Estes New Launch Rail

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Hayden GIF by MasterChefAU
 
It's expensive but looks to be very portable and light. I currently fly a lot of mid power stuff off of a heavy weight 10-10 set up that can easily handle K class motors in 40 lb rockets...that's a lot to lug out to fly a couple Fs at the my undisclosed high desert test range.
 
This seems like an interesting alternative to a Jawstand based rail launcher. I'd love to see one in person to see how sturdy it actually is. My one concern is that it seems like the legs aren't designed to be staked down. My Jawstand based pad is solid enough to handle K and L motors in lightweight rockets when properly staked down.
 
One of these new Estes rail launchers arrived at this Dojo today, and I can share a few thoughts:

1) The pad is FAR more substantial than the photos on the web would lead one to expect. It is a very robust piece of gear.

2) The aluminum rail extrusion is a shape I have not seen before. Imagine a triangular version of the old BlackSky rails and you'll get the idea. Standard rail buttons fit fine.

3) The mass of the stand probably won't require any sort of staking for most rockets. If you feel a need to do so, drilling holes in the end of the tripod feet will be a simple modification.

I grabbed an inexpensive speaker stand bag on Amazon for storage of this launcher, as I have no desire to grime up the back of my car with residual exhaust soot on the way home.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001IM5KFY/

James
 
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The transport bag for the new Estes rail launcher arrived today. I also added a small zippered pouch for tools that might be needed for setup and adjustment such as a Philips screwdriver, a cheap pair of pliers, and an allen key. I also added a spare linch pin, as I am sure to lose the one that came with the launcher quickly.

View attachment IMG_6934.jpeg

If you'd like one for yourself, here's the link to the bag on Amazon. It is also available from Sweetwater.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001IM5KFY/

Here's the pouch for the extras:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CN8RCYCD
 
I am glad that the rail is at least a common size. You will be able to fly other rockets on it and if Estes sells buttons along with their Pro Series II kits you can use them even if you don't have the Estes rail.
 
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