I want to start this post off by saying WOW and I mean WOW in a good way. For the last few days Shaun and I have been assembling our E2X (easy to assemble) Estes Alpha III Rocket Launch Set that we received from Estes. I can say for sure that this is one of the coolest projects that Shaun and I have ever worked on together.
This project that Shaun and I worked on is a first for the both of us. Shaun and I have always seen rocket sets at our local hobby shop but never took that next step and if I knew how awesome they were Shaun and I would have done this activity a long time ago.
Out of the box the Estes Alpha III Rocket Launch Set was pretty easy to assemble but we needed to work on our rocket in a few steps over a few days since some of the pieces needed to be glued together and we needed to allow time for the glue to dry. I probably did do a little more assembling than I would have liked but that is only because Shaun isn’t the most patient person and I wanted to make sure that everything was assembled properly. The instructions were pretty easy to follow and I made sure Shaun and I took our time so that we built the rocket correctly the first time especially since gluing pieces together was needed. Overall the process was really easy with just a little patience.
Here are some additional details about Estes and the Alpha III Rocket Launch Set:
Length: 12.3 in. (31.2 cm)
Diameter: .98 in. (25 mm)
Estimated Weight: 1.2 oz. (34 g)
Plastic Fins, Self-stick Decals, 12 in. (30.5 cm) Parachute Recovery
Recommended Engines: 1/2A6-2, A8-3 (First Flight), B4-4, B6-4, B6-6, C6-5, C6-7
Projected Max Altitude: 1100 ft. (335 m)
Estes model rocketry is recommended for ages 10 and up with adult supervision for those under 12. Unless otherwise specified, all models require assembly. Tools, construction and finishing supplies sold separately. In order to launch, a launch system, model rocket engines, igniters and recovery wadding are required – sold separately-unless otherwise specified.
Once our master piece was assembled we were ready for takeoff. The launch process was really easy but does require adult supervision due to the model rocket engine which is sold separately.
The cool thing is once Shaun and I launched our first rocket a small crowd of kids and parents from the neighborhood gathered around to get a closer look and they were in awe of the rocket and how high it launched into the air. I will be honest I was shocked as well but then again I wasn’t sure what to expect. All in all this was a really awesome project that gave Shaun and me some needed father/son time.
Whether a beginner like us or more experienced, Estes has a big selection of model rocket kits for all skill levels that are available at local hoppy shops, Hobby Lobby and Michaels stores, as well as Walmart and Target.
Are you and your kids ready to do a launch of your own?
Two lucky Look What Mom Found…and Dad too readers will have the chance to win an Estes Rocket Launch Set (Easy to Assemble or Ready to Fly) of their choice and a $50 Hobby Lobby Gift Card. All I need you to do is head over to Estes and tell me which Launch Set is your favorite.
EXTRA ENTRIES:
To receive these extra opportunities for entries, you must fulfill the first REQUIRED entry above. Please note the changes to the entries and frequency, entries that don’t follow rules may be disregarded/ignored/deleted.
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Your entries must follow the rules or they won’t be eligible for prizes. This contest ends 11:59 pm, Saturday, May 25, 2013. The winners will be emailed and will have 48 hours to claim their prize. This contest is open to Contiguous US residents, age 18 or over. For complete rules please read our blog contest rules page.
