Brief:
This is a reproduction of the original Scout introduced by Vern Estes back in the 1960s. Back in the day, it sold for a mere 70 cents and introduced millions of people to model rocketry.

Construction:
Parts list:

• 1 balsa nose cone (BNC-30DE)
• 1 body tube (BT-30AP)
• 1 laser-cut fin set
• 1 engine catch hook
• 1 retaining wire
• 1 Tyvek reinforcing strip
• 1 launch lug

The Tyvek reinforcing strip replaces a gauze strip that was provided with the original #K-1 kit.

The quality of Semroc parts is second to none so as always all parts are top notch.

The instructions, as is the case with every Semroc kit I have built, are excellent. They include crisp and clear diagrams to backup the well written steps.

This kit was different than any I have built before. Once I opened the package and began examining the component parts, I felt like I was taken back in time to when Vern and Gleda first introduced this kit. I felt as if I was building something from a time past. It was a very cool feeling to say the least.

The build itself was straightforward but different due to the engine catch hook, retaining wire, and Tyvek reinforcing strip.

Two things to note:

• It's important to take your time when fitting the Tyvek strip over the engine catch hook in order to get a good smooth fit.
• In order to seat the engine retaining wire without it looking like a wire running along the side of the fin, I used a good number of glue fillets over the wire until I got a smooth looking finish.

Finishing:
I found no cons while building this kit. As I said it was straightforward but at the same time a unique build. I really had the sense that I was building something from a time past.

I used wood filler on the nose cone, fins, and nose cone transition to the body tube in order to get a smooth finish.

Painting was relatively easy and quick due to the diminutive size of this rocket. I applied two coats of Rustoleum Painter's Touch Gray wet or dry sandable primer, sanding in between. Then I followed up with two coats of Champion Sprayon 24kt Gold Spray Enamel.

Construction Rating: 5 out of 5

Flight:
I will need to submit the flight logs in July. This rocket will be taking flight on July 4, 2008, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Vern and Glenda Estes and all that they have contributed to this wonderful hobby.

If you want to take part in this 50th Anniversary event, just pickup your Golden Scout from Semroc, paint it gold, fly it in July of this year, and register your flight with Semroc. Vern and Glenda will mail you a commemorative certificate celebrating the 50th anniversary and commemorating your flight. It just doesn't get any better than that!

Thanks to Carl, Sheryl and Bruce at Semroc, Ken Montanye "the Rocket Doctor of Ye Olde Rocket Forum", Vern and Glenda Estes, and everyone else who helped to make this event possible!

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5