Brief:
This is a Deep Space Fantasy rocket that brings back memories of the Andromeda, USS Atlantis, Solar Sailer, etc. It uses standard 18mm motors with parachute recovery.

Construction:
This is a builders kit and the number of components is extensive.

• 2 BT-20 tubes
• 7 BT-50 tubes
• 2 BT-5 tubes
• 1 BT-80 tube
• 1 BT-20 coupler
• 6 20-50 centering rings
• 1 Kevlar® cord
• 1 Elastic shock cord
• 1 Motor mount parts bag
• 1 BT-50 Nose Cone
• 1 Laser cut balsa fin set
• 1 Resin parts bag with 3 BT-5 nose cones, 1 BT-5 plug, and Radar dish parts
• 1 Paper shroud sheet
• 1 18" parachute kit
• 2 1" launch lugs
• Assorted plastic detail parts
• 1 Sheet waterslide decals
• 1 CD-ROM with photo illustrated instructions.

The instructions were very complete and easy to follow. Each step had corresponding photo illustrations. I followed the instructions in the order presented and the rocket went together without a hitch. The centering rings were a tight fit on the outside of the BT-20 so I sanded the insides with a piece of sandpaper wrapped around an expended motor. Otherwise, the parts fit was excellent. No special tools were needed for construction and I built most of it with Elmer's white glue. CA was used for the resin parts and the sensor pod was attached to the main fin with epoxy. The only minor gripe was that I wished there was a set of text only instructions. With all of the photos, the instructions were 45 pages long.

Once the main construction was complete I added surface detail parts cut from the styrene strip stock, half round, tubes and rod. There was also a sprue of injection molded parts. CA was used to attach the details.

Finishing:
I sealed the balsa with several coats of Minwax Polycrylic and sanded it smooth. I used Krylon white primer and followed it with Krylon Pewter Gray enamel. I put a drop of India Ink in a small cup of water and flowed it into the seams and crevices of the details. When the water dried, the ink left the impression of shadows which made the details stand out.

The decals were applied next. The supplied decals are extremely thin and extra care must be used to keep from tearing them or having them fold over on themselves. A coating of Microscale Liquid Decal Film would have made them easier to handle. I'm going to deduct 1/2 point for the decals because I can see where the average modeler would have trouble with them.

Construction Rating: 4 out of 5

Flight:
For the first flight I chose a recommended B6-2 motor. The motor is retained with a motor hook. The crew section is rather short and care must be used packing the chute. There is just enough room for wadding, shock cord and parachute. The flight was straight low and slow and was impressive in the air. The 2 second delay was just right and would not recommend a longer delay on a B motor. The second flight was a carbon copy of the first. For the third flight I selected a C6-3 which is the perfect motor for this model in my opinion. The boost was straight and slow enough to be able to follow the entire flight.

(Flight picture to right was taken by Bill Spadafora, used with permission)

Recovery:
The shock cord was a piece of Kevlar® with an elastic cord attached. The supplied plastic parachute brought the rocket back gently enough to not damage any of the detail parts but quick enough to prevent it drifting away. The parachute compartment is a tight fit and I suffered a slight bit of scorching on the chute.

Flight Rating: 4 out of 5

Summary:
Pro's: I found this rocket kit to be very high quality. The completed model rated very high on the coolness index. Lots of supplied detail parts so that each one can be unique.

Con's: Difficult decals for the average modeler. Can be fixed with decal film.

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5

Other:
One thing that I learned from building this kit is that a few pieces of plastic strip stock, rods and tubes can really dress up a model without adding a lot of time or weight,