Quest Aerospace Big Dog Advanced Rocketry Kit

Depending upon which website you visit this kit is rated at skill level 2 or 3. It is really easy to build and is more in the line of a skill level one rocket. Due to the 29mm motor mount and 24mm motor adapter is where it gets its rating. Given this type of power I decided to build some more durability into the model by building it with Basswood Fins. To do this just use the Balsa wood fins provided and trace them onto Basswood. The basswood may add a few grams of weight but the added strength and need for little sanding are big advantages. A disadvantage to the rocket is that it does not have through body tube fin mount system. The fins are low power type glue on type fins so it is important to get your alignment right. I used quick CA for the initial fin attachment and the 2 coats of Slo Cure CA for the fin fillets. This made them super strong and with the added primer, paint, and clear coat its real stable. We went straight for the gusto and set it off with a Aero Tech F series motor. The altemeter measure 2873ft and that dog was straight!

This was a great rocket, right up till when we launched it and never saw it again! I hope some kid found it and is enjoying it as I write this. I'd hate to think of it alone in the woods for ever...

Loved building a flying this kit. Easy build and a solid rocket that only blew up once I put a G motor in it. Guess the paper and balsa can't handle the G's. ;-)Someone suggested coating the fins and body with a thin paper/epoxy mix to make them more solid. Perhaps next time.

OK for the science class - pricey however.Don't fogret the accessories....

Very disappointing, didn’t come with many items needed.

This kit and instructions are complete but this does have a couple of issues.The nosecone and body tube are not a standard size, so replacing the the nosecone is difficult.The parachute is poor quality. I'm replacing mine with a 15" sewn parachute.

I have owned my Big Dog advanced rocket for about 9 months now. It turns in incredible flights when powered with Aerotech E15 motors. Awesome, slow, realistic liftoffs and beautiful returns under the large bright nylon parachute.Big Dog is easy to build from the precision parts included in the kit. Balsa wood was of superb quality, 1/8" thick and very hard. Quest's kevlar shock cord anchor and heavy duty elastic shock cord ensure this big rocket won't lose its chute if deployed early or late. It is easy to build and finish with common household carpenter's glue and wood filler. Build time is about one day. Allow another day for finishing. I used glossy white and red spray paint from my local home improvement store with great results. The "super" graphics stick on decals from Quest can be easily applied if immersed in lightly soapy water (about two drops of detergent per cup of water). This allows them to be "slid" onto the rocket and positioned with precision. Blot and squeeze the water out from under the decal to finish. You'll have a beautiful rocket model you'll be proud to show and fly for friends and family!