Brief:
Scale model ... clone of old Estes kit

Construction:
Thrustline was very quick to ship my item and the packaging was excellent. The owner is very responsive to my emails, etc.

The kit itself is a blast from the past! Only things really missing are the Estes cover art card and decals. (And the decals are available...you just have to dig a bit for them.)

All the parts fit well. The balsa wood for the fins and runners was of good quality. The balsa nose cone and transition were a little rough but it didn't take too much to get them smooth enough for my tastes. The body tube, centering rings, and engine tube were also of good quality. Cutting the fins myself from the provided pattern was another fun part of building this kit.

The directions were reprints of the original Estes directions, however, I found them just a bit vague on a few points but nothing major--such as the location of launch lug, which I did not find mentioned. Directions were also included for Thrustline's Mylar parachute, which itself is of superior quality when compared to the old Estes chutes.

On a scale of 1 to 5, I would give this kit a 5. I like it.

I would give Thrustline a 5+. (They are an excellent vendor.)

I would rate this kit a skill level 2.

Flight:
I launched my Aerobee 300 clone today, 3/13/04. Temps were about 40 degrees with breeze no stronger than about 3-5 miles per hour and clear blue skies. I made 2 launches using Estes B4-4 motors.

Upon ignition the Aerobee 300 took off straight and true .... flight was perfect both times. The Aerobee went nearly out of sight. The first launch the 'chute didn't quite open up all the way and the Aerobee hit the ground moderately hard .... no damage other than a good sized paint chip on the payload section. I attribute this to operator error .... I think I may have packed the mylar chute a bit too tight. The second recovery was flawless!

I love it!!!! A true blast from my past .... nothing like reliving a bit of your childhood! My kids loved it too! I'm gonna have to order a few more of 'em from Thrustline just in the event the rocket gods decide they need an Aerobee 300 sacrifice someday!

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5