Reddit mentions: The best model rockets & kits

I got started with friends, just going out and launching some kits a friend had built. Then I thought I should get my own to have some time, in case we did it again. I meant to just get a few pre-made rockets so I wouldn't have to do any building or mess anything up.

I went on Amazon, and saw a rocket called Der Red Max by Estes - it's in this video several times. It's a classic Estes rocket that's red and black and styled a bit like the Red Baron's airplane. It was so cool looking, and was only 17 bucks, but it required assembly - something I was nervous about. But they only had one left, so I bought it, carefully read the instructions, and put it together, and it turned out looking beautiful. Once I launched it, and it worked and flew so well, I was hooked.

From there, I started reading stuff online. There is a TON of information and resources out there. A good website to ask questions is The Rocketry Forum (TRF) - especially the beginner's section. There are a lot of experts there who will help you out.

There are lots of ways to start, but I recommend starting by getting something called a launch set or launch kit. With this, you get a rocket (or two), plus a launch pad and launch controller for less than you'd pay buying these things separately. I didn't have one right away, since I was using a friend's equipment, but I wanted my own, so I got one. I gave the rocket away to a kid who came to a launch, but I still have the pad and controller.

Several rocket companies, particularly Estes and Quest Aerospace, have these. My own recommendation is to start with Estes, as it's the most prevalent company, and you can get everything you need through them.

You can get an Easy To Assemble ("E2X) or Ready-to-Fly kit, or if you want to do some assembly, you can get what's called a Skill Level 1 kit. These are not difficult, but require a bit of cutting, sanding and gluing, and the ability to read and follow directions.

The Launch Kit gives you everything you need to get started except motors - sometimes called "engines" (doesn't matter - they make the rocket go up) - and recovery wadding. You'll need some of that (there's other stuff you can use - cheaper stuff, too, but when you're just getting started, it's the easiest).

Get the kit, follow the instructions, and buy the motors recommended on the package. Read and follow the National Association of Rocketry (NAR) Model Rocket Safety Code. This will help you avoid hurting yourself or someone else, which could put you off the whole thing.

Go out and launch your rockets. Then, when you've inevitably decided you want to do more and know more, check out TRF, and get yourself a copy of The Handbook of Model Rocketry by G. Harry Stine and Bill Stine. It's required reading. Won't tell you much about how to assemble kits - they all come with instructions anyway - but it will help you understand the important basics of the hows and whys of model rockets.

I've got a blog in which I've been detailing my learning process of building and launching rockets over the last six months, and I also try to pass on information to people just getting started - rocketry for beginners by a beginner - so that they can maybe learn from my mistakes. Check it out, if you want to, and send me an email, and I can send you some more information if you'd like.

This is a really fascinating, fun hobby, and there's so much to learn. It can get really sophisticated and amazing - I like to tell my friends "it's not just for Webelos any more."

Edit: Oh, and if you're already past the part of building and launching a couple rockets, then I'd get that book and head straight for TRF - those are the next logical steps, I think.

Edit #2: Here's a more detailed post on launching your first rockets.

I recently turned 17 and I like aerospace and computer science so I think this question is basically made for me haha. Anyway here's a few suggestions:

• Arduino Starter Kit (Amazon, $60). Arduino is a great platform for learning the basics of computer science, electrical engineering, and programming. It's a great learning tool for younger people. I first used it in a class when I was 15 and I've used it for projects for the past 2ish years. Definitely would recommend this for interest in comp sci.
  
  
• Quadcopter (Amazon, $40). Not strictly as educational as the Arduino, but fun to play with. We used these in my aerospace class. It's just fun to fly it around, do tricks, race them, etc. If he's interested, he could try learning about the functionality and dynamics of how it flies and how it moves.
  
  
• Kerbal Space Program (Steam, $40). This is a "game" where you design, build, and fly rockets and planes. I put game in quotes because it's a fairly realistic simulator, but it still has game-y elements like setting objectives for the player and rewarding you for certain actions. This is the game that got me into aerospace initially so I would highly recommend this if he doesn't have it yet.
  
