3 Model Rockets Estes Needs to Bring Back

Posted on September 7, 2011 by Nick

In the 1960′s Vernon Estes created Estes Model Rockets and began producing model rockets, rocket engines and other rocketry supplies. The company has been a leader in this field and continues to come up with new and exciting products. Here is a look at some of their most famous model rockets that we should have another shot.

Astron Trident – When this rocket hit the shelves in 1970 many people didn’t know what to think. The futuristic design was something out of a sci-fi movie. The model rocket came in at 31 inches long and flew on B and C series model rocket engines. The rocket also introduced ejection ducting which directs ejection gases though openings in the power tube. This further goes into the three ducting tubes that pressurize the parachute compartment.

Space Shuttle Columbia – With the recent ending of NASA’s shuttle program it is only appropriate to mention the Space Shuttle Columbia Starter Kit Estes released in 1984. The starter kit included the model rocket, launch controller, launch pad, rocket engines, recovery and igniters. Everything a young enthusiast needed to start their own shuttle program.

Bail-Out – This is a model rocket featured with a payload department, with a twist. In 1993 Estes model rockets released the Bail-Out model rocket which came with two extra parachutes for your action figures. Every child would love the chance to send their favorite action figure high into the sky, and not to mention your sisters Barbie.

Estes model rockets will continue to be around for years to come. They will continue to design and engineer new and exciting model rockets and rocket supplies. We just hope the above rockets will make a come back.

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1:9 Scale Saturn 1B

Posted on August 16, 2011 by Nick

On April 25th, 2009 history was made when Steve Eve’s, launched a 1:10 scale version of the Saturn V rocket. The rocket was constructed over a few years by Mr. Eves and set a world record as the largest scale model to be launched. On April 16th, 2011 more records will be broken, this time by two men, Steve Eves and Vern Hoag.

At Higgs Farm in Price, Maryland, April 16th became the day the world would see two replica Saturn 1B model rockets take flight. The two rockets come in at 24 feet tall and weigh over 700 pounds each. Hoag’s Saturn 1B is a single stage rocket, while Eve’s rocket launched on multi-stage rocket engines. The propellant for Hoag’s rocket engines cost approximately $1,500 and was fitted with a total of 8 separate.

To cover the cost of the rockets many donations were made to the two men and companies like Cesaroni and Loki Research the price of the model rocket builds were significantly reduced. Rockets Magazine also helped promote the event through their magazine and website. Progress on the two men’s projects could be tracked through the website and donations were set up on the site as well.

The record breaking launch was a spectacular display of ingenuity and design skills. Many people made their way out to the farm to watch the historic day take place. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and both men were glad to share the day with so many other rocketeers.

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Model Rocket Gift Set

Posted on August 7, 2011 by Nick

It’s that time of year when the kids are headed back to the classroom. For some kids it can be an exciting event, getting the books together, new school outfits and the anticipation to meet the new teachers. While there are other students who have a tough time getting back into the routine of class and homework. Why not treat them to a nice model rocket kit, to help them transition back into the school year.

Model rockets are often used in the classroom to teach an assortment of different material. They are a great way to teach mathematics, science, engineering and technology to students while having some fun. Designing the rocket can take as much time as you want. There are many different Skill Level rockets and there are even rockets that are Ready to Fly. The rockets will show children how propulsion works to get the rockets off the launch pad. One the parachute is deployed kids have a blast watching it float back to earth and reloading the rocket with a new rocket motor. The fun only ends once you run out of rocket motors.

Getting back into the grind of the school year can be stressful for some children. They may need a relief from the first weeks of school, and a little fun to relax with. So why not do something fun, exciting and educational, and have an afternoon of launching model rockets?

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Tulsa Rocketry’s High Frontier Launch

Posted on August 4, 2011 by Nick

We at Model Rocket Site are always covering local model rocket launches that are taking place around the country. The next big event coming up is Tulsa Rocketry’s High Frontier Launch, which will be held in Pawhuska, OK. This will mark the 7th year the event is being held, and the Pawhuska Airport will be the location of the launch. On September 25th and 26th the local Tulsa area skies will be littered with model rockets flying at incredible heights.

The event is is free to kids under the age of 18 and will be $10 per day or $15 for the entire weekend. Not only will rocket launches be available, there will be a view telescopes set up for public viewing. The telescopes will be fitted with solar filters which will allow for viewing of the sun and sunspots.

