Estes 2019 Catalog Soon!

[turbofireball]

Estes has a teaser video of their 2019 catalog. Here is the link:

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=311135742922667

 

[James Harechmak]

Looks like I need to start working all the OT I can get for the next few months so I can shake my bank card account AC Supply.

 

[SecondRow]

Wow. All those? I see the 1/100 and 1/70 1B, maybe a 1/70 LJII, maxi V-2, maxi HoJo, Mercury Atlas, Phoenix and is that a Titan? If they’re coming out with all that, the eBay market’s bottom just dropped out.

 

[K'Tesh]

Did you see that MASSIVE Saturn 1 B on the far right 9 seconds in?

 

[Arsenal78]

I hope they bring all those kits back. Would be a shame to tease all of us and not go through with it. We’ll see next month. I spy the Pro Series Jayhawk front and center and the Blackbird peeking out from the left.

 

[turbofireball]

That page says: "Here's some of our past, present, and maybe future kits." Obviously no guarantee that all of those are coming back. For those that took the factory tour at the last NARAM, all those scale rockets were shown. They told us many of them were just prototypes for possible kits. As for the massive 1B, that has been around at hobby shows for decades as a conversation piece.

 

[Arsenal78]

Estes should ditch every single E2X, and all the same rockets with varying colors/decals that make them seem like new stuff and bring back the NASA stuff at least (not including what’s already out). Shame they most likely won’t even though it’s the 50th anniversary year of the moon landing.

 

[dhbarr]

Estes should ditch every single E2X, and all the same rockets with varying colors/decals that make them seem like new stuff and bring back the NASA stuff at least (not including what’s already out). Shame they most likely won’t even though it’s the 50th anniversary year of the moon landing.

You don't think kids and people in apartments should be into rocketry?

 

[Arsenal78]

No I think the kids of today should learn how to build things. They didn’t have E2X stuff 40 years ago, hell most likely not even 20 years ago. The amount of kids that can’t do simple things is rising every year. Keep a few starter sets yes, but I’d like to walk into a hobby shop and not see 99% E2X and generic 4FNC stuff.

 

[Cnorm]

No I think the kids of today should learn how to build things. They didn’t have E2X stuff 40 years ago, hell most likely not even 20 years ago. The amount of kids that can’t do simple things is rising every year. Keep a few starter sets yes, but I’d like to walk into a hobby shop and not see 99% E2X and generic 4FNC stuff.

You consider gluing wood fins onto a cardboard tube an important life skill?

 

[Arsenal78]

Well I consider it better experience than premade rockets with molded fins built in to the fin can.

 

[BA_Incognito]

You consider gluing wood fins onto a cardboard tube an important life skill?

Actually - YES! Think of what is involved. Following directions, measuring dimensions, using tools, etc. Even just the process of building from raw materials, having the patience and drive to see the model finished instead of having it "ready made." Don't discount the importance of these things.

I see many young people who can't understand how to do these things, instead they would rather just see it on a computer screen and not even use the pre-built version much less build the model. There are a limited number of kids who still build things today, and that number is getting smaller.

 

[BEC]

No I think the kids of today should learn how to build things. They didn’t have E2X stuff 40 years ago, hell most likely not even 20 years ago.

The Alpha III was introduced in 1971. So 48 years ago.

That said - I would like kids to be able to read and follow instructions to even successfully build an Alpha III or Generic E2X (both common models used locally by Cub Scout groups and such). And that skill does seem to be diminished.

 

[Arsenal78]

I hate to say these words but they must be said. Estes is contributing to the rising number of stupid kids who can't do simple things like yes, glue a fin on because they'd rather have cookie cutter rockets.

 

[GlenP]

It's not just Estes shifting towards this kind of simplification, the entire Cub Scout curriculum itself, for example, has been greatly simplified in recent years, possibly not to make it easier for the scouts, but rather for the parents. Are they creating the demographic, or catering to the new demographic?

