Brief:
The Recruiter Space Probe, kit # KV-22, is a 'RetroRepro' version of the original Centuri kit (KC-30, circa 1967). It features a "Gemini-styled" capsule and six "Redstone type" fins. The fins thickness was increased to 3/32", the 'chute was downsized to reduce drift, and the rubber shock cord was replaced with a Kevlar and elastic combo. This limited edition kit was provided as a 'thank you' to people who have reviewed Semroc's products or otherwise promoted the company. Very classy!

Construction:
The kit came nicely packed with a colorful insert, which also holds the instructions. As you can see in the photos, individual parts such as the motor mount, chute, fins, and miscellaneous small parts are all individually packaged. The instructions are clear and include plenty of diagrams. There is even a brief history of Centuri and of the kit itself. As with other Semroc kits, this one comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

So the parts include (roughly from stem to stern):

• 1 balsa nose cone, 3.75" long (exposed)
• 1 0.908" diameter body tube, 5.5" long
• 1 balsa transition, 1.625" long
• 1 1.34" diameter body tube, 8" long
• 1 screw eye
• 1 elastic cord
• 1 Kevlar thread
• 
• 1 12" plastic chute (including tape discs and shroud lines)
• 2 1/8" lugs
• 6 laser cut balsa fins
• 1 thrust ring
• 1 engine hook
• 1 18mm motor tube
• 1 fiber retainer ring
• 2 centering rings
• 1 fiber coupler
• 1 waterslide decal sheet
• 1 small 'specification decal', including the s/n (mine is #00033)

To build the kit, you require all the normal tools and supplies: white or wood glue, filler, paint, sandpaper, etc. I used wood glue throughout. This is a straightforward build and these are the highlights:

• The Recruiter sports a cool capsule-style balsa nosecone. The thin neck got some reinforcement with thin CA.
• The motor mount features both a hook and thrust ring. The Kevlar leader is tied to the motor hook, and both are retained with a fiber ring. The centering rings are thick and a fiber coupler, which fits between the rings, further strengthens the mount.
• The six laser-cut fins are perfect. I'm now a big fan of lasers.

PROs: Great parts, clear instructions, cool spacecraft styling, strong motor mount, Kevlar/elastic shock cord.

CONs: The thrust ring was missing. It probably isn't really necessary, but I replaced it with an Apogee 18mm-13mm centering ring.

Finishing:
Finishing started with Fill 'n' Finish and Plasticote white primer. I couldn't resist making this look more 'Mercury Redstone-like' than the cover art. I painted the body of the cone and fin roll patterns black (Testor's brush-on), and the tip of the cone red (Painter's Touch spray).

The decals are nice and thick. They were generally placed as shown on the cover art. The thin stripe on the cone was left off since the whole cone portion was black and I added the Semroc logo to one of the white fins. I also left off the specification decal as it seemed too big for the rocket.

I finished the recruiter off with a coat of Krylon clear coat. ARGH! Another case of not testing for compatibility! The clear coat made the black paint run slightly. The black both rolled down and wicked upward along the border of the white and black patterns. Very odd--this was a first for me. Maybe the black paint was not fully dry? I scraped and retouched and have it looking OK.

The kit was easy to finish and the decals are nice. The clear coat problem was mine and not a fault of the kit.

Construction Rating: 4 out of 5

Flight:
The recommended motors include the A8-3 (200'), B6-4 (500'), and C6-5 (950'). So far, I only have tried the B6-4. The flight was nice with ejection just past apogee.

Recovery:
I used dog barf wadding and a square of Estes paper to wrap the chute. The 12" parachute was perfect for this sized model.

Flight Rating: 5 out of 5

Summary:
This is cool looking limited edition rendition of a Centuri classic. The materials are great and the finished product is solid.

My thanks again to Carl and Sheryl at Semroc!

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5