Brief:
This a beautiful, exquisitely detailed 1/17.5 'Super Sport Scale' model kit of the USA's first satellite launch vehicle.

This rocket can be flown using either a 29mm motor canister (for F, G and H motors) or a (4) 24mm cluster canister. Both 'quick change' mounts are interchangeable and secured with a solid retention system. This is a fun to build, fun to fly rocket that will definitely get attention at any launch. Is this kit for everyone? I would hope so, but be forewarned this is not something that you will throw together the night before a launch. True Modeler's Mission Statement starts off with "Our desire is to bring the art of model rocketry back to the roots from whence it came. The True Modeler's Rocket Kits are designed to take you back to a time when model rocketry placed the emphasis on "modeling."

For more see True Modeler's website site (link on title).

Construction:
The main body is one very solid 32" long, 4.0" diameter tube. The fins are impressively laser cut, 'through the wall' and assembled from 6 pieces into the 4 solid fins. Centering rings and motor mounts are all made from aircraft quality plywood and require only a fair amount of fitting. The top assembly, with transition, satellite pod and extension 'tip' is recovered through a 'cradled' 18" parachute while the main body is recovered by a solidly anchored 36" parachute.

As impressive as the photos on TMRK's website were, opening the eagerly awaited package (my girlfriend's Christmas gift to me!) only reinforced my impression that this rocket would quickly become a favorite of mine. All of the materials (with a few minor concerns, noted later) were of the highest quality and appropriate for a solid, many times to fly, medium powered, highly detailed model rocket. True Modeler clearly put as much effort and thought into the assembly instructions as they did in the design and quality of materials of this kit. A 12 page, clearly written and illustrated 'book' guides you through the assembly process. Each major subassembly is 'kitted' in it's own package and clearly explained making it almost impossible to make an error.

The order of assembly is 1) Booster Assembly, 2) Motor canisters, 3) nose assembly, 4) Satellite and Tub, 5) Painting and decals, and finally, 6) Final assembly and flight prep. As TMRK says "you will find this kit not too difficult to build, but you must follow the instructions exactly as they are written and in the order they are written. Upon completion, you will have a master piece you'll be proud to display and fly." I couldn't agree more!

Finishing:
Finishing this rocket is pretty much a straightforward process for any experienced rocket builder, but here I will note three concerns. First, was the rather light weight 'fishing' snap hook swivel that attaches to an eyebolt on the transition below the satellite tub and helps cradle the nose assembly (like the Estes Saturn V and Mercury Redstone). Second were the decals. There are 4 large "UE" letters (it designates the 29th Redstone booster built, the 2nd and 9th letters of the 'Huntsville' Redstone arsenal). While I have never been especially adept at decals I did find these especially delicate and brittle. I managed to apply only one of the 4 satisfactorily. Thirdly, were the 4 antennae on the nose section. I found that these were very delicate and I managed to break 3 of the 4 (with an assist from my grandson!) during finishing. Finally, I dispensed with them entirely. The painting scheme is relatively simple and very clearly illustrated.

Construction Rating: 4 out of 5

Flight:
I was rather nervous about flying this model because it was my first launch at my local club (Sacramento Area Rocketry Group - SARG) and because I had simply liked how this one looked and didn't want to wreck it. I checked all my prep several time and debated whether to use an F40-4W Aerotech reload or an Aerotech G80-7T. After consultation with a couple of more experienced members I decided on the G80. Basically, I wanted to make sure I had plenty of power and didn't want to risk a cato due to faulty reload motor assembly on my part. As I checked in I received more than a few inquiries about the model and a number of compliments as well. My first attempt to load the rocket on the launch rod revealed 'sticky' launch lugs - I had obviously gotten paint on the inside of the lugs. A little light sanding solved this. I'll have to admit a small case of butterflies as the countdown reached 'launch' and the Copperheads lit the motor. The G80 lifted the "J1JC" quickly off the rod and STRAIGHT up! It appeared that chute deployment, both of them thankfully, occurred exactly at apogee - after a nice coast. In spite of slight mishap I was very happy with the flight and again received several compliments on the flight.

Recovery:
The only problem I experienced occurred during chute deployment. The lightweight snap hook on the nose section which I noted earlier was pulled apart and instead of coming down gently cradle at 45 degrees the nose section came down straight on the satellite extension tube which broke. TMRK recommends that you don't glue this delicate extension into the tub assembly so this will be rather easy to replace and maybe not install on future flights! Other than this detail the main shock cord is solidly attached to a Kevlar® cord which is eyebolted solidly into the the upper plywood centering ring. Both chutes are high quality rip stop nylon solidly shrouded and grommeted. Only a little mud and the above noted damage (which TRMK is replacing at no charge) marred the otherwise perfect maiden flight of my TMRK 'J1JC' and it WILL fly again, often, and at my first opportunity.

Flight Rating: 4 out of 5

Summary:
Overall, I could hardly be happier with this kit. The detail of the rocket requires that several parts be delicate and I am more than happy to manage those details. Another plus is that Mark and Scott at True Modeler are very helpful whenever needed. My experience with this kit would lead me to highly recommend this TMRK kit and TMRK generally.

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5