There are a couple of other nice features that you'll notice because it assends slower than other rockets. First, the smoke coming out of the rocket seems to be thicker and more concentrated. This is because the rocket is spitting out more smoke while it is closer to the ground. On smaller rockets that move quicker, the same amount of smoke is stretched out over a longer distance, so it looks whispy and pale. On this rocket, is dark and puffy.

Similarly, the roar of the motor seems louder with a deeper and more pronounced rumble. It just seems more noisy because most of the action occurs closer to the ground. The result of this is that you'll really impress your friends when you launch this model. The sight and sound of it is inspiring.

For some really great performance, try the Apogee D10-5 motor in this rocket (shown to the left). It is even more drammatic because of the extra loud roar and extra height the rocket attains.

As mentioned before, you'll get much better photos of this rocket than smaller ones. And you'll really get awesome sound if you are video taping the launch!

Why slow lift-offs? Is there something unique about this rocket that is different than other models?

The rocket is powered by the same size rocket engines as the smaller rockets that zoom high and fast. So the reason you get slower launches is because the rocket is heavier and larger diameter. The extra weight, and the higher cross-sectional area (more drag) mean the rocket can't accelerate very fast coming off the launch pad. In other words, the thrust-to-weight ratio is lower for this big rocket.

This is just as safe as any other rocket. Typically, when you have a large rocket with a smaller motor, you have to watch out that the rocket doesn't leave the launch rod too slowly. If it does, the fins may not be moving through the air fast enough to create enough restoring force if the rocket is hit by a gust of wind. This rocket is a bit decieving because it is so big. While it looks like it is rising slowly, it does indeed clear the top of the launch rod at sufficient speed! So the fins are flying fast enough to provide a restoring force.

Another feature of this rocket is that it contains a large payload bay. This forward compartment is protected from the heat of the ejection charge by a bulkhead at its rear. So you can put in delicate payloads inside of it. The payload bay is fairly large, over 8-1/2 inches (21.6 cm) long.

Some payloads that you can fly are electronic altimeters, acclerometers, temperature probes, live insects, and much more. It turns your rocket into a real scientific research tool. Or, you can get a little silly, and launch non-scientific payloads that are common on real rockets. For example, even NASA has launched things like postage stamps, flags, and trinkets that it gives away as souveniers to spectators after the launch. I had one friend that flew a bunch of fire-hot jaw-breaker candy inside his rocket payload bay. He swears that once they've flown on a rocket, they are much hotter inside your mouth! Don't you think this is a great way to get your spectators involved in your launch?

• Die-Cut balsa fins - Balsa is the traditional material for model rockets, because it is light weight, easily painted, and can be airfoiled to reduce drag. By using balsa fins, you'll be teaching yourself construction techniques that you can use on all your future rockets.
  
  
• Kevlar^® shock cord system - Stronger than steel, so the parachute won't seperate from the rocket when it deploys. You do want to get your rocket back after the flight, don't you?
  
  
• Easy-lock motor mount - Installing rocket engines is simple as plug-and-go. Just slip the motor into the engine mount, and push it until the metal clip locks it into place.
  
  
• Tuff'Chute parachutes - Brightly colored parachutes that are durable to survive flight after flight of your rocket.
  
  
• Color coded parts - Which makes it easier to assemble. Instead of guessing at the nomenclature of the parts, the instructions simply tell you what color part to grab as you assemble the rocket.
  
  
• Self-Adhesive decals - Makes decorating your rocket quick and easy. It will turn out spectacular.

This is skill level two rocket because it has a few more parts and assembly steps to create the payload bay. But it isn't much harder to build than a Skill Level one rocket. You'll also need to cut out the decals, since they are not die-cut. But it is pretty easy. I would recommend viewing the techniques shown in Apogee's "Building Skill Level 1 Model Rocket Kits." This will also help you with the painting of the rocket. And this large, easy-to-build rocket, proves a point to modelers of all ages: size doesn't have any bearing on the difficulty in building a rocket. Big rockets can be just as easy to build as smaller ones.