Brief:
The WAC Corporal was the United States first sounding rocket. It is a single stage kit with parachute deployment via motor ejection. Designed to mostly fly on 29mm power but you can fly it on the larger 38mm motors if you have the recovery room. I built it slightly different from the instructions at a few places. I wanted to "beef-up" a few things I felt needed it. I laminated Kevlar onto the nosecone. I did not use the balsa laminations provided. Instead I put fiberglass on the fins. I also did not assemble and apply the "conduit" that runs on a side of the airframe. This is only for scale appearance and I elected to save some time by not using it.

Construction:
1 Kraft Airframe Tube
1 38mm Motor Tube
1 29mm Motor Tube
1 Engine Adapter Tube
3 Plywood Fins
2 Plywood Centering Rings
6 Balsa Fin Laminations
1 Balsa nosecone
1 Tube Coupler
1 Plywood Bulkhead
1 Eyebolt
1 Balsa Boattail
1 Elastic Shock Cord
1 Wire Cable
2 Launch Lugs
1 Parachute

Pros: Very explicit instructions that detailed every step. Numerous helpful illustrations. A fin slot marking template was supplied. Instructions even give you hints and tips on adhesives. Also given is a complete list of tools and supplies you will need to build it as directed. Pieces fit snuggly with very little modification necessary.

Cons: The balsa nosecone and boattail! These are just not suited for larger models. They damage easily. Plastic ones would have been a better choice.

Finishing:
I did not finish the model as per the instructions. I opted to try my hand at using Monokote for the finish. I covered the airframe with Monokote using an iron and heat gun. It went on very well and produced a nice glossy finish. I covered the fins with a self-adhesive Monokote. I spray painted the nosecone and boattail. Overall the model looks great!

Construction Rating: 4 out of 5

Flight:
I have flown this model 4 times. Flies very nice with the recommended 29mm F & G motors using the supplied 29/38 adapter. Nice straight flights with ejection near or at apogee. I installed 2 wood inserts into the boattail with epoxy and use a piece of wire across the screws over the end of the motor (not over the nozzle) for retention. The model reaches about 800' on the F motors, and around 1200' on G motors.

Recovery:
Deployment was always near or at apogee. Descent speed was adequate and even with a moderate breeze it never landed more than 300 feet from the pad. Post flight inspection has revealed no problems or damage.

Flight Rating: 4 ½ out of 5

Summary:
PRO: A very nice intermediate kit to build. Went together easily. VERY nice instructions!

CON: The balsa pieces, namely the nosecone and boattail. Easily damaged if nothing done to reinforce them.

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5