Estes 1469 Tandem-X Launch Set

by Estes

Product Features

• 2 High Flying Model Rockets
• Crossfire flies over 1200 '
• E2X Skill Level
• Amazon flies over 600 '
• Launch System Included

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 10 x 4.4 x 18 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• ASIN: B002VLP67S
• Item model number: 1469
• Manufacturer recommended age: 10 years and up
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #760 in Toys & Games (See Top 100 in Toys & Games)
  • #3 in Toys & Games > Hobbies > Rockets > Model Rockets
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Blast model rockets to amazing heights with the Estes Tandem-X Launch Set. An ideal introduction to rocket building, this set contains two rocket kits: the Amazon and the Crossfire ISX. It also comes with a launch pad for easy launching, plus two plastic parachutes that ensure a gentle descent to the ground. Whether you're a new rocketeer or a seasoned veteran of the skies, the Tandem-X is sure to deliver plenty of high-altitude thrills.

1469 Tandem-X Launch Set At a Glance: Age Requirements: 10 and up; adult supervision needed for children under 12 Assembly Requirements: Estes rocket engines for flight, and 4 AA batteries for launch controller (all sold separately) Warranty: One-year warranty against manufacturer defects

Learn the basics of crafting model rockets with the 3-foot tall Amazon and 15 inch Crossfire. View larger.

Its launch system includes a stabilizing launch pad and push-button controller. View larger.

Blast Off to Extreme Heights

With two rocket kits, the Tandem-X Launch Set offers two unique launching experiences. The aptly-named Amazon is the bigger of the two rockets: it towers at almost three feet tall and features a fearsome tiger-stripe decal. When flown with a standard Estes engine, the Amazon can soar to heights of 600 feet.

The Crossfire is a smaller craft, standing just a little over 15 inches tall. In spite of its size, this little rocket can blast off to seriously impressive altitudes. Thanks to its aerodynamic fins and nose cone, the Crossfire can reach cloud-bursting heights of 1,150 feet. Both rockets are outfitted with colorful, preassembled parachutes, which ensure they can float gently back to Earth for another flight.

An Introduction to Rocket Building

The Tandem-X Launch offers just the right amount of challenge for novice rocket builders. The Amazon is an E2X (easy-to-assemble) rocket, and requires no paint or special tools for assembly. It can be built in less than an hour: simply glue the plastic fins to the tube, install the engine, and attach the parachute. Finish the rocket off with a few self-stick decals, and you're ready to launch.

Once builders have mastered the basics, they can move on to the more advanced Skill Level 1 Crossfire. With its plastic nose cone and laser-cut balsa fins, the Crossfire requires a little more finesse. Assembling the rocket can take an entire afternoon, but it's a rewarding and educational process. Builders will learn several beginner-level rocket techniques, such as painting and sanding. Estes has also included an illustrated, step-by-step instruction guide to help keep the assembly fun, smooth, and frustration-free.

Educational Fun

In addition to the thrills it provides, the Tandem-X also has significant educational value. The set transforms kids into amateur rocket scientists, encouraging them to think about how the rockets work. Rocket building teaches kids the basics of propulsion, flight, and aerodynamics, and can help foster an early interest in science and engineering. Even failed launches can turn into a learning experience.

Requires an Estes Engine

Both rockets require a specialized Estes engine to launch. For the Amazon, Estes recommends a B4-2 engine for your first flight. The rocket is also compatible with other Estes engines, including the B4-4, B6-2, B6-4, C6-3, and C6-5. For the Crossfire, Estes recommends the A8-3 for first flight, and the B4-4, B6-4, C6-5, and C6-7 for more advanced launching.

What's in the Box

Estes 1469 Tandem-X Launch Set with Amazon rocket kit, Crossfire ISX rocket kit, two plastic parachutes, launch pad, and push-button launch controller.

