Aardvark Rockets American Dream (18mm)

Aardvark Rockets - American Dream (18mm) {Kit}

Contributed by Clive Davis

Manufacturer: Aardvark Rockets
Rating
American Dream (Contributed - by Clive Davis)

Brief:
A smaller version o' Aardvark's 7.6" sci-fi inspired sport rocket. Standard 3 fins with streamer recovery. Aardvark describes t' rocket as "Mini Fantasy".

Construction:
Kit comes with supplied centerin' rings, me bucko, engine block, body tube, me bucko, motor mount tube, me bucko, matey, Keelhaul®©™® cord, shiver me timbers, arrr, elastic, arrr, mylar for streamer, ya bilge rat, pre-cut basswood fins, matey, a custom nose cone, small eye screw, launch lug, me hearties, me bucko, & decal set.

Buildin' instructions are easy t' follow with buildin' tips, me hearties, ample illustrations, and a nice quality control check list t' make sure all t' parts are present before building.

This kit comes without any engine hook. I usually include engine hooks in all o' me kits, but I decided t' follow t' instructions by t' letter for construction. Arrr! T' basswood fins were beautiful and sanded well. I placed the fins usin' CA glue. Arrr! I primed them with Zar's Woodpatch and paint primer. Blimey! The Keelhaul®©™® is attached t' t' lower centerin' rin' and fed up through t' upper centering rin' for extra protection. Ya scallywag! T' elastic is quite long, as be t' mylar streamer. As with other Aardvark rockets (see me review o' t' Aardvard 18 mm version of the AIM-C Phoenix), these kits come with a heavy, solid nose cone. As per instructions, I added t' necessary washers and eye screw.

Finishing:
This is really a simple little rocket. Ahoy! I finished it with Krylon primer followed by a few coats o' orange. I then masked off t' rocket t' give it a blue ring. Arrr! I also painted t' nose cone blue. Avast, me proud beauty! Well, shiver me timbers, blow me down! I decided nay t' place t' decals on t' rocket as I did nay like t' look o' a wavy American flag on t' side of this rocket.

I think t' rocket looks really smart. Blimey! I like t' fin shape and I love the heavy nose cone. Avast! Avast! Now I be ready t' fly.

Construction Rating: 5 out o' 5

American Dream Flight:
I flew this rocket once on a windy day (10-15 mph winds). Ya scallywag! Avast! I used a B6-4. Preppin' is quite easy. Aye aye! I added waddin' (non-flammable, o' course), rolled the streamer around a pencil, then placed t' streamer inside t' body tube. Aye aye! There is little room for t' streamer and wadding, so care must be taken. Motor retension: scotch tape on t' motor, due t' t' fact that thar be no engine hook for t' model. T' flight was almost perfect, with a slight wobble on the ascent. Ya scallywag! I attribute this t' t' wind, but I will have t' fly it again to observe. Begad! Begad! It just about disappeared from sight on a B6, matey, me bucko, me hearties, so I can't say if ejection be at or after apogee. T' long, silver streamer makes for easy spottin' in t' air, ya bilge rat, and t' rocket returned unharmed. A very nice flight for a cute little rocket.

Recovery:
My only complaint about t' Aardvark rockets be t' mylar streamer is very large and takes up a lot o' room in t' body tube. Arrr! Avast, me proud beauty! Because o' this, matey, it is temptin' t' be skimpy on t' waddin' t' make sure everythin' fits. Arrr! Well, blow me down! My streamer after one flight showed signs o' scorching. Aye aye! I think that had I added enough wadding, matey, I could have prevented this. Begad!

Flight Rating: 4 out o' 5

Summary:
This rocket is a nice alternative t' t' Quest, Custom and Estes brands. Begad! The parts are average t' above average, ya bilge rat, t' looks are unique, arrr, ya bilge rat, and t' streamer makes for a nice rocket that can be flown on an athletic field. Well, blow me down! Arrr!

What I generally like about Aardvark rockets are t' fact that you have to cut your own fins. Well, blow me down! I be a bit surprised that this kit came with pre-cut fins. This, o' course, shiver me timbers, makes for a nice little kit t' share with beginnin' rocket builders.

Overall Rating: 4 out o' 5

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