James Gartrell was our primary beta tester during the formative years of The Squirrel Works. While other beta testers may have built one or two kits, James tested the first 27 designs we produced. Sadly, James was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2008 and passed away in September 2010.

Shortly before his illness, James had been talking to us about designing a kit for our Signature Series line. He had started working on some preliminary ideas but didn't have time to progress beyond that state. Even though this rocket is not a true Signature Series kit, we include it in the line and think he would have appreciated that.

James was a fan of space travel, both real and imaginary, as well as vintage model rockets from the 60's and 70's. We've tried to incorporate these themes into this kit. The D.S.R.V. Gartrell features a turned balsa nose cone and transition, fins decaled as solar panels and simulated habitation rings. The kit also includes laser cut balsa parts, water slide decals and parachute recovery.

$30.95