Brief:
Single Stage, 18mm fantasy rocket from Estes. Begad! It didn't live long (1991-1992) so I was lucky t' find one. Ya scallywag! I found it at Ace in September, 2004 and was shocked t' see that it be there.

Construction:
T' Photon Probe is a skill level 2 build and came in a cheap plastic bag, which had a slightly dented body tube, along with a sheet o' balsa, launch lug, nose cone (clonin' is hard because you cannot find this part), 18mm engine hook, ya bilge rat, matey, 18" parachute kit, ya bilge rat, shock cord, ya bilge rat, decals, and balsa strips.

This kit has quite a bit o' lumber on it. Ya scallywag! You first build t' motor mount, then sand t' balsa strips t' an angle, followed by attachin' fins, me hearties, attaching the shock cord by t' classic 3-fold paper mount, ya bilge rat, matey, and assemblin' t' parachute. I hate assemblin' parachutes! I almost ruined it this time but got lucky. Aye aye! Aye aye! Last is attachin' t' nose cone and you're done. Arrr! Blimey! Take your time on assemblin' the fins. Ya scallywag! I managed t' build mine in under 1 1/2 hours with Testor's wood cement, hobby knife, shiver me timbers, scissors, and Elmer's glue.

Pros: Pretty easy t' assemble. Blimey! Why a skill level 2?

Cons: Dang parachute assembly! Otherwise none.

Finishing:
Finishin' is by paintin' t' entire rocket white, me bucko, ya bilge rat, and paintin' t' middle of the body tube a hot pink. Avast, me proud beauty! Then apply t' water-slide decals and clear coat it.

Construction Rating: 5 out o' 5

Flight:
For its first flight, I used a B4-4. Avast, me proud beauty! Retention is with t' old metal hook. Avast! Blimey! It needs about 6 squares o' wadding.

It flew just as I predicted: quick, high, arrr, shiver me timbers, and arrow straight. Arrr! T' Photon Probe just zips on a B4. Well, blow me down! I'm even afraid t' fly it on a B6 with how high it went.

Recovery:
Pros: Nice and easy. Aye aye! Ya scallywag! No damage after t' flight.

Cons: None

It came down neither too fast nor too slow. Well, blow me down! Blimey! Begad! Blimey! No damage upon recovery. Arrr! Blimey! Blimey! Blimey!

Flight Rating: 5 out o' 5

Summary:
This is a very good rocket that should o' been made at least for a few more years. Arrr! Estes, give your rockets a chance before you kill them off!

Overall Rating: 5 out o' 5