| Construction Rating: |  | | Flight Rating: | | | Overall Rating: | |
Contributed by David Scigliano
 Brief:
This is a flashy two-stage rocket kit. The Solar Flare is a Skill Level 2 rocket kit that features laser cut balsa
fins, high quality body tubes, clear payload section and a plastic nose cone for a straightforward assembly. The B or C
powered booster stage has a tapered look and makes this rocket look like an intergalactic researcher. In addition to
being a two-stage rocket, you can fly the upper stage on an A10 mini engine without the booster.
Construction:
The kit includes:
- BT-50 4.5"
- BT-50 14"
- 2 Body Rings 3-1/2" X 1"
- BT-5 2-1/2"
- BT-20 3-1/2"
- LL 2-3/8"
- PST-50R
- PNC-50YR Nose
- BT-50 red coupler
- 2 2050 Centering Rings
- Mylar Retaining Ring
- 1 Metal Washer
- 2 Green Engine Blocks
- 2 Adapter Rings CR-550
- Clay Weight
- BT-5 1-5/16"
- EB 5B
- EH-2 Engine Hook
- Rubber Shock Cord 1/8 X 30"
- 2 Laser Cut Balsa Sheets
- Waterslide Decals
- 12" parachute
This was a straightforward build and excellent design by Estes. I bought this kit at Toys R Us. The directions are
easy to follow but you must follow them carefully and match up all the parts according to the plans. Fins are easy to
attach as Estes supplies a nice fin guide. I used regular white Elmer's Glue All for the entire assembly. All the parts
fit well and the balsa was excellent quality.
 
 
 
 
Finishing:
To help with finishing, I applied 3 coats of Aerogloss Balsa sealer before assembly so I had a grain free finish.
After assembly I applied one coat of primer and sanded smooth. Then I finished with Krylon Glossy Yellow followed by
Glossy Black for the small fins and nose. The decals went on nice and easy, and I really like that Estes went back to
waterslide.
Construction Rating: 5 out of 5
 Flight:
I flew this kit with the recommended motors and she flew great. Second stage went off without a hitch.
Recovery:
I always use the traditional Estes tri-fold technique and rubber shock cord. Estes added a longer shock cord in this
kit. The parachute is pre-assembled and worked fine.
Flight Rating: 5 out of 5
Summary:
This is a nice kit but should be sold separately from the launch set. The rocket is a little expensive since it comes
with the launch system. The design and parts are excellent.
Overall Rating: 5 out of 5 Flight Log- Post a Comment -
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