  
• Model Rocket (Amazon, $25). These are just plain fun to launch. We also did these in my aerospace class, although they weren't as fancy as this one. I'd also recommend buying extra engines so you can launch them again after recovery. Also, don't launch them on a windy day because they will travel really far.
  
  That's all I can think of off the top of my head. They're all sorta educational, sorta fun if he likes that stuff. Hope that helped!

Estes Tandem-X Flying Model Rocket Launch Set https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002VLP67S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_4Sl8Cb8Y0K0TX

That’s what I have found

Estes is a pretty good company for model rockets but don’t count on me do some more research but this is a basic set ( I think)

Yeah like I said don’t count on me you need engines which are like five bucks for three and a parachute which usually comes and a piece of paper which is used to block the flame from burning up the fairing with the parachute inside

Just do your research it’s a really easy hobby and fun if you attach an altimeter and speedometer with a camera its pretty cool to rewatch your videos and see what you could’ve have done better.

Have fun and great job on quitting weed

If your son likes rockets (it looks like he does!), may I recommend you consider doing some actual rocket building together?

Something like this Is a really awesome starter set for an aspiring model rocket builder. You get the launch pad, the launch controller, and two rockets. You'd need a few engines, igniters (usually come with engines) and fireproof wadding, but you can also get those on amazon or at a hobby store, or even a toystore or walmart usually. One of the rockets is a pretty simple one that is more or less snap together, and then the other is a slightly more complicated one that needs a touch more skill.

The only caveat is you need a pretty big open field to do launching so they don't end up stuck in the tops of trees. I used to go launch mine at the local soccer field complex on days when there were no games.

Pick up one of these. They're super easy to assemble, fly on the low powered A, B, and C engines, and come with a complete launch system. While they may not be much when compared to some of the big stuff, they're still a lot of fun, and can instantly ignite a kid's passion.

Or yours, for that matter. My dad is still just as enthusiastic about rockets as he was when we started 24 years ago.

From memory, so if I screw things up forgive me as I don't have the syllabus in front of me....

Day 1 - General introduction and history of rocket development. Pretty boring day but it's amazing how ignorant the kids are. They actually have a sizeable piece of SpaceShip2 wreckage in their classroom but very few of them know what SpaceShip2 is/was! They just walk by this 3' long piece of plane wreck every day and are oblivious to it.

Day 2 - Covers the theory of how rockets work. Basic momentum balance stuff that they should already know if they were paying attention earlier in the year.

Day 3 - Discussion of Day 4's events: Static firing of rocket motors to measure the delivered thrust/time curve accompanied by an in-depth discussion of what those results mean in the real world. I also throw in discussion of what makes a good rocket propellant or not and actually mix an analogue of the propellant that was in the old Space Shuttle solid boosters (AP+Al+PBAN). Walk outside and burn the propellant at the end of the day.

Day 4 - Perform static firing of rocket motors. Each team fires three motors. Those teams that are not actively firing motors get to start building Estes Alpha rockets (this is what showed up on somebody's desk 8 years later!).

Day 5 - Introduce kids to Excel and let them finish building rockets.

Day 6 - Build a 1 dimensional flight simulation in Excel using the data obtained on Day 4. Output of simulation is max acceleration, velocity, altitude, time of flight...blah blah blah.

Day 7 - Finish up simulations, plot out results. Talk about stuff they're seeing in the plots and what it means in the real world.

Day 8 - Ummm... I'm drawing a blank. It's a 10 day lecture series, damnit!

Day 9 - Launch rockets and measure altitudes via commercial altimeters as well as old school triangulation.

Day 10 - Backup launch day (weather!) or discussion of why predictions didn't match measured altitudes (and measured altitudes didn't match each other).

Well, what we "hand out" is kits for Estes Alpha rockets.

I am but haven't launched anything since I was a kid. I would get a Starter Kit and a packs of A engines. A engines don't go as high so it is easier to track the rocket until you can learn it's personality. I also like to keep extra parachutes on hand and they tend to wear out kinda fast.

Estes Tandem-X Flying Model Rocket Launch Set https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002VLP67S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_jU5XCb93BAZG0

I’m more about practical learning.. get ur parents to grab something like this and see it for yourself!

