Followed the directions with the following exceptions and comments: The directions are on one page with four drawings (unlike the Estes kits). It is imperative that you read them thoroughly, a couple of times. Fins are formed by sandwiching one basswood fin between two plywood fins. It is not especially clear how some pieces are formed or attached so do a lot of dry fitting. It was not clear to me how recovery was to be made. The best I could tell was that the top and bottom are to separate and tumble to the ground on their own. I was not comfortable with this so I added a little screw eye and a length of Kevlar®, just to keep the two halves together. The fins are set at angles and the rocket has a nice spin as it goes up. The motor (A engines are recommended) is held in by a little plastic locking ring that works well. The rocket is square and draws a lot of attention on the display stand. I am going to stain mine with a cherry wood color and then use a clear polyurethane just for looks. I would recommend this rocket as it flies well but also makes a great conversation piece .