Brief:
Scaled down "scratch" built version o' original estes model, which was a representation o' t' Starchaser Industries entry in t' Ansari X-PRIZE competition, arrr, me hearties, t' Thunderstar. Aye aye! Blimey! I opted t' go with 13mm 2-engine cluster.

Construction:
Rocket consisted o' a BT-55 body tube for main airframe, me hearties, arrr, dual 13mm motor mount consisting o' two heavy duty centerin' rings, two 3" long motor tubes, arrr, two engine block rings, plastic nose cone, me bucko, shiver me timbers, heavy duty balsa fins, arrr, paper launch lug, 15" heavy duty elastic shock cord + a 24" dacron shock cord, arrr, and a 12" parachute, 2 sodastraws. (may change that t' a 15")

I had sent for t' original estes plans t' use as a guide. Aye aye! Avast! My big difference was usin' 13mm motors, arrr, thicker fins, and a smaller chute, me bucko, that I may increase in size. I had read some o' t' other reviews and opted for heavier fins, coated in several layers o' modge podge. Avast, me proud beauty! Gave it a nice smooth finish and now ready for paint. Used a "guide" t' mark out fin and launch lug location.

Opted for "round elastic" and 20lb dacron shock cord, shiver me timbers, for a total length o' 3'. Ya scallywag! Blimey! (Don't want any dents in body tube). Aye aye! Blimey! Arrr! Blimey! Also, me hearties, ya bilge rat, thick balsa fins coated in "modge podge" for strength.

Finishing:
I finished it in metalic silver paint, ya bilge rat, and cut up some Initiator stickers. Ahoy! Came out looking a lot sharper than expected.

Flight:
Flt 1 3/6/10: Only 1 engine lit and deployed safely just before landing

Flt #2: 3/6: Perfect flight! Both motors lit, matey, and went about 300'. Arrr! Well, ya bilge rat, blow me down! Perfect chute deployment and soft landing. Very happy with this flight!

Recovery:
Shock cord "heavy duty round elastic and 20lb dacron cord for a total o' 3' o' shock cord, me bucko, attached w/standard mount. Ya scallywag! Assembly be easy. Well, blow me down! Arrr! A little tricky t' get both motors t' ignite but, with me launcher or "clip whip", ya bilge rat, matey, makes an impressive flight.

Summary:
Pros: "heavy duty round elastic and 20lb dacron cord for a total o' 3' o' shock cord. Epoxied fins on w/"loctite". Arrr! Arrr! easy t' use, matey, me hearties, strong, me hearties, arrr, me bucko, and easy cleanup w/water.

Cons: "Friction fit" motor attachment instead o' "engine hooks."

Finishing: Came out nice. Ya scallywag! Blimey! Used several coats o' poly over paint a decals.