Want some competition? Well there will be a four contests held for adults and a contest on both days for children. One contest being held is the 7+ altitude which requires rocketeers to fly a rocket with with any impulse larger than 7 inches in diameter. The model rockets will be fitted with an electronic altimeter and must be presented at the judging table following its flight. The winner will receive a $100 dollar prize. Best in show is giving to the rocket the people vote for. Everyone will be giving a number and the attendees will vote on the rocket they like the most. The children’s competition will be the “Closest to the Buffalo” challenge. Which ever rocket lands closest to the Buffalo sign will win $25, second place gets $15 and third place will get $10.

This is sure to be a very fun event with a number of different things to do. Competitions, vendors, telescopes, and even star gazing Saturday night. There is something for everyone. So pack up the cooler and load the kids into the car, it’s time to watch some model rockets fly.

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Schools in UK to Launch 5,000 Rockets

Posted on August 1, 2011 by Nick

Last Tuesday United Launch announced a new competition would be held and was target towards schools, colleges, scouts, and other educational based organizations. The goal is to set a new world record by launching over 5,000 model rockets simultaneously. The United Launch hopes to bring model rocketry into schools and groups around the world.

Bulk model rocket kits are the best options for schools to purchase large quantities, at great prices. The students will first build the model rocket and then are required to create a custom paint scheme. The goal of this project is to get children interested in model rocketry, which is a great teaching aid in the fields of maths, science, technology and engineering.

Once the model rockets are painted they will be returned to Untied Launch and a winner will be announced. The winners rocket will be posted to the United Launch website and the winner will be invited to mass launch in the summer of 2012. The winner will be the lucky one to press the launch button with a guest celebrity who will attend.

A new world record will be set and many students will have a great story to tell. The competition is sure to create a model rocket trend that many schools will implement into their curriculum. Most students love the opportunity to build and fly something they have created, all while learning a thing or too as well.

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Tripoli Vegas Hosts Oktoberfest

Posted on July 28, 2011 by Nick

We are constantly covering upcoming rocket events that are happening around the globe. Many of these events are held at the local level by Tripoli prefectures. There are a number of local groups around the country that host their own launches and many of these are posted online. Search for your local rocketry club and head out to a launch, you’ll love what you see.

This weeks covered event is Oktoberfest which is hosted by Tripoli Vegas in Nevada. The group also hosts the popular Springfest, which is held each year in mid-March. The launches take place at one of the best model rocketry locations in the world, Jean Dry Lake which is only 20 minutes from downtown. During October the temperature average is just about 81 degrees during the day making for ideal flight weather.

Friday, October 21st the day launch will begin at noon and run until approximately 4 pm followed by the night launch that will start at 6pm to 10pm. Saturday’s launches will begin at 8am and run until 4pm followed by another night launch at 6pm to 10pm. The last day, Sunday will be a research launch starting at 8am. The fees are $10 each day or $25 for all three days and it is free to spectators. Camping is permitted onsite, and campfires must be in a container.

If you are visiting Las Vegas and need to get away from the glitz and glamor of the strip, then head out to Jean Dry Lake and watch some model rockets fly. It doesn’t matter your level of knowledge regarding model rockets, you are sure to have a great time watching these handmade vehicles soar.

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Estes Rockets’ Full Catalog

Posted on July 25, 2011 by Nick

Estes model rockets have been the leader in model rocketry for many consecutive years. The company, which was founded in 1958 by Vernon Estes, continues to produce the best quality model rockets and rocket engines on the market. Each year the company manages to create new and exciting rockets, while staying true to its nostalgia design. All the classic Estes rocket kits are still available through the company, so if you are looking for a replica of the first model rocket you ever built. Chances are Estes has a related model.

Many of us grew up building model rockets, and chances are the first one you built was an Estes. Everyone can remember the excitement of building the rocket, the challenging dilemma of which colors to paint it and of course the anticipation of liftoff. Often people only had the opportunity to fly rockets just a few times, while for others it has become a lifetime hobby. Today model rocket launches are conducted around the United States in just about every state. There are many local groups that get together once a month for a rocket launch and to show off their builds.

Estes knows that many rocketeers in the sport have been long time customers and realize what significant effect their product has had on people. With this in mind Estes has recently released a complete list of their catalogs, dating back to 1968. The catalogs, which can be found here, is provided in a PDF format and full color photos. Additional information is provided in the catalog which shows construction and the rocket flight sequence.

Rocket enthusiasts will have a blast going through these old catalogs and remembering the rockets they once had. The memories will flow back and before you know it, you’ll want to building your own rocket. Have fun browsing over 40 years of model rockets from one of the most recognizable names in model rocketry.

