Getting kind of expensive launching my 29mm Estes Pro Series II rockets on composite motors. Sure wish I could get some F15-6 or F15-8 black powder motors but they are nowhere to be found. Sure hope Estes isn't dropping them entirely
Then, not long ago I bought an Estes Pro Series II Star Orbiter which lists for only $25 and it flies just fine but it is hard to justify the $27 per launch cost using composite motors.
It should not cost $27 per launch for a Star Orbiter. 24mm Aerotech single-use E's run about $9 apiece. 29mm Fs can be had for less than $15, if you shop.Thank you for your response. I appreciate it! Recently, I was able to get access to a launch area large enough for mid-power so I finally built two Estes Argent kits that I bought about a decade ago. Then, not long ago I bought an Estes Pro Series II Star Orbiter which lists for only $25 and it flies just fine but it is hard to justify the $27 per launch cost using composite motors. Again, thank you for your thoughts on this! Art G. Tripoli #20008 AMA #8332
I thought they went out of business years ago. Did you buy from them recently?I bought a rocket kit from these guys, no problems, and they seem to have motors:
https://store.heavenlyhobbies.com/estmotors29.html
I thought they went out of business years ago. Did you buy from them recently?
Also: buying F15s mail order will incur $35 hazmat charge. Not worth it to me, unless you're gonna stock up big time.
That's why I've pretty much stopped flying these motors. They're great but when I can get great single-use composites without hazmat, the choice is easy.I don't know how many they have and they only have the booster in the F15 size so it may not work for you. Also, $37 HazMat charge is a hard pill to swallow unless you're buying in bulk and can spread it over alot of motors.
learned that they are rebuilding the machine used to make them
I would highly suggest 24/40 and 29/40-120 Aerotech Reloadable Motors for use with Estes D and Pro Series rockets.
That is true, there is nothing easier than staging -0 BP motors to upper stage.The one thing that none of the composite motor can do is direct staging. Being able to put an E16-0 or F15-0 in a booster and direct stage to any other BP motor still isn't available for SU or reloadable APCP motors. You must use electronics which adds weight and complexity.
DeWain's information squares with mine. I also reached out to Estes and learned that they are rebuilding the machine used to make them and that once that is done, they will be making them again.
I hope Ruby and Jim at Discount Rocketry really do have them. Their web site is not always up to date.
Nothing beats a 4 stage rack rocket on F15'sThe one thing that none of the composite motor can do is direct staging. Being able to put an E16-0 or F15-0 in a booster and direct stage to any other BP motor still isn't available for SU or reloadable APCP motors. You must use electronics which adds weight and complexity.
As long as you don't lose the rocket. They go much higher than the black powder motors.If you fly +2 stage, then you need to stick with the BP in the small motors. For single stage, it's hard to beat the reloads, especially after the case has been amortized over 5-10 flights.
As long as you don't lose the rocket. They go much higher than the black powder motors.
That is certainly true. I launched an Estes Stormcaster on an F24W and lost site of it on the way up.
I said it went into orbit and nobody has been able to prove me wrong since!
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