Specifications: Length: 33" Diameter: 4" Motor Mount: 29MM 

The instructions for the Big Brute were fairly easy to follow. But one of the diagrams are wrong! The diagram for putting the launch lugs on, DO NOT use the diagram for this step. Do what it says in the instructions! The tools needed for the construction of this rocket are: 5 minute epoxy, CA, sanding sealer, 3/4" masking tape, X-acto knife, ruler, pliers, sanding block and sandpaper. 

All parts fit well. You will want to replace the NCR motor tube with a LOC 29MM motor tube so you can use Aerotech motors in the rocket! Also you will want to put some blind nuts in with Kaplow clips so you can retain the Aerotech motors easily. And make sure NOT to get ANY epoxy were the Gorilla motor lock goes, if you do then you can not use there lock. 

The decals they give you are nice, I would recommend putting water a drop of soap in a bowl to apply them sense they are so big! The finished rocket looks great! 

For the first flight I used a NCR F62-4 Dark Star. Rocket had a good flight and recovery! This is a great rocket if you don't have allot of room! 

I would give this kit 4 points. If it had a "real" 29MM motor tube I would give it 5 points! 

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The following excerpt is from "Sport Rocketry". The intention is to allow guests to get a basic feeling about a kit. We strongly suggest that you get a copy of the referenced Sport Rocketry and read the entire article. Inside you will find many helpful hints in construction as well as other useful information. For more information, use the two links above.

"The new incarnation of the NCR Big Brute from Estes features a plastic nose, plywood fins, steel cable Gorilla shock cord mount, 24" parachute, and self-adhesive decals." 
"The most interesting feature of the new Brute . . . are the centering rings and through-the-wall fin mounting system." 
"The centering rings are molded plastic with slots to engage the fins . . . adding strength to the fin and motor mount structure." 
"Several of the diagrams in the instruction do not exactly match the appearance of the actual kit assembly (which disturbs a visually-oriented guy like me) but if you follow the text of the instructions you will do fine." 
"The self-adhesive decals work well." 
". . . the instructions say the model should weigh 454 grams, and mine tipped the scales at 673 grams . . ." 
"The motor is held in place by a twist-on motor retainer ring (a thrust ring is molded into their base of every Dark Star motor)." 

The entire article gives the impression is that this model is good choice for beginner/intermediate mid-power modelers.