PILOT SPIN

Pilot Zone => Pilot Zone => Topic started by: Jim Logajan on January 29, 2021, 11:07:35 PM

Title: A brief history of Estes rockets
Post by: Jim Logajan on January 29, 2021, 11:07:35 PM

I grew up in the 60s and enjoyed model rocketry. I think some here also did, so you may enjoy this video:

Title: Re: A brief history of Estes rockets
Post by: Anthony on January 30, 2021, 03:08:08 AM

Built and launched them as a kid to many spectacular disasters in the neighborhood Space Race.  Along with Cox model airplanes that flew of course.  Great stuff.  Way better than video games and Social Media.

Title: A brief history of Estes rockets
Post by: nddons on January 30, 2021, 07:01:06 AM

Quote from: Anthony on January 30, 2021, 03:08:08 AM

Built and launched them as a kid to many spectacular disasters in the neighborhood Space Race.  Along with Cox model airplanes that flew of course.  Great stuff.  Way better than video games and Social Media.

We never really did rocketry in Chicago. Not enough space not to lose your rocket. But I did fly those Cox control line aircraft. Nothing more thrilling than getting your finger hit by that prop as you’re starting the engine with the glow plug.

I was jealous when RC aircraft came out when I was older. Those kids would never learn the fun of spinning around, getting vertigo in front of everyone, and occasionally vomiting up the tuna sandwich that mom made us an hour earlier.

Anthony, I never knew it was a competitive sport. Too much man touching for me!

https://youtu.be/6OO-0WA2GQk

Title: Re: A brief history of Estes rockets
Post by: Lucifer on January 30, 2021, 07:14:42 AM

I have built and flown many of these.  Was very active in the hobby for years, and even wrote a neighborhood newsletter for others.  I built several custom launchers as well.

Title: Re: A brief history of Estes rockets
Post by: jb1842 on February 26, 2021, 07:47:46 AM

Built a lot of them. None survived after I learned the spectacular results of stuffing the ends of the engines with firecrackers.

Title: Re: A brief history of Estes rockets
Post by: Mr Pou on February 26, 2021, 07:54:05 AM

Quote from: nddons on January 30, 2021, 07:01:06 AM

But I did fly those Cox control line aircraft. Nothing more thrilling than getting your finger hit by that prop as you’re starting the engine with the glow plug.

Yup, flew plenty of those. Add to the thrill of setting your hand on fire with invisible flames and when the engine started backwards remembering to use the heel of your foot and not the toe to stop the engine....

Loved the sound of those Cox engines.

Title: Re: A brief history of Estes rockets
Post by: President in Exile YOLT on February 26, 2021, 12:39:06 PM

Quote from: Mr Pou on February 26, 2021, 07:54:05 AM

Yup, flew plenty of those. Add to the thrill of setting your hand on fire with invisible flames and when the engine started backwards remembering to use the heel of your foot and not the toe to stop the engine....

Loved the sound of those Cox engines.

I could never get those .049's to run.

Title: Re: A brief history of Estes rockets
Post by: jtheune on April 26, 2021, 04:46:02 AM

My brothers and I was were much into this in the mid to late 60s

Title: Re: A brief history of Estes rockets
Post by: Number7 on June 08, 2021, 07:57:28 PM

I knew Verne Estes in the 1990's.
Good guy.
As normal as could be.
Also Owned a magnetic gift company in Pueblo, Colorado,
Sangray Gifts.