This flying model rocket is a scale USAF AGM. The face card and instructions don't appear to list the scale used. This is a relatively short rocket and it requires nose weight to keep it stable. This added weight also lowers maximum altitude, which makes it an attractive rocket to fly on small fields. The cover lists an altitude of 675 feet (206m). This "Basic Builder" kit is advertised as being simple to build and great for school and scout projects. While the kit certainly isn't hard to build, a hobby knife is required and the forward fins need to be lined up correctly. This may make the kit less than ideal for very young modelers. Of course, an adult could provide assistance, as needed, in those areas. From what I could find online, it looks like the kit was last made available by Estes in 2004. I was lucky enough to get one to review as it was included with an order as a freebie. The vendor has made a small error and included this kit to make up for it.

Parts List

The model rocket comes in a Launchables container with colorful cover and the parts listed below.

- body tube
- die-cut balsa sheet with 2 sets of 3 fins
- motor tube with engine spacer
- centering rings, engine block and engine hook
- pre-assembled parachute (12")
- elastic shock cord
- 2 clay weights
- launch lug
- tail cone
- fin marking guide and shock cord mount (to be cut out)
- sticker/decal sheet
- instructions

Launch and finishing supplies are not included with the model rocket kit. To build the Bull Pup, you'll also need a hobby knife, pencil, ruler, glue and plastic cement.

Construction

Assembly starts with the constructions of the engine mount in the usual manner. The next step involves cutting two pieces from a transition, to form the boat tail for the rocket. Go over the cut several times with a hobby knife to get a straight cut.

Be sure to also use a hobby knife to remove the fins from the balsa sheet, otherwise they are likely to break. Once removed, the fins were sanded and filled with wood filler.

The engine mount and boat tail are glued into the airframe tube. Fin locations are marked on the body tube and the fins are attached. Attach the launch lug and shock cord mount next.

The instructions make reference to one (1) clay weight, yet two were included (8 grams each). As the instructions also say to use all clay weight, both were put into the nose cone and poked in place with a wooden dowel.

While the instructions include assembly instructions for the parachute, it came fully assembled.

Finishing

After priming the rocket, white paint was applied all over. To complete the build, the stickers included with the kit were applied. While I'm usually not a big fan of stickers or decals, they really add a lot to this kit and make it come alive.

Measurements

The Estes Bull Pup 12D is 15.6" (39.6 cm) long and has a diameter of 1.33" (33.8 mm).

Flight Data

This flying model rocket has an 18mm engine mount and Estes suggests these motors for use with it : A8-3 (maiden flight), B4-4, B6-4, B8-5, C6-5

For the first flight, a B6-4 was selected. The rocket cleared the launch rod and veered off to the left and continued in that direction. It didn't go horizontal by any standard, however it did fly as if it had too much nose weight and not enough speed off the pad (being pulled down slightly too). Still a fun flight, it was recovered easily without any damage.