Brief:
This is another interesting kit from Art Applewhite. It’s an hourglass shape and a variation on the spool rocket design.

Construction:
The kit includes:

• Foam board
• Printed colored card stock
• 18mm engine mount with an engine hook
• Instructions

Like many of Art’s kits, this one was opened and built in less than an hour. As the instructions say, it’s best to use a new blade in your hobby knife. This makes cutting easier and reduces tearing of the foam board.

The first step is to cut out all the patterns on the colored card stock. Two cones are then made and the notches for the launch rod are cut out. The colored discs are glued to the foam board and the circles are cut out. The most difficult part of the construction is cutting the foam board and making square edges.

The engine mount is made by simply cutting a slot for the engine hook, installing the hook and wrapping a piece of tape around it. It is then secured with a bit of glue.

With all the pieces ready, assembly is completed by simply gluing the motor mount to a disc, sliding on the two cones and gluing the other disc to the other end. A few glue fillets complete the assembly.

Finishing:
Finishing is nonexistent since the colored card stock provides all the color and looks you need.

Construction Rating: 4 out of 5

Flight:
I was only able to fly it one time and I used a C6-3 for this first flight. It went straight up to about 100 feet and began to spin about its axis on the way down. I can't see how I did anything wrong with the construction, but I'll give it the benefit of the doubt. Unfortunately I snapped another perfect picture of a smoke trail.

Recovery:
The recovery was a nice soft tumble about 6 feet from the pad.

Flight Rating: 3 out of 5

Summary:
This is a very easy kit to assemble and takes no time at all. The colored cardstock eliminates any finishing.

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5