After opening the bag, it quickly became clear that this flying model rocket kit has high quality parts. The large face card is really nice and the back side is put to good use. It has a printed ruler, extra shock cord mount and tube marking guide. It also has a nice table which displays estimated altitude, velocity, acceleration and even time to apogee for each recommended rocket motor. The replacement Surefire part numbers are also listed on the back, which is a nice touch. This would be excellent to have if you need to make some repairs to your Total Destruction. The two sets of fins give it a different look, which is why it was chosen for review. The model rocket kit is suited for modelers ages eight and up (with adult supervision). The model in the picture looks similar to that on the face card. I didn't place the decals in the same locations and didn't use as many.

Parts List

This Surefire flying model rocket kit comes in a large bag with a color-printed face card.

- plastic nose cone (two pieces, glue with plastic cement)
- body tube
- engine mount tube with engine hook and centering rings
- elastic shock cord with mount
- launch lug
- 3 small balsa fins
- 3 large balsa fins
- tube marking guide
- parachute kit with instruction sheet
- water slide decals
- assembly instructions

To build the Total Destruction, you'll need a pencil and ruler, a hobby knife, glue, scissors and finishing supplies.

Construction

Instructions are clear and easy-to-follow. It doesn't take long at all to build this level 1 model rocket kit.

As is the case with many model rocket kits, you start by building the motor mount assembly and gluing it into the body tube. A tube marking guide is provided to determine correct fin and launch lug placement location. Even with six fins, this step is straightforward and not difficult.

The fin attachment part of the instructions refer to step 3 as being the step where you create fin guide lines. This is actually done in step 2, not 3. Not that this will confuse anyone who is paying attention.

After attaching the launch lug, glue fillets are added to the fins. The instructions say to stand the rocket upright as the glue dries. In my experience, this causes glue to sag and gather at the bottom of the fin. I applied fillets to one side/third of the rocket at a time and set it horizontally while drying. The forward end of the airframe was supported on some styrofoam to keep the rocket horizonal. Glue the shock cord mount in place, attach the nose cone to the shock cord and the model rocket is ready for primer and paint.

Finishing

Instructions actually include information on painting and detailed tips on applying decals.

Rust-Oleum automotive primer was sprayed all over the model and sanded smooth when dry. Next was white Krylon primer. Once that dried, it was sanded again and the paint was added.

The nose cone was painted blue (Testors #1208) and the remainder of the rocket was painted blue. Next, everything but the small fins was masked off and the small fins were painted blue. Finally, everything but the larger fins was masked off and the rocket's large fins were painted gloss bright red (Testors #1231).

To complete the model rocket, the water slide decals were applied.

Measurements

The Total Destruction stands 20.425" (51.88cm) tall and has a diameter of 0.976" (2.48cm). The face card lists the weight as 0.954 oz (27g).

Flight Data

Surefire Rockets recommends a nice assortment of model rocket motors for use with the "Code Name: Total Destruction" : A8-3, A8-5, B4-4, B4-6, B6-4, B6-6, C6-3, C6-5 and C6-7. The A8-3 is recommended for the first flight.

The model rocket was flown a few times on C6-3 and C6-5 motors. Great flight, went out of sight on both motors. Due to this, it is hard to say which delay is best.