Brief:
This is a modifided Thrustline Black Shadow. I converted it to 24mm motors, 3 fins instead of 4, and added a tail cone and fin extensions.

Modifications:
I decided to modify the Black Shadow after I won it at NSL 2006. I liked the original design, but I couldn't shake the notion that it needed a 24mm motor. I really like my Estes Goblin, and this rocket is slightly similar in size and weight.

Once I decided on the 24mm mount, other modifications began to suggest themselves. I figured since I was uping performance with the 24mm mount, I might as well save 25% of fin drag by going with three fins instead of four. I liked the nose cone, and I wanted to make the fins mirror the sleek angle. Therefore, I cut three four inch extensions from the fin stock. I glued them to the regular fins before sanding and finishing them.

I then looked at the rear of the rocket. After making the fins sleeker, it seemed a little "clunky" the way it abruptly ended. I came up with the idea of a tail cone. I made a one inch cone out of the card stock that was used for the fin pattern and shock cord mount.

The only part I used in the modification that wasn't in the original kit, was the BT-50 motor mount. I used the fiber centering rings by sanding them out so they would fit over the BT-50. I inserted the mount so that it hangs out one inch from the back of the body tube, and then glued the cone over it.

My original idea was to simply have the fins stop at the bottom of the body tube. However, when I showed my wife, she said that the rocket should be able to stand on it's own for display. I thought about it, and the next day I found myself cutting the fins to fit the angle of the tail cone. It was a great move that makes the rocket look even sleeker(Thanks Laurie!)

I then put in the recovery system and launch lug as per the instructions.

After sanding and sealing everything, I went with the gloss black paint scheme of the original model (after all, it IS the Black Shadow)

I made decals using our printer and Testors white backed decals. The roll pattern is from the old Estes Streak (printed in negative) as is the Estes logo. Of course, this ISN'T an Estes bird, so I took the "Estes" out of the logo and replaced it with my NAR number. I added two logos that say "Black Shadow SS" (SS for "Super Sport") using the "He's Dead Jim" font. Once the decals went on I noticed that the white backed decals went a little gray on the black rocket, but I think that just adds to the "Shadowness" of the rocket.

Construction:
The original kit comes with a 10 inch body tube, a very nice 5.5 inch balsa nose cone, 1/8 inch balsa stock for fins (uncut and unmarked), heavy card stock for the fin patterns, fiber centering rings, an 18mm motor mount with hook, a length of sewing elastic for a shock cord, and a very nice nylon chute with swivel and screw eye. The only part I used that wasn't in the original kit was a 4 inch section of BT-50 for a motor mount. I didn't use the 18mm tube, but I did use the engine hook.

The quality of the original kit was first rate. All parts were there and in good shape. The only thing that seemed to be missing was the certificate of authenticity. Could this be a bootleg? I doubt it. It probably just got left out...The instructions were very clear and easy to follow and flowed in a logical order. Of course, I only read them before I started since I was changing so may things, but there was no "gottcha's" at any point. The rocket is very light, but still quite sturdy. All the parts went together well. There were no decals included, but I actually like making my own more than using pre made ones. The spirals on the body tube were fairly obvious, but a little sealing took care of that.

Flight:
I would only recommend the D12-7 for this model. The preparation is very easy due to the relatively large body tube diameter and the engine hook. I have not flown it yet, but I plan to at the DARS Father's Day Launch. I'll update this when I get more data. Still, basing my expectations on the similarity to the Goblin, it should be quite a show!...

... long delay ...

...Anyway, I've flown it twice. Both times I used a D12-5 and got out of sight flights....I'll try to go through the website and do a flight record.

Summary:
The Black Shadow is a great kit in it's own right. It has first rate materials and instructions. The only thing I wanted to do was "ramp it up" a bit.

Pro's- materials, instructions, good packaging

Con's- Not really any.

Other:
This kit got great responses at the monthy club meeting. I got no volunteers to help in recovery though...