Rocket and Motor Choice and Construction Guidelines:

Questions concerning the construction of  rockets are welcome. For minors, Estes kits and motors are suggested and may be purchased at Hobby Lobby and similar stores.  Please use only the specific engines recommended for each kit.  (Typical hobby store beginner's kit price are $ 8.00 for a rocket and $ 2.00/motor.)  Each rocket kit recommends motor sizes.  The smallest recommended motors barely get off the ground. The largest motor sizes will put streamlined rockets almost out of sight. Something in the middle is a good choice.

Estes E2-X series kits - 1 to 2 hours construction time

Estes Beta series kits - 1 afternoon required with some sanding, gluing, painting etc.

More advanced kits than these are recommended only for teenagers and students with modeling experience.

Do not use hot glue sticks. Yellow carpenter's glue is preferred except for models with series F or larger engines. (Rockets for such large engines require epoxy.)  Wood glue seizes almost immediately when sliding small tubes inside larger ones.    So,  use one continuous motion when sliding tubes inside tubes if wood glue is used.  Limit use of plastic cement to plastic parts and use the type that wicks into joints not the tube type (regardless of what the instructions state). Superglue should not be used on shock cords.  Thin superglue should not be used on  fins or porous materials.  Fold and insert parachute in rocket immediately before launch. (Folded plastic parachutes do not open properly after being left in the rockets overnight.)

Launch Site Instructions:

Bring your model and motors to the launch. (Don't forget the water, snacks , suntan lotion, binoculars, and camera.) At the launch, some supplies (i.e. 5 minute epoxy, sandpaper, igniters etc.) will be available for model repair.  A few A8-3 and B6-4 motors may also be available.

1. Register at the launch.  Fill out a flight card each time you launch.

2. Have the Range Safety Officer inspect your rocket and sign your flight card.

3. When desired, proceed to Launch Control Officer for pad assignment.

You may launch as often (and with as many different models) as time permits.