Model Rocketry

Modern model rockets are constructed from safe materials. These are materials such as cardboard, balsa wood and plastic. They aren't constructed from metal at all which could be a potential hazard in the event the rocket accidentally blows up during launch - although this is not a worry if you use only approved rocket engines.

When building a model rocket from a kit you have the choice of several sizes in engines that all fit the particular kit. After firing off the rocket and it has landed safely you can remove the used engine and replace it with a new one and launch it again just minutes later. Disposable engines are manufactured by professionals so you won't need to take any chances when messing with the engine.

Model rocket kits and engines can be purchased online in stores such as Estes, Hobbytron and Apogee. The model rocket kits are designed for all ages and they all require different levels of skill - everyting from simple beginner kits to complicated scale models.

Model rocket kits guide: We have taken a look at a few models - have a look below.

1. Venus Probe Model Rocket Kits. This model is a very good beginners kit. It has some nice features and details. After it has launched it ejects a shuttle or as referred to by the the manufacturer "an alien lander" that will glide down on its own. The rocket itself will land using its own parachute.
This is a good beginner kit because it is easy to assemble and doesn't require the big D engines. Its not a scale model loaded with difficult and demanding details.
The Venus Probe is a very enjoyable rocket and the alien probe is a neat feature too ;o)

2. Big Daddy Model Rocket Kits. This is another almost ready-to-fly model rocket kit - but it doesn't come with any built in alien probes though! This model is the kind that requires the big D-engine which is the biggest of the off-the-shelf-rockets. It actually pushes up to 28 Newton's (4.6 lb)!
This is not an actual scale model such as the Patriot or the Saturn V shown below. Therefore it doesn't require more than a half an hour to an hour before it's ready to go. If you want a kit that requires more time to assemble you might want to consider a scale model such as the Saturn V shown below.
The Big daddy rocket kit will give you a lot in terms of power.

3. Apollo 11 Saturn V Model Rocket Kits. The Saturn V is a real scale model and it will keep you busy for quite some time. It is a very detailed model rocket and standing 43 inches tall it looks very nice . This is one of the big boys that fly to 100 ft and it requires a lot of power - more specifically; a D engine. Supposedly it also comes in a 3 C engine version. Some seems to think that the 3 C version is no longer available, but for the time being we have not verified this.

A nice detail is the three parachutes - Whether it has three of them is due to the weight or just looks isn't quite sure - although we tend to believe that its not because of the weight.

All in all a very enjoyable model rocket particularly for those who like working on details.

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