Brief:
The Estes CATO is a model rocket designed to actually break apart in flight. It is an E2X series kit. It is also becoming quite rare. It flies on Estes B and C lower stage booster motors and uses three recovery modes parachute, streamer and tumble.

Construction:
I got my kit from an online auction. The kit arrived in a box rather than a plastic bag. All the components were accounted for and in good shape so I began construction.

The instructions had lots of text and illustrations as well as a section on what to expect when you fly the model. By reading this, you'll know how the break-apart theory works. Because of the simple construction, no templates were needed. This rocket is very simple to build. I have about 6 hours in mine. Most of that time was waiting for the plastic cement to dry. I never rush any project regardless of simplicity. I started with the motor mount. I then set it aside to dry. Next you glue the fin halves together then glue them into the panels. I then attached the lug to the body tube.

PROS: Easy and rapid construction.

CONS: Motor tube a tad too long (Easily fixed).

Next is the piston assembly. It consists of two pistons and a wooden dowel sliding through the motor mount tube, through an aft retaining ring and the body tube. It should also be assembled carefully because this is the system that causes the model to fall apart. I really took my time here. I then assembled the parachute and then attached it to the large forward piston. I then attached the rather large streamer to the motor mount by using the sticky tape provided.

Finishing:
There is really no finishing due to the pre-colored orange body tube and dark purple plastic parts. However, some awesome two color decals are included to dress up the model even more. The finished rocket looks great.

Construction Rating: 4 out of 5

Flight:
The recommended motors are the B6-0 and C6-0 red label booster motors. Estes advises against using other manufacturers motors. One thing I really like about this rocket is that it does not require recovery wadding. You just assemble the sections, load the motor and fly. I've flown this rocket on B6-0's for every flight. The rocket boosted straight up every time then POP, the rocket disintegrated into exactly seven pieces. You then have the body on the parachute, the motor mount on the streamer and the three fin sections and yes the two nose cone halves raining down on you.

PROS: No wadding needed, Flies great.

CONS: None

Recovery:
Recovering seven parts may seem tricky but if you fly the model off short grass, you won't have a problem. I found each piece every time. Read my flight logs. The only thing that annoyed me is that the streamer gets scorched every time by the ejection gas. Also, it is recommended that you clean the motor tube after every flight. I also recommend that you take a slightly damp piece of paper towel and wipe the ejection grime off the aft piston every couple of flights.

PROS: Fun to watch.

CONS: Streamer scorches every time.

Flight Rating: 4 out of 5

Summary:
I really love this rocket. It is one of my new favorites. Sadly, it is OOP. I really think that Estes SHOULD reissue it PERIOD!!! Also, if you find one, it will be a tad pricey. I paid $30.00 for mine. Other than that GRAB IT. As I said it is becoming rare. Searching for one may take awhile. Main PROS: Very fun rocket. Nuff said. Main CONS: OOP also rather expensive now.

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5