Estes Model Rockets

[MrBig]

My sons are increasingly obsessed with space travel, especially having watched a few of the Space X Falcon launches recently and I was reminded of the Estes rocket kits that were about when I was young.

To my surprise they are still readily available but there’s quite an array and I’m not really sure where to start. I don’t want to spend a fortune in case they lose interest after the first launch but we will be starting from scratch. Can anyone recommend a fairly basic starter setup please? I’m pretty sure the boys will want to be hands on with the build process.

[pjfry]

The Alpha III launch set looks pretty good for your needs. I'd avoid ones modelled after real rockets though. I built a Red Stone Mercury not too long ago but the little details and escape tower were really tricky.

[johnpsanderson]

We got an Estes set which has two rockets, Rascal and Hi-jinks, which are already built and just need preparing to launch with the parachute, wadding and engine. My now 7 year old enjoyed launching them, although after they’ve fired up in the sky a couple of times the novelty does wear off a bit!

[MrBig]

Thank you both. I will check those out.