Product Description

Two is better than one! You’ll get X-tra value with the Estes Tandem-X Model Rocket Launch Set. This exceptional rocket set features a pair of extreme, high performance rockets with a launch system for launching them. Whether you’re a new rocketeer or a seasoned veteran, launch in tandem for an exciting model rocket experience! The E2X (Easy to Assemble) Amazon is as imposing as the name sounds. This giant towers almost three feet (91 cm) high and is quick and easy to build! A tiger-striped body tube, precolored plastic nose cone and fins and self-stick decals make building this rocket easy to do in about an hour. When flown on our standard engines, this huge rocket can reach heights over 650 feet (198 m) with recovery on a colorful 18 inch (46 cm) preassembled parachute. The Crossfire ISX is a Skill Level 1 kit that can easily be built in about a day. This rocket features a totally streamlined shape with aerodynamic fins and nose cone. It stands 15.6 inches (39.6 cm) tall. When launched with powerful Estes standard engines, this bullet can reach cloud busting heights up to 1,200 feet (366 m). A preassembled 12 inch (30 cm) parachute returns the Crossfire back to earth to launch again and again. Glue, modeling tools and Estes engines required - sold separately. The Electron Beam Launch Controller uses 4 AA 1.5V batteries - sold separately.

• Recommended Ages: 10 years and up

See all Product Description

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

60 of 61 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Starter Kit for New Rocketeers, May 15, 2010

By 

Tom L (Omaha) - See all my reviews

= Durability:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:5.0 out of 5 stars 

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Estes 1469 Tandem-X Launch Set (Toy)

These are the first rockets I have purchased as an adult (I had one as a kid.....over 25 years ago), and I love them. This kit was nice for 2 reasons - it came with its own launcher, and there are 2 different levels of rockets to build. The taller "Amazon" rocket was much easier to build and took me around an hour or so to build (with the help of my 5 year old). The smaller one took a bit longer (plus the time needed to wait for the paint to dry).

Being someone who is completely inept at building things, I was able to build these rockets with very little difficulty. The launcher was very easy to set up and use, and after giving my boys a little instruction, they were able to launch them with me standing off in the distance. Of course they had a blast watching these 2 launch but even more fun chasing them down through a corn field once the parachutes deployed. As advertised, the "Crossfire" goes quite higher than the "Amazon".

After 9 launches of these 2 rockets and 3 other ones that I purchased at the same time, the boys were ready to go kite flying, but they are still well worth the money. Plus it's a great way for dads to spend time with their kids while building them and finally launching them into orbit!

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Starter Set, July 12, 2010

By 

JDR - See all my reviews

= Durability:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:3.0 out of 5 stars 

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Estes 1469 Tandem-X Launch Set (Toy)

I bought this starter set for me and my two boys (Ages 7 & 4) to build together and launch. The Amazon was quite easy to build, with only some plastic cement, sandpaper, and a hobby knife needed - everything else is included. Some of the parts (threading the parachute and shock cord) are a little hard for small children to handle, but they can certainly participate in the gluing and applying the plastic cement and labels. I haven't tried the Crossfire yet, but I do know it will be a little more complicated.

The included launch system was what sold this for me, as without it I would have been unsure of exactly what else was needed to launch. I reviewed beforehand to make sure that I purchased separately the engines (with igniters) and recovery wadding, as these are not included in the launch set. These aren't expensive - but you definitely want to make sure that you have everything you need before building, as it's no fun to start a project with your kids that you can't finish. Mine tend lose interest fast that way.

Launching was easy with the instructions provided, and the boys (and Dad) had a blast. Even a hard landing in the parking lot didn't damage the Amazon. The boys (and Dad) are interested in building more (at least for now), so we'll try to get a little more adventurous with the next one.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Performs acceptably, October 28, 2011

By 

A Teacher (Kansas) - See all my reviews

= Durability:4.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:4.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:4.0 out of 5 stars 

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Estes 1469 Tandem-X Launch Set (Toy)

Pro: the package includes two rockets and thus it is more economical than buying two individual ones.

The assembly was a good experience (challenging) for a 5th grader, but he was able to assemble correctly and launch both.

Warning: there are no engines! Be sure to order. While this package and similar ones have good prices on Amazon, the engines don't (because of the shipping costs). You may be able to buy the engines at local stores to avoid shipping.

Overall a good experience (but not a perfect one). Four stars should suffice.