 

[BEC]

I'm sure they (the folks at Estes Industries) would say the latter.

 

[Scott_650]

I hate to say these words but they must be said. Estes is contributing to the rising number of stupid kids who can't do simple things like yes, glue a fin on because they'd rather have cookie cutter rockets.

Sigh. There’s a place for RTF, ARF, and E2X rockets. I work as a substitute teacher in multiple school districts (gotta do something during retirement when I’m not running or doing rocketry!) and the number of kids whose primary interaction with the adults in their lives is making sure the WiFi is working would break your heart.

Without a “gateway” to rockets like those shake the box kits and models we’d have an even smaller niche in the hobby world than we do. Besides, NAR and TRA memberships are rising, Estes sales are apparently pretty healthy (according to what I’ve heard Estes revenues were basically carrying the rest of Hobbyco before the bankruptcy), and it appears the major online vendors are expanding so maybe Estes has the right idea.

Now, do they have the right mix of RTF/ARF/E2X rockets to builder kits? Could they back off the number of toy-like rockets and color schemes? Maybe. Guess we’ll see as the new leadership there continues to make changes.

 

[hcmbanjo]

Actually - YES! Think of what is involved. Following directions, measuring dimensions, using tools, etc. Even just the process of building from raw materials, having the patience and drive to see the model finished instead of having it "ready made." Don't discount the importance of these things.

Model Rocketry has taught me:
How to read a ruler and take measurements, Make templates
Wood working skills, Drafting skills, Correct use of tools,
How to prep, fill and paint wood surfaces, How to read and follow directions,
Elementary Trigonometry, Problem solving and Patience.
Seeing a project through to the finish and that reward of a stable flight!

Not to mention Rocketry friends -
Rocketry kept me busy and away from bad influences through the teenage years.

"You consider gluing wood fins onto a cardboard tube an important life skill?"
Today I'm going to use my rocket glue fillet skills to lay beads of caulk on a new bathroom floor!

 

[Marc_G]

The number of motors used by folks using RTF or E2X probably exceeds the number used with the builder kits by now. In other words, having easy to build/fly models available is keeping demand for engines sufficient to keep Estes afloat.

Without that contribution things might have folded by now.

Should kids do more crafts? Yes. But Estes needs to survive one way or another, and adopting a hard line attitude "Crafters only" is a sure way to go out of business.

As a marketer I praise them for embracing a diversity of interest levels.

 

[zenrocket]

im confused, my first rocket was e2x. I had to build and mount the motormount, the plastic fins slotted thru the body tube into it and im not an expert but i think if i had not measured that it wouldnt have lined up properly so most of this arguement is negated right there, but also if anything its kindled an interest in bigger more complicated rockets so if your going to say they shouldnt try to make rockets available to people of all skill level then your doing more to hurt the hobby then to help it

 

[samb]

Nice tease for the new catalog.

I think the idea in the retail consumer products game is to make stuff that sells and to make a lot of what sells the most. I don't expect Estes or any other vendor to do otherwise. I would expect every TRFer who cares to take any opportunity they have to pass along their passion and the building skills they have learned to newbies of all ages. It may not stop the tide but seeds planted are a good thing regardless.

 

[James Duffy]

Estes should ditch every single E2X

This is the single stupidest post I've ever read on this forum.

Also, you forgot to say "get off my lawn!"

 

[Scott_650]

Estes should ditch every single E2X, and all the same rockets with varying colors/decals that make them seem like new stuff and bring back the NASA stuff at least (not including what’s already out). Shame they most likely won’t even though it’s the 50th anniversary year of the moon landing.

So two Apollo 11 anniversary rockets, Little Joe II, Mercury Redstone, Mercury Little Joe, Nike Apache, Nike Smoke, and V-2 aren’t enough space program related scale model rockets?

