This is my all-time favorite Estes rocket. Straight-forward construction and an inspired paint job make this a great 'first big' rocket kit. 

Like most Estes kits, it comes in a plastic bag. I like the fact that I can inspect the parts for damage before buying. My kit had no missing or damaged pieces. Building is as standard as it comes, with no surprises or special tricks. Estes instructions are consistently good. Don't forget to replace the kit shock cord with sewing elastic at least twice the body length. The relatively large fins make for very stable flights, but care is needed to glue them on straight.  Definitely use double-glue joints and fillets as suggested in the instructions.  Also, use a snap swivel between the nose cone and parachute, this rocket will get enough altitude to make drift a problem. I sometimes replace the standard 12" chute with a large streamer or a chute with the vent hole cut out. 

For this rocket, prep work is 90% of the finish. Even if you usually don't, I suggest filling the tube spirals, and getting the fin grain filled with sanding sealer or spackle. The large unbroken areas of color on the completed model will highlight a good finish. Painting couldn't be simpler; black on top, yellow on bottom, and the supplied decals do the striping for you. 

The Yellow Jacket will weathercock, so it's best on days with relatively little wind. I occasionally fly on A8-3's when the wind is kicking up, but that's like using a Ferrari as a golf cart.  B6-4s or -6s are better, C6-7s are great, and even built stock. It'll handle the 18mm Ds for awesome flights.