Brief:
The Zenit is a 1/17 scale model of the Swiss-German sounding rocket. Even though it is small, it can be challenging build.

Construction:
The parts list:

• balsa nose cone
• 3 light ply fins
• body tube
• motor tube
• 2 centering ring
• motor hook
• 1/8" launch lug
• 20" shock cord
• screw eye

I purchased the Peter Always Zenit for my NARTREK Silver scale model. The cost was low at about $13.50 and it did not seem like it would be a very difficult build.

The instructions are good and they come with the pictures and diagrams that you need for your sport scale requirements.

The only "gotcha" has to do with the fins and the fin tab. The instructions had me to paint the fins and rocket first and then glue the fin tabs to the motor tube. After following this, the fin tabs did not make good contact with the motor tube. I had to sand the fins and body to get a surface for gluing on the fins.

Finishing:
Finishing the little rocket can be a little tricky. The balsa nose cone needs a good bit of sanding and filling. You are then asked to use silver paint. I have never had much luck with silver paint before. It tends to dull over time. The nose cone looks pretty good from a few feet, but you can see the dulled paint with close inspection. The kit comes with orange decals that complete the look for you. After completion, the kit looked pretty good. It would make a good static display.

Construction Rating: 4 out of 5

Flight:
This was to be my NARTREK Silver sport scale flight. I asked our club president, Greg Lane, to judge the rocket for me. After inspection, the rocket was loaded with an A3-4T, packed with wadding and parachute and taken to the pads.

The Zenit boosted quickly on the A3-4T. It did not go too high, maybe 300-400 feet. The parachute came out easily and it coasted to the ground softly.

Recovery:
Everything about the rocket is fine for the fairly low altitude flights. The Zenit flew straight and true. The shock cord is long enough and the parachute sized well. Recovery was nice, with no damage or wear.

Flight Rating: 5 out of 5

Summary:
The Peter Alway's Zenit is a good small field rocket. It was perfect for my NARTREK Silver sport scale. If you are doing a scale rocket, I would suggest any of the Peter Alway's kits. All of the paper work that you need is included.

The rocket flew a couple of times in 1 day and now sits as a nice static display.

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5