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Saturn V Model Rocket Comparison

Posted on July 19, 2011 by Nick

The Saturn V rocket is one of the most iconic in the history of NASA and space travel. The legendary rocket carried Apollo 11 into outer space, and eventually landed on the moon. In the 9 years the rocket was in operation it managed to cost NASA a total of $6.5 billion dollars, which would be equivalent to 44 billion in todays market. The rocket played a major role in helping the United States win the Cold War, and conquering space exploration.

Since this rocket has become such a part of American history it is easy to see why there are so many products available. Many people remember watching the infamous Apollo missions, which makes this rocket hold a special spot in their hearts. With so many different types of model rockets built after the Saturn V, we decided to compare the prices of a few.

Estes Saturn V model rocket is one of the most popular and readily available model. Many websites sell the rocket as a Skill Level 4 kit and is a 1/100 scale model of the original. Estes model rockets’ prices reflect the retail value of the rocket.

Estesrockets.com             – $79.99 plus shipping and handling.
Towerhobbies.com          – $69.99 plus shipping and handling.
Discountrocketry.com    – $69.97 plus shipping and handling.
321rockets.com               – $67.47 plus shipping and handling.

Again, there are many sites that offer these model rockets for different prices, these just represent four websites on the internet. Each site has a different price for shipping so it is important to do some research to get the best price. Sites like 321rockets.com offer free shipping on orders that are more than $99 and most sites will offer shipping insurance. If you would like to own a 1/100 scale model rocket of this legendary rocket, check out the sites listed above.

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International Rocket Week

Posted on July 18, 2011 by Nick

Model rocketry isn’t just a hobby that is popular within the United States. All over the world clubs gather to showcase their builds and have a relaxing day of flying model rockets. In the United Kingdom one of the largest rocket launches takes place from August 22nd to the 29th outside of Largs, Scotland. The Farlie Moor Rocket Site is the premium location for the 26th annual International Rocket Week (IRW). Base camp will be setup at the Lapwing Lodge, which also has a long connection to rocketry in Scotland.

In 1985 the Association in Scotland To research into Astronautics (ASTRA) created the Paisley Rocket Weekend which was direct inspiration for the Scottish Rocket Weekend. From 1986 to 1991 the Scottish Rocket Weekend was an annual event, then in 1992 the IRW was instituted and has been running ever since. The final Paisley Rocket Weekend held in 1986 was base camped at the famous Lapwing Lodge.

IRW 2011 is sure to offer something for the whole family. Veteran rocketeers will be flying their homemade model rockets at one of the UK’s most scenic locations. The launch site is located near town, which offers many great shops and restaurants. With a launch site that has a 16,000 feet waiver, it is sure to be one spectacular week.

The IRW is sure to be one of the best rocket launches of the year and it is one you will not want to miss. The event is open to international and local visitors alike and is great for amateurs, beginners, families, club members or just fans of watching model rockets fly.

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Tripoli LDRS XXX Launch

Posted on July 16, 2011 by Nick

Throughout the year Tripoli Rocketry Association plans a number of different national launches. One of the biggest of the year is the Large and Dangerous Rocket Ships (LDRS) which is hosted by the prefecture that is selected that year. It is one of the events of the year that will bring in some of the highest attendance of any rocket launch. Rocketry groups will travel from around the country for the chance to show off their collection.

On September 1st through the 6th the KLOUDBusters will be hosting this years LDRS rocket launch, which happens to be number 30. The event is held at the renowned Argonia, Kansas Rocket Pasture, and this is not the first time the KLOUDBusters have hosted the event. This will be the 6th time the group was selected the others being 93, 94, 99, 03, and 08. It is easy to say that the Tripoli group loves coming to this rocket pasture to see some one-of-a-kind model rockets be flown.

If you plan on flying you must register with the KLOUDBusters group, you can pay the day of the event, however credit cards cannot be processed at the field. On Saturday September 3rd, Tripoli will host a banquet to All-Members which will take place at the Best Western Airport Inn. There will be a number of different vendors available on site for any additional parts you will need for your model rockets. There will also be vendors there selling food, drinks and bagged ice, a variety of breakfast and lunch items will be available.

This is sure to be one of the largest model rocket launches of the year, so don’t miss it. Come see what new and improved rockets some of the Tripoli members have built. Take guesses on who will fly the highest or fastest, which one will have the loudest rocket engine or which one will be the biggest crowd pleaser? For more information check out the LDRS XXX website.

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