• How were the instructions?First of all, this was not only my first 4-inch rocket, but also my first to use phenolic tubes. I would recommend [it] highly as anyone's first High Power rocket, but if you've never worked with epoxy, you may want to stop and learn a few things about it. I suggest you use the longest setting epoxy you can find in order to give you time to "get things right. " There is nothing about epoxy in the instructions. Easy to follow? Yes. I had no problems assembling the piston and the through-the-wall fins (which were all new to me, too. )There are enough illustrations to guide you through. No unusual tools were needed in the building phase.

• Ease of Building:All parts fit naturally with only minor cutting or sanding. The fins are pre-cut G2 and only need to be epoxied (which I repeat may be the tricky aspect. )The one thing that no one includes is a engine retainer, which you will have to custom install. I was rather irritated when I realized that I'd have to tape in an "H" engine to qualify for Level I certification. You really need to build in a famous "Kaplow Klip. "(see the RMRFAQ) If you care about looks, you will want to fill and sand the phenolic spirals. I used Bondo Spot Putty (at any auto supply. )It was very hard to sand, but the finished product was worth it.

• Quality:You will not find a sturdier rocket than the PML Patriot. After building card tube rockets for 20+ years, I was amazed when it weighed in at 4-1/2 pounds. You almost could stand on it and not hurt it. There are no decals, but you do receive a paint detail. The picture on this kit is the one of two popular paint schemes of this missile. I must admit that is the least popular of the two, but it looks sharp if you choose it. Most people don't realize that the paint schemes are just for the test missiles. The actual missiles, according to a source of mine who loads them, are normally black or OD green.

• Flying:I flew it on an Aerotech G-80W and it worked well. It is a bit under-powered, however, and I much preferred the flight on an H-180W. I had the original kit for the 29mm engine, and now you may get it with the 38mm. I highly recommend the 38mm and really wish I could launch mine with an "I" engine.

I would rate this rocket a 5 point rating except for one problem I had in my first attempt at Level I certification. The shock cord wedged itself between the piston and the airframe on ejection. This piston moved forward enough to force the nose cone out and, fortunately, the parachute emerged and opened. But, the ejection charge was back blew a hole in the aft airframe between two fins. PML should mention in the instructions to avoid this problem by tucking the shock cord in the parachute. I had to completely replace this section (with no sympathy from PML, I might add,) but flies again beautifully.

• 4 ½ points:: Very Good, needs an alternate paint scheme, and better instructions for use of the piston ejection (see above. )

You might remember in the Persian Gulf War one of the most newsworthy items to surface was the Patriot missile. Never before had we tried to knock out enemy missiles like Iraq’s Scuds with another missile. The technology was revealed after the war to be not as good as they thought, but it spurred a whole new interest in this defense system. The entire system has been upgraded and the missile is now more accurate than ever. Of course, you have to realize that this is like trying to stop a bullet flying through the air with another flying bullet!