Yeah, we (as in the small number of hardcore rocketry fan boys/girls) would love it if Estes still did all the scale stuff they’ve produced forever but their distributors and retailers would be stuck with slow moving products occupying space that could be used for popular rockets like an Outer Space Orange crayon, or a Flip Flyer, or an Alpha III...yup, that’s the path to long term success, selling niche products with a limited appeal that ties up your sales pipeline’s funds...

And after listening to the Langford and Stine interview on The Rocketry Show I’d have to say that future space flight related scale models from Estes could most likely be from prototypes from Space X, Blue Origin, ESA, RSA, ISRO...as well as NASA past and present.

 

[MarcoPolo]

How about we celebrate the fact that Rocketry people bought the gateway company for the entire hobby? E2X, ARF, RTF, who cares where today’s kids start? Hopefully some will get hooked and spend forever loving rockets like many of us! Check out the Rocketry Show podcast. Newest episode has Ellis Langford and Bill Stine. They talked about the plans they have for Estes. Very exciting stuff!

 

[cwbullet]

Estes should ditch every single E2X, and all the same rockets with varying colors/decals that make them seem like new stuff and bring back the NASA stuff at least (not including what’s already out). Shame they most likely won’t even though it’s the 50th anniversary year of the moon landing.

Everyone is entitled to their opinions. That does not mean we need to pile on arsenal. We should keep this civil. Referring to an opinions as stupid is nto needed. Just say you do not agree. That should suffice.

I like to fly the E2X and RTF models. Sometime is nice to just show and fly or quick build on the field. I think these products pull people into the hobby.

 

[Bill Morrison-Bates]

I suppose that at almost 69 I'm considered by most to be an old f**t, but I've now been model making in all it's various forms since 1957.

Oh the joy of carefully broken razor blades and the scars on both my fingers and Mother's kitchen table....and the smell of dope (paint type) and diesel fumes transport me back over 60 years.
But now, relishing a new direction, I've finished a Mercury Redstone, Bullpup, Nike X, and almost finished an Airborne Surveillance Missile.

Just awaiting some motors and wadding to arrive and it might just be all cisterns go, it'll be a nice change from RC Aircraft , boats, helicopters, and not forgetting my Amateur Radio.

73 to all

Bill

 

[captbk]

When I first saw the E2X n RTF kits I was a little put off. I felt the same as many of us older ones felt, that it hurt the hobby by not teaching building skills. But if you think about it it was a smart move on Estes part especially in this instant gratification world of today. Back in the old days you break a fin and you were done for the day. Really sucked if it happened on the first flight too. And back then, no super glue, nothing but SLOW setting Elmers. But today a kid can buy a RTF rocket and a bunch of motors and be all set for the day. I bet Estes sells way more motors now with the new E2X and RTF kits and I (just my opinion) think its a great way to attract new people to the hobby. They can learn building skills as they advance in the hobby.

 

[Jim Hinton]

Just to show you how old I am, I remember turning up my nose at the Alpha 2, and then the Alpha 3 due to plastic fins/nc. I frequently wonder if I was actually a better builder back then. I was certainly much more patient.

Jim

 

[GlenP]

My big brother had a Vampire and a Big Bertha. They were both fun rockets and inspired me to get into the hobby when I got older. Here's a page out of RTF history, 1974 to be precise:
https://www.ninfinger.org/rockets/catalogs/estes74/74est8.html
Some years ago, I bought a Jinx for my daughter back when they were available to do a rocket demo for her scout group on short notice on a small field. They have their place. They probably get more exposure and interest from the RTF models, so that more kids will buy that second rocket. Only thing better than an RTF rocket at getting kids hooked is nicotene.

But, we do live in a time now where "adulting" is a thing. What even is that? Welcome to the new millennium!

 

[Rockyt]

Looks like I need to start working all the OT I can get for the next few months so I can shake my bank card account AC Supply.View attachment 375731

SR71- A10-ish appearance- on the left....Jayhawk missile in front of the D-Region center/right-ish...stop teasing me!!!