This model rocket kit is labeled a Level 1 kit. However, it requires CA glue and epoxy which are not often needed for Level 1 kits. This West Wayne Rockets kit is a clone of an out-of-production Estes rocket and is available in red and blue. It flies on 13mm "Mini" model rocket engines. Overall, it is quick and easy to build. As it doesn't require finishing, you can have it on the launch pad, ready for action, in no time.

Parts List

This rocket kit is packaged in a zip-lock style bag which contains the items listed below.

- 13mm motor mount tube with engine block disc
- centering ring
- shuttlecock
- launch lug
- instruction sheet

To build the Astron Birdie, you'll need medium grit sandpaper, Cyanoacrylate Glue (CA), and five minute epoxy.

Construction

The instructions are on one side of a single sheet of paper. Two photographs are included with the instructions, one of the finished rocket, the other of the parts. There are no images or illustrations of the steps required to build the rocket. The text is clear, the lack of illustrations wasn't an issue. Start by sanding the engine block disc so it will fit in the engine mount tube. Once it fits, glue it into the top of the motor tube with CA glue. Slide the centering ring around the motor tube and place it into the shuttlecock. Position it as instructed and remove it from the shuttlecock to glue it in place.

At this point, you should have a motor mount assembly as shown on the right. As I didn't have 5 minute epoxy around to attach the motor mount into the shuttlecock, 15 minute epoxy (mixed with micro balloons to thicken) was used instead. Put a dab of epoxy on the outside of the motor block and fit it in the birdie. Epoxy the disc and birdie together, following the directions for launch lug placement and attachment.

Measurements

As this rocket is built with a standard size shuttlecock, it has the same size dimensions as one : about 3" tall with a 2 1/2" diameter.

Finishing

No finishing of any kind is required. As mentioned earlier, this flying model rocket kit is available in two colors, red and blue.

Flight Data

West Wayne Rockets suggests flying this birdie on a variety of 13mm mini engines : 1/2A3-2T, A3-4T and A10-3T. For the first, and last, flight an A10-3 was used. The rocket shot up nicely and the ejection charge fired around apogee. Once the rocket was recovered, it became clear that the motor mount tube had ruptured. The motor tube assemble was removed from the birdie to get a clear picture of it. The motor did not feel tight going on. I have no idea why the motor tube broke like this.