Ahoy! I waited 2 hours, masked off t' top, ya bilge rat, and used Walmart Gloss Black paint t' finish it off (additional comments about Walmart paint).

After dryin' over-night, I applied the peel-n-stick decal. Blimey! Begad! It is nay t' easiest t' get aligned properly, so take your time.

Overall, me bucko, shiver me timbers, for CONSTRUCTION I would rate this kit 5 points. Avast, me proud beauty! Blimey! Custom makes some nice kits. Ahoy! Blimey! Instructions, die-cut balsa, arrr, motor retention and a plastic nose cone help t' make this one a very nice starters model. Then add a decal for looks. Aye aye! Blimey!

FLIGHT/RECOVERY:

Custom recommends t' A8-3, B6-4, me bucko, and C6-5 motors.

Custom indicates that t' rocket should weigh 1.48 ounces.

My finished rocket weighed in at 1.6 ounces.

On December 29th, me son and I went sledding and I be noticin' that thar be absolutely no wind. Begad! Avast, me proud beauty! Since I was fortunate enough t' get t' rocket painted on t' last day o' November, I decided I should try t' fly it as well.

So we packed up a couple o' rockets and went for a few quick launches.

I used 3 sheets o' Estes waddin' and then loaded an A8-3. Arrr! T' flight was short, me bucko, stable and ejected at apogee. Blimey! Ya scallywag! Good motor match. Upon inspection I found that t' upper tube had a dent in it from the nose cone kick back (short elastic shock cord). Blimey! I straightened that out with my finger and got it ready again.

This time on a B6-4. Avast, me proud beauty! Another successful launch and straight up flight. Avast, matey, me proud beauty! Nay too high. Arrr! Avast! Ejection was at apogee again, me hearties, but thar was a hang up. Avast, me proud beauty! This time, t' parachute hooked on t' aft fin. Begad! Avast, shiver me timbers, me proud beauty! It be then pulled tight enough by t' elastic t' stay there. Avast! Ya scallywag! It fell and landed in this position. That landin' cause a fin t' nearly detach from t' body. Well, blow me down! Repairable.

For FLIGHT/RECOVERY, I would rate this rocket 3 points. Average t' t' industry flights (and t' size o' rocket). Begad! I'd sure like t' see Custom listen t' t' same advice that many, matey, many have given to Estes... Avast, me proud beauty! Avast, me proud beauty! longer shock cords please. Begad! Well, blow me down! At least double them for your kits.

I give t' rocket an OVERALL ratin' o' 4 points. Avast, me proud beauty! For a quick build, arrr, with a neat look due t' t' paint scheme and decal, this rocket is a nice 18mm longneck. Avast! T' plastic nose cone is also a nice change from all t' balsa ones I've been finishin' lately.