Be safe and have fun!

again. ONLY PLASTICS need to be breakable. breakable is listed NO WHERE ELSE and breakable is not listed by congress. so again you are wrong.

NO commanche. 2800ft.

I don't have to show you a class one that can reach 4000ft. you don't get to set terms (a class one can reach 5000ft btw not hard just stuff a G12 into it)

I only have to show you they can pass 400ft your mythical they become dangerous altitude.

NTSB does not get a say. FAA does not get a say. CONGRESS is the boss.

what part of "no part of this may be construed to regulate model hobby recreational aircraft is unclear to you?

FAA is not trying to limit my models. it is trying to limit the number and danger of MASS COMMERCIAL DRONES.

not hobby drones.

if my drone damages your airplane CORRECT I am liable for the damages caused to that aircraft. no one is questioning that so why are you mentioning it?

we are talking about the FAA regulated hobby drones.

I have SHOWN YOU the existing and the most very current LAW not rules not advisories not guidelines but THE LAW

that very clearly and unambiguously states the FAA HAS NO LEGAL POWER OR LEGAL AUTHORITY OVER MODEL AIRCRAFT.

BTW commanche

http://www.amazon.com/Estes-1382-Comanche-3-Flying-Rocket/dp/B0006NANNU/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

flies over 2600ft. I have tracked mine to 2800. I CAN easily make it go higher.

granted a commanche will not damage an airplane.

my machbuster (still legally class 1) will punch a hole straight through your wing and might even keep right on flying.

as for supersonic flight punch a hole through an airplane and clear 5000ft (won't punch a hole at 5000ft but would at 2500 ft no problem)

http://www.rocketreviews.com/rocket-vision-mach-buster-terry-moore-read-5426.html

100% legal class 1 rocket.

Yeah, that may be difficult. I think the smallest kit I've seen for the Saturn V is the Revel 1/144 one. The "problem" with the Saturn V kits is they are too big because the actual real life Saturn Vs were MASSIVE.

With that being said, have you considered getting your bf an actual model rockets? Something like this: http://smile.amazon.com/Estes-1469-Tandem-X-Launch-Set/dp/B002VLP67S/

edit:

Get a few motors and you should be set. You can probably leave the motors up to your bf though. Also, /r/rocketry can probably help you pick a good kit or two.

In addition to joining the clubs as others have mentioned, Apogee has a ton of great information and videos for people just getting into rocketry.

My advice, start small with an Estes kit. Not one of the plastic ones that you snap together, but one of the ones with the wooden fins that you have to fully assemble. Personally, I like the Hi-Flier. All you need is the kit, some white glue, and patience.

Also, look for recommendations on Apogee's website or on their excellent Youtube channel.

I would strongly recommend the Este's Atomic Sky kit, its almost ready to fly and snap together. All you need is a pack of motors, some parachute wadding, and batteries.

https://www.amazon.com/Estes-Atomic-Sky-Launch-Set/dp/B00DRKCKGW

this one, just because I am on a tight budget, and buying everything separately was expensive. Like I said, I am getting a larger one pretty soon.

This https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004LGXCLI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_rkgSDb8XAYH2D is what I had. Looks like you just saved $26!

Posters:

Chart of Cosmic Exploration

History of Space Travel

Cutaway View of a Space Shuttle peel and stick wall decals

NASA Saturn V Cutaway

Skylab Cutaway illustration

International Space Rockets

X-15 Cutaway

Smithsonian Milestones of Flight

Space Stations Poster

International Space Station Planet Earth

SpaceX Falon 9

Shuttle Atlantis & Mir Space Station

T-Shirts:

Spacex Falcon 9 T-shirts

SpaceX Kids T-Shirts

NASA Logo T-shirt

NASA KIds T-Shirt

Organizations:

Students for the Exploration and Development of Space (SEDS)

Planetary Society

Tech

Get email or text alerts when the space station is flying over

NASA App

Star Walk App

Celestron SkyMaster

Celestron 71020 SkyMaster

Toys:

3D Laser Cut Models

Model Rockets (starting with easiest to make and launch) First Rocket, Second Rocket, Third Rocket, Forth Rocket, and Fifth Rocket.

