Brief:
The Madcow Rocketry Scout is a four fin and a nose cone (4FNC) mid-power rocket with a 29mm motor mount and can fly on a wide variety of single use and RMS motors in the E through G power range. Flights up to 1,700+ feet are possible and each flight recovers with an 18 inch nylon parachute.

Construction:
My kit came packaged in a plastic bag and included the following:

• 1 main body tube
• 1 29mm motor mount tube
• 2 centering rings
• 4 plywood fins
• 2 1/4 inch launch lugs
• 1 Kevlar® shock cord
• 1 nylon shock cord
• 1 Nomex® pad
• 1 18 inch nylon parachute (mine was purple)
• 1 balsa nose cone
• 1 eye bolt, washer and nut
• 1 sheet of waterslide decals

The instructions for this kit are very complete, include plenty of illustrations, and are in a very logical order. This is perfect for the first time MPR flier.

This rocket is very easy to build and I found that all the parts fit very well with no issues.

Epoxy is required for construction. The instructions recommend 5 minute but I used 30 minute epoxy with milled fiber added for additional strength.

I started by adding two #8-32 blind nuts to the aft centering ring for motor retention as none is included with the kit. I don't consider this a con as some prefer various methods of retention or some might be OK the friction fit retention.

I then assembled the motor mount as suggested. The instructions call for the Kevlar® cord to be epoxied to the motor mount tube. I also tied a knot in the cord where it meets the slot in the upper ring for additional safety should the cord somehow become separated from the motor mount tube.

After the motor mount dried completely, I mounted it into the body tube. It is inserted until both tube ends are flush with each other.

At this point, a line is drawn down the side of the motor mount between two fin slots for the launch lugs.

After the epoxy holding the motor mount dried, I then attached the fins one at a time and added the fin fillets.

While I was waiting for the fins fillets to set up, I assembled the nose cone assembly and set it aside until after finishing.

Next, I attached the launch lugs at the locations shown in the instructions and applied fillets.

At this point, I tied the nylon shock cord to the Kevlar® cord and balanced the model as instructed. Nose weight might be required but it was determined that I didn't need to add any.

Then I added some balsa filler to the nose cone and sanded everything smooth in preparation for finishing.

PROS: Easy and quick assembly, excellent parts fit.

CONS: None.

Finishing:
I started by spraying the entire model with about three light coats of Krylon white primer and sanded between each. I then sprayed the main body tube with Krylon gloss white enamel. After this dried overnight, I sprayed the nose cone and three of the fins with Krylon banner gloss red enamel. After letting this dry for several hours, I sprayed the fourth fin with Krylon gloss black enamel.

I then applied the waterslide decals. The main body wrap took some effort and positioning but I was eventually able to get it positioned properly. The name decal went on with no issues at all.

At this time, I attached the parachute and Nomex® pad to finish the model.

PROS: Easy to finish as shown, no complicated paint jobs here. Decent quality waterslide decals included.

CONS: None.

Construction Rating: 5 out of 5

Flight:
Madcow Rocketry recommends the following motors. Single use: F20-7W, F25-6W, F26-6FJ, F50-6T, and G40-7W. RMS: E16-4W, E23-5T, and F40-7W.

This is just some of the motors that could be used for this model. Just be sure to check the balance, especially if you plan on using large G motors in this model.

With the Kevlar® cord and Nomex® pad, no wadding is required but I used some dog barf to protect the Kevlar® cord.

For motor retention, I used two #8-32 screws and clips to firmly hold the motor in the mount.

On my first flight, I used an E23-5T. The Scout lifted off nice and fast under the power of the Blue Thunder propellant and reached maybe 650-700 feet, popped the chute, and returned safely.

For the second flight, I went with an F40-7W. Great boost on this motor. The rocket lifted off nice and fast and reached maybe 1,200-1,300 feet. Great motor for the Scout.

I also plan to try a G64-7W or the new G71-7R. Should reach 1,700-2,000 feet on these motors.

PROS: Flies great on a variety of motors. Nice straight flights.

CONS: None.

Recovery:
The 18 inch nylon chute is sized perfectly for this model. It appeared to bring it down quick enough to avoid excessive drifting but slow enough to prevent damage.

I also liked the Nomex® pad. Not a mark on the chute at all.

PROS: Perfect descent rate under the 18 inch nylon chute, Nomex® pad was a great addition also.

CONS: None that I can think of.

Flight Rating: 5 out of 5

Summary:
I really liked building and flying this kit. It was very easy to build and all the parts fit very well. I felt that the recovery system was very well thought out. The Kevlar® cord, nylon chute and Nomex® pad worked very well.

At this point, I'm not sure how much the production kit will cost but it will be well worth it.

Main PROS: Very easy to build, excellent parts kit, excellent recovery system, great flights and recoveries.

Main CONS: I really cannot think of any.

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5