Selecting a Rocket Kit

Eventually, each member will need their own rocket kit to work on. Normally we have a meeting or two before we start working on our personal rockets, but after than we spend most of our time working on them. I have some suggestions about where to buy kits, and also some ideas about what kind of kit to consider.

Where can I find a rocket kit in the Pleasanton area?

Alas, Wolds Hobbies, the hobby shop that used to be over in Dublin, has closed. Holding a kit in your hands is a good way to get a feel for both the size of the rocket and the complexity of the kit. Toys R Us and Michael's Craft Store, both in Dublin, have a very limited supply of rockets, but still, what kits they have are fine. I'll try to find another hobby shop in the area to recommend.

Another place to get kits is on the web. There are a number of good sites, some particularly good at showing the rocket and describing the build. Just search for "model rocket kit". Two good sites are Hobbylinc.Com and Apogee Rockets. Virtually all the rocket kits available are made by Estes, including the Viking that we just made, and the Mean Machine, that six footer we were looking at.

What kind of rocket kit should I get?

Here are some suggestions for picking a kit that will fit into this 4-H project. (Naturally, we'll help you build whatever you want to try!) There are two main things to consider. First, the goal of the 4-H rocketry project is to submit one or more rockets to the Alameda County Fair, so we want a rocket that meets their requirements. Second, while it is important to be challenged, a kit that is too advanced can be very frustrating. So here are some things to consider:

• For first timers, I recommend sticking to the Estes Skill Level 1 kits. Higher levels demand more skill, patience, and time. We will start the project building Viking rockets together. The Viking is a very simple Level 1 kit that can be build in a couple of hours. So look for a Level 1 kit that's a little larger or more complicated than the Viking.
• Anyone that's been in my rocketry project before can handle at least a Level 2 kit if they want to tackle one. Level 2 kits mainly involve more pieces (and more gluing!), so be prepared to take more time and use more patience.
• If you've mastered the basics of rocketry, you might consider a multistage rocket, or one with more than one engine (called a "cluster" design), or one with an advanced recovery system such as a glider. But don't try these unless you're confident with your skills: they offer more ways a rocket can go wrong, so you have to use all your care and craftmanship to make sure they work.
• For a 4-H project, do not get a "Ready To Fly" (RTF) kit or one with a plastic body of fins such as "E2X kits", for example. These can be fun, but they are not accepted as County Fair entries.

You do not need a "launch kit" (sometimes called a "starter kit") that comes with a launch pad and a bunch of other stuff that you aren't interested in. We'll be launching with LUNAR and using their launch equipment.

Also don't bother with any launch supplies such as engines or wadding: we'll discuss exactly what is needed for launch in later meetings.

You'll be painting your model with standard model spray paint. You can select your paint now, but I suggest waiting until you make more progress on your kit. I have several cans of paint, so if you're not too picky, you can just use my paint if you want.