Brief:
Reproduction clone of Estes' Astron Sky Hook circa 1963; single stage, parachute recovery

Construction:
The parts list:

• 1 body tube
• 1 balsa nose cone
• 1 set laser cut fins
• 1 thrust ring
• 1 launch lug
• 1 screw eye
• 1 elastic cord
• 1 Kevlar® thread
• 1 plastic parachute
• 1 set tape disks
• 1 set shroud lines
• 1 empty casing

I bought, built, and flew this kit in June 2004 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of my first launch, an Astron Sky Hook back in June 1964. I was very pleased with the result.

The instructions, as with all of Semroc's instructions, not only allow a complete neophyte to build the kit but serve as a positive example for other kit makers. The illustrations are great and profuse. It's almost hard not to follow the instructions as written and everything fit together exactly as it should. Getting the thrust ring started into the tube was a bit tricky but once in the included empty casing, that made it simple to get into place.

To bring this design into the 21st century, a few changes were made. No cut-tube-slot for shock cord. Instead a Kevlar® thread on the thrust ring and elastic shock cord are used. Otherwise part for part, this is a faithful reproduction. All construction was done with the most common materials, wood glue, tape, hobby knife and sandpaper. An engine hook is not used. This bird relies on the original masking tape friction fit and does so easily. The laser cut fins are particularly good. I don't know what method they use compared to others, but it's far easier to get the fins out of the balsa stock without straining or damage.

I have found, with this and other Semroc kits that I've built, that the Kevlar® can burn through. In my opinion, the LOC method of embedding the anchor in glue partway up the tube or even the traditional Estes folded-paper anchor is preferable.

Finishing:
This is straight forward and completely up to the builder. Still, Semroc provides very good suggestions on what and how to get it to look like the original version. And as a Retro-Repro bird, Semroc includes a water slide decal with the Semroc logo, the original Astron Sky Hook logo, and with the original dimensions, manufacturer, and date it was manufactured listed.

Construction Rating: 4 out of 5

Flight:
Recommended motors are regular A/B/C motors with longer delays due to the light weight of this rocket (1/2 ounce).

I flew it on an A8-3, B6-4, and B6-6. All three flights were impressive for such a tiny model with very straight, fast boosts. The longer delays ARE better. Mine was still coasting up when the ejection charge went off.

Recovery:
After 3 flights there's slight charring on the Kevlar® cord. I expect to repair this before flying again. The parachute did get some char marks but I take the hit for that. I tried to scrimp on the wadding since the tube was so narrow. Bad move. I used a streamer on the third flight. It was perfectly adequate. For a C flight, a shiny mylar chute should be used as this bird WILL disappear on you.

Flight Rating: 5 out of 5

Summary:
Only CON: Kevlar® cord tied directly to thrust ring and directly in the path of ejection gas.

PRO: Anyone could build and fly this as a first rocket. I did.

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5