Customer Reviews

Estes 1406 Alpha III Flying Model Rocket Starter Set

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The launch kit is everything you need to have a blast with a rocket. It consists of
Launch Pad
Deflector Plate
Two piece Launch Rod
Safety Cap
Electric Launch Controller
2 Engines
2 Igniters
Recovery Wadding
Rocket of some sort
Instructions

There are various kits that come with different rockets. Some require assembly, some are ready to fly.

The launch pad consists of three legs that attach to a slotted center column. The legs only fit one way and rapidly get stuck if you try it the other way (the way is not obvious at first). The center column holds the launch rod via a clamshell like clamp. It has holes for the standard launch rod and the Maxi launch rod which is thicker. The launch pad is good enough to handle all the normal rockets, though its build doesn't inspire confidence.

The deflector plate has a plastic holder that slides in and twist clips to the center. This holder has a hole in the middle that slides down the launch rod. The plate seems sturdy enough though it has warped with use. Still functions the same. I didn't expect the plastic holder to last since it is exposed to launch flame. But it's got a lot of launches on it and is still going strong.

The launch rod breaks into two pieces via a rod and slot in the middle. When I first got the rod there was no way, no how it would fit. I had to clamp down on the tab part of the rod with pliers to reduce the diameter before it would fit. Wasn't easy. I expected better. When disassembled there are two small plastic caps that hold the rod pieces together parallel to each other. Due to assembly/disassembly the rod is seldom perfectly straight.

The safety cap fits on top of the rod when the launcher is not in use. Keeps small kids from poking their eye on it.

The "Electron Beam" Launch controller is an updated launch controller. Rockets work by electric current moving through resistant wires which causes the igniter to heat up and ignite the engine. Basically a electric match. The purpose of the launch controller is to provide that current. It uses 4 AA batteries to do this with. There are three things on the controller. The launch button, continuity light and safety key. The design of the key has changed since the 80's. It is still more or less a small metal rod that is inserted into the controller to complete the circuit. But now it has a rubber bushing on it that acts as a spring. In order to complete the circuit you have to insert it and push down and hold it down. This way you can't forget to take out the safety key, go hook up the next rocket and get a rude surprise. It does require some force to hold it down, not something that will happen on accident.

Extending from the controller about 15 feet are two wires with small sub-sized alligator clips. You hook these up to the igniter. If everything is done right you will get a continuity light when you push down the safety key. It will go off when you push the launch button. There is a small cap for the light.

The controller is adequate for the job. It will launch everything up to a D engine (which covers most rockets). While it works there can sometimes be a delay from pushing the button to launching the rocket. Especially when the batteries are getting low.

The engines, igniters and recovery wadding are all standard launch consumables.

Overall it's a great getting started in rocketry kit. Far cheaper than purchasing the components individually it lets you get your feet wet. If you decide to keep swimming and aspire to move beyond small rockets your going to need more powerful launch equipment. Or you can go cheap and make your own (aluminum foil, steel rod, wires, clips and a 6-12v battery). The two part launch rod is a bit of a pain but I like that it breaks down. I can store my entire rocket kit of the launcher, rod, supplies and engines (and even the alpha rocket) all in one seralite 15 Q plastic box. That's pretty nice in that it means I don't have parts scattered about the house, so when I want to go I pick up the box and go rather than spend an hour digging.

So in Summary
Pros
Everything you need for a launch
Not too expensive
Easily packable

Cons
A bit flimsy
Not suitable for high powered rockets

Conclusion
A good rocketry starter kit. It contains everything you need to get going. If you get into it you'll likely find yourself doing some upgrades. If you don't keep going it's not an expensive abandoned activity.

Fun and easy project to spend time with my grandchildren. They learned alot and we got to do the project together.

I bought this kit for my 1st grader after watching the movie October Sky with him. When I was his age, my dad had to cut the fins out of balsa with an Exacto-knife and perform the tedious sanding and careful gluing of the fins. This kit lets the kid enjoy doing most of the work and has everything you need to build and launch your rockets. The fins are even pre-assembled plastic that just slides onto the rocket tube. He now has the excitement of rocketry in him so that he will have the motivation to try building more complicated rockets next time. We've used this rocket and launcher multiple times over the summer and will be ready for more launches when the weather turns nice again.

This is a great project. Not too difficult. There is a lot that can be tied into it...think energy, aerodynamics, space exploration etc. A real head turner when you launch. Well worth the investment.

Main issue: Product description says it comes without engines, so I purchased the extra engines pack. It actually DOES comes with two engines.