LEGO City Space Utility Vehicle

LEGO City Space Port

LEGO Ideas NASA Apollo Saturn V

Videos:

Huble IMAX

NASA: A Journey Through Space

Moon Machines or watch at YT - this series rocks.

NASA Live - Earth From Space

HOW IT WORKS: The International Space Station

SKYLAB : SPACE STATION I

The Mir Chronicles

Hubble Space Telescope Servicing Mission

The Space Shuttle

North American X-15

Events:

Total Solar Eclipse 2017

Meteor Showers in 2017

Vandenberg AFB Launch Schedule

Launch Schedule

Dark Sky Map People who have never been to a dark sky area do not think that it is worth the effort to see. People who have gone to a dark sky site are blown away by the amount of stars they can see with their naked eyes. Go on a trip to a dark sky area (dark gray on the map) on a moonless (new moon) night, here is a moon phase calendar.

Its actually a modified Custom Liberty with a Estes Loadstar II upper section/nosecone. Fly's great!

Here is a pattern you can cut out of index cardstock/heavy paper and build for no more than $1-2 in supplies at a local craft store (or which you may already have, or can borrow), plus instructions:

Mignight Express

You'll still need a launcher, and that could be a significant expense (relative to your $30 budget).

 

All told, you're probably better off getting this https://www.amazon.ca/Estes-1427-Flying-without-Engines/dp/B003CT4B0G/ which includes everything but the engine for $33 (find something for $2 to get free shipping if you don't have Amazon Prime).

I would love all of this.

I think the entire world needs to send this to the glorious leader.

When I was a kid I had a model rocket I believe was called the payloader, and it had a tube near the top of the cone so you could put stuff in it purely for launching it in a rocket!

Like this, it was made by Quest but the one I had was all white and the payload tube was clear.

Haha I totally had this thing when I was a kid... http://www.amazon.com/Estes-Flying-Rocket-Starter-SNAPSHOT/dp/B0017Q6IN4#customerReviews (it was not $115 in the late 90's when I got it for Christmas...)

It had a tiny fixed camera in the nose cone and when the ejection charge would pop off the nose cone it would pull the shutter open and snap a photo of earth from 500 feet. After 30 launches I'd run that thing to CVS and get the whole roll developed.

And I flew both model rockets and RC planes in urban areas. I just needed a soccer field sized patch of land and to not use the bigger "C" engines. Nobody cared back then, don't know why they do now..

Edit: I also agree that people should be liable for any damages and injuries they cause with any flying object whatever it is, dangerous hobbies mean kids need to be supervised and adults need to be not stupid.

Heh. Elon tweeted earlier that he's not sure if Raptor will get the world record of thrust/cost.
Raptor gives 448,000 pounds of thrust, so that's right about 0.25 pounds per dollar.

According to http://www2.estesrockets.com/pdf/Estes_Engine_Chart.pdf, an Estes C6-5 (the engines I used to use when I was like 10) gives 3.4 pounds of thrust.

At Amazon, you can get 24 of them for $68: https://www.amazon.com/Estes-C6-5-Engines-Bulk-Pack/dp/B0006N6UIW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1550860885&sr=8-2&keywords=c6-5

which is $2.88 each. This means these engines give 1.2 pounds of thrust per dollar, meaning that it beats Raptor by a factor of 4. Elon's wayyyy off the world record :P

The two rockets we got came in this set. One rocket is supposed to go up about 600 feet, and the other should reach about twice that. The big rocket is about 3 feet tall, and the small one is about 16 inches.

Is this too much rocket for beginners?

https://www.amazon.com/Estes-Tandem-X-Flying-Rocket-Launch/dp/B002VLP67S/ref=sr_1_1?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1543033901&sr=1-1&keywords=estes+rocket+starter+kit

>North Korea launches a satellite into space.

NK media reports: http://imgur.com/UB2XK7h

Actual : https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002VLP67S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_RG13wbGG80QV0