Mine were (all from the 1991 catalog):
Magnum
Optima
S.W.A.T.
SR-71 Blackbird
Titan IIIE
Magnum
Optima
S.W.A.T.
SR-71 Blackbird
Titan IIIE
Because everyone has them
Mine were (all from the 1991 catalog):
Magnum
Optima
S.W.A.T.
SR-71 Blackbird
Titan IIIE
That sounds like justification for a top 5 placement to me.
I don't think everyone has them because they didn't desire them at one point.
For me, ubiquitous doesn't necessarily equate desirable.
Coming into rocketry outside the normal paths, I saw nothing particularly special or attractive about either alpha or bertha.
As I learned the hobby, I often heard the phrases "Everyone should have an alpha" or "You've just got to get a bertha". When asked "why?" I never got an answer that couldn't be applied to a dozen other rockets (other than sentiment).
In fact the best thing about reading this thread is how many different rockets there are in people's lists! The true beauty of rocketry is that there's so many different flavors of it, and different people like different things.
I can't like this enough times.For me, ubiquitous doesn't necessarily equate desirable.
Coming into rocketry outside the normal paths, I saw nothing particularly special or attractive about either alpha or bertha.
As I learned the hobby, I often heard the phrases "Everyone should have an alpha" or "You've just got to get a bertha". When asked "why?" I never got an answer that couldn't be applied to a dozen other rockets (other than sentiment).
In fact the best thing about reading this thread is how many different rockets there are in people's lists! The true beauty of rocketry is that there's so many different flavors of it, and different people like different things.
Did your black widow booster have much of a glide?Orbital Transport
Scrambler
Astron Sprite
Gyroc
Black Widow
All are available, at least as retro-repro's from Semroc. The exception is the Black Widow, my first two-stage rocket, with a glide recovery for the booster. Spent way too much time trimming the booster glide, it actually flew well in a relatively flat glide, slow circle- I remember it so vividly. Used C engines for that first and only flight, after the booster landed nearby, I watched the sustainer float away, it appeared to be gaining altitude as it disappeared drifting away, eastward towards Peoria.
Thanks for the links. I signed the form on ESTES site to bring back the S1B. Now more people need to go there and add there name too!Currently available (aka from Estes, and a few surviving others), or ever?
If currently available, then my list leans towards absurdly complicated and exotically finned:
If out of production (aka on eBay):
- Tesla - Fliskits (not currently on their web site, but will rejoin soon) - https://www.ebay.com/itm/FLISKITS-T...272821?hash=item1ce0a940b5:g:qTYAAOSwM~deCnX2
- Semroc Mars Lander - https://www.erockets.biz/semroc-flying-model-rocket-kit-mars-lander-kv-54/
- Proxima Centauri - https://www.fliskits.com/WPRESS/product/proxima-centauri/
- Estes Interceptor - https://estesrockets.com/product/001250-interceptor/
- Estes Saturn V / Saturn 1B - https://estesrockets.com/apollo-saturn-1b/
- -or- Apogee Saturn V Model - https://www.apogeerockets.com/Rocket-Kits/Skill-Level-5-Model-Rocket-Kits/Saturn-V-1-70th-Scale
- Estes StrikeFighter #2015
- Estes Challenge Series Rocket SR-71 Blackbird #7003
- Estes DARK SILVER Flying Model Rocket Kit #7229
- FlisKits Flying Model Rocket Kit Borealis FLS FR008
- FlisKits Flying Model Rocket Kit Decim 8 FR011
As posted: "Spent way too much time trimming the booster glide, it actually flew well in a relatively flat glide, slow circle- I remember it so vividly."Did your black widow booster have much of a glide?
As posted: "Spent way too much time trimming the booster glide, it actually flew well in a relatively flat glide, slow circle- I remember it so vividly."
Yes it flew very well. I always intended to rebuild that one, but never did. The plan is available, I just might get around to it one day.
Thanks!
Vintage estes Saturn 1b
Definitely a sharp rocket !!! Thanks for your response.
Post a picture when you finish that one if you think of it.
as far as high power I had fun building the apogee zephyr really solid build by apogee Components
+1 for the Zephyr, I built one - Called it Steve McQueen - it’s final video is on FB CATO page. I still have the nose cone - bought another one and it’s in my build pile.+1 for the Zephyr, currently a work in progress for me, ready to start the external fin fillets, then ready for the paint process.
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