Jetex Model Rockets 1950's Thor, Nike-Ajax, and Jupiter C

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UniversityofSouthFl93

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Hi guys... I have some old Jetex model kits which look to be from the 50's... I tried to do some research about them but I find out very little. Maybe someone else has some information about them . The packages have a 49 cent price and " For Jetex 50 engine" printed on the hangtag. Here is a link (only info I could find) https://groups.yahoo.com/group/OldRockets/message/6391?var=1 Any info would help . Thanks in advance
 
Thanks for the quick reply Banjo... I will try to add some pictures in the next couple days. Maybe someone on here flew these kits years ago.
 
I had several Jetex engines more than 50 years ago. The jetex 50 motor was the smallest. I tend to think that the propellant was guanidine nitrate. The burn-time was long, but the thrust was very low, on the order of ounces, hence, the application to small model airplanes. I did not have any of the airplane kits. Because the thrust was low, I think that a fuse was lit on the motor and the glider was hand launched. One time I saw a large rubber band launcher for one of the larger motor/gliders in a magazine like Popular Science. About 10 or 15 years ago I did a search on the internet and found very little information on the Jetex motor. They have been out of production for quite awhile.
 
Last edited:
About 15 or so years ago, a LHS in Washington bought out a Canadian shop (just across the border) and they had several motors and fuel pellets. One of my fellow engineers had a formulae for these pellets and he gave me a copy. Not the same as they were kinda toxic but they worked. Talked with a fellow pyro and he had something similar. Said he lit it with slow thermalite. If I still have it, it's buried deep. We played with these as kids and like aerostadt says, low thrust-more fizzy than whose. Those are extremely collectable-don't chuck 'em!!
 
fyrwrxz, Thanks for your help but I have the Jetex Model kits Nike-Ajax, Jupiter-c, and Thor :grin:. I will add some pictures tonight when I get out of work...
 
I look forward to seeing them. I thought I had a Model 50 and as best I remember it couldn't lift itself vertically. Maybe I had the smaller one? Anyway the kits should be cool.
 
rstaff3 said:
I look forward to seeing them. I thought I had a Model 50 and as best I remember it couldn't lift itself vertically. Maybe I had the smaller one? Anyway the kits should be cool.
Click to expand...

There was a 50 HT, a dual spring version with a progressive grain. This could lift itself.
 
Thanks...I didn't look at that one the Jetex site. I really wish I had mine even though it would just sit in my study.
 
Very interesting. Especially the location of the motor! Makes some sense if you think about it, however. Thanks for posting.
 
I tried them at a young age, early 70s. I don't think I ever got a motor pellet to ignite inside the motor. Most likely the Atom 35.
 
Man those were the days LOL!! Still have my 50 but am completely out of pellets. thought about making some of my own but didn't want to ruin the casing. They were really for use with stick and tissue models with Airfoil wings to help the tiny thrust motor keep the model flying. Great fun tho.
 

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