The flying model rocket kit comes with a fin alignment jig, which is a nice touch. It makes it very easy for beginners or younger modelers to get the fins attached to the rocket correctly. As this kit is also sold in bulk packs, it is likely targeted toward a younger audience. Great for school projects, scout events, or similar activities. The fins are pre-cut, no hobby knife or scissors are needed, which also make it a great kit for younger rocketeers. One of the three fins was a different type of balsa/wood than the other two. Slightly heavier and much harder. If I had to guess, I' say the the Pioneer kits probably have different balsa fins and the review kit had a mix.

Parts List

This Pratt Hobbies model rocket kit comes in a sealed bag with a single sheet of instructions. There is no face card.

- body tube (BT-50)
- 3 pre-cut balsa fins
- fin alignment jig base
- 3 centering rings
- motor mount tube with thrust ring
- plastic nose cone (yellow)
- yellow plastic streamer
- Nomex heatschield
- cardboard launch lug
- decals
- instructions sheet

To assembly the Pioneer, only the most basic hobby supplies are required, such as glue and cellophane tape.

Construction

First, the fin alignment jig is assembled. Simply glue one of the centering rings to the circle on the fin jig base. Put pieces of cellophane tape on the fin lines, to prevent glue from sticking on them. Slide the body tube onto the fin jig and attach the balsa fins.

The image on the right shows (top to bottom, left to right) the streamer, body tube with fins attached, fin jig, assembled motor mount and the model rocket's plastic nose cone. While the instructions didn't say to do this, I filled the fins and sanded the edges (other than root edge) round.

Next is the motor mount. Glue the thrust ring at the end of the motor mount tube (the side with the hole on the side). Tie the Kevlar shock cord around the pre-cut hole in the motor tube. Glue centering rings into place. Insert and glue the completed motor mount assembly into the airframe tube.

Slide the Nomex heatshield onto the shock cord. Attach the streamer to the shock cord and tie the remaining end to the nose cone. To complete the rocket, glue the launch lug between two fins.

Measurements

This flying model rocket is around 16" (40.64 cm) tall with a fin span of approximately 3 1/5" (8.9 cm).

Finishing

The instruction caution not to use lacquer as it would make the plastic nose cone melt. First, the rocket was given a coat of white primer. Next, it was covered with Rust-Oleum white gloss protective enamel spray. Finally, the stickers were applied.

Flight Data

The Pratt Hobbies instruction sheet says to launch the Pioneer using Quest A6-4 and B-4 motors, or Estes A8-3 and B6-4 rocket engines. They also caution that C motors will put it out of sight.

Of course, we had to test that statement about flights on C engines. It performed very well on a C6-3. Very straight flight and it did indeed disappear out of sight for a moment or two. Streamer deployed without a problem and the model rocket was recovered without any damage.