This is another RetroRepro model rocket kit. Other kits in this Semroc series include the BatRok and Javelin. The original kit was released in 1982 by Centuri and was available for a short two year period only. The Russian appearance of the rocket was inspired by the then ongoing cold war. This up-to-date version benefits from a quality balsa nose cone, laser-cut balsa fins, elastic shock cord and Kevlar thread. At a suggested retail price of $8.50, this kit is affordable, especially considering it has a good-sized balsa nose cone. The recovery device used is a streamer (crepe streamer material).

Parts List

The model rocket kit comes in a clear plastic bag with a printed face card and the parts listed below.

- body tube for airframe (ST-1650)
- body tube for motor mount (ST-730E)
- 2 centering rings (CR-716)
- thrust ring (TR7) and engine hook (EH-28)
- balsa nose cone (BC-1625) and screw eye (SE-10)
- 3 laser cut balsa fins (FV-49)
- elastic cord (EC-124) and Kevlar thread (SCK-24)
- orange streamer (RS-36) with tape disc (TD-1)
- launch lug (LL-122)
- water slide decals (DKV-49)
- instructions booklet with fin guide, warranty information and NAR code

Hobby supplies included to build this model rocket include glue, sanding sealer (or fillercoat), sandpaper, pencil, scissors, paint and ruler.

Construction

Instructions are easy to understand and almost all assembly steps benefit from an illustration.

To build the Lil' Ivan, start by sanding the fins and marking the airframe tube. Next, build the engine mount. The Kevlar thread is tied around the engine hook, which is a different and interesting way of doing things.

Insert and glue the screw eye into the balsa nose cone and attach the fins. Once the glue dries, glue the motor mount into place. Attach the elastic shock cord to the Kevlar thread and tape the streamer to the shock cord. Your Lil' Ivan is now ready to finish.

The engine mount tube in the review kit had two engine hook slits in it. Step 28 of the instructions say to "slide the adapter into place", while they likely meant nose cone. Very minor things to point out which in no way take away from the excellent quality of this Semroc kit.

Finishing

After a coat of primer, white Krylon paint was sprayed all over the rocket. A diagram is provided with suggested decal locations, which is a nice touch. The decals are nice and large, which can be harder on the novice.

As you may have noticed, the "Lil Ivan" decal didn't go on straight in the picture. This was due soley to inexperience with water slide decals of the modeler.

Measurements

The Lil' Ivan's diameter measures 1.64" (4.2 cm) and is 8.7" (22 cm) tall with a fin span of 7" (17.8 cm). It weights 1.6 oz (45.4g) before primer and paint are applied.

Flight Data

Semroc recommends the following model rocket engines : A8-3, B6-4 and C6-5.

Launched with a C6-5, the rocket went higher than I expected. After all, it is somewhat wide. Went up nice and straight. The streamer deployed, but seems to have gotten tangled up with the shock cord. The rocket was recovered 20-30 feet from the launch pad without any damage to it or the streamer.