Yes, C engines are too powerful for Cubs, and we recommend 1/2A, A, and maybe B engines for beginner flights. With these engines, rockets will fly high, but not too high, and the scouts get their prized possession back.
In previous launches, we’ve had issues when some of the kids did not glue their fins on properly or their fins were not dry. Can you recommend any type of flash-curing glue so we can help prevent this in the future?
If the rocket has wooden fins, the best glue is Titebond Original Wood Glue #5062. It dries much quicker and stronger than white glue. Flash-curing glue (super glue) doesn’t have the shear strength for gluing fins onto the rocket tube and shouldn’t be used. If you need quick repair emergency glue for fins, then a very small amount of 2-part epoxy glue can be used. Be aware that this glue is heavy, and can change the weight balance of the rocket, causing an unstable flight.
Do you have a recommendation for a complete setup for a 40 Cub Scout event to allow each cub to launch twice in a couple of hours?
For a group that size, we recommend at least 2-3 launch pads. There is great fun in lining up the rockets side by side so the scouts can see which one will go the highest. In terms of kits, the Estes Alpha III bulk pack and the Estes E2X Generic bulk packs are among our most popular for your type of group.
What rockets do you recommend for beginners?
If you’re a first timer, then you definitely want to begin with a starter set. Rocket starter sets include the model rocket, engine, launch pad and all of the supplies you need to get launched. Other beginner rockets are ready-to-fly (RTF) rockets and E2X (easy to assemble) kits but with these kits you will still need to purchase engines and all of the launch supplies. A starter set provides you with all of the required components.
What rocket kits do you recommend for Cub Scouts based on a 30 minute assembly?
The Estes Alpha III Launch Set (part #EST1427) is a great set for scouts in a short time. It’s a starter set so it includes all of the launch supplies you need. For the other rockets, you can buy a Alpha III bulk pack (EST1751), which will provide savings by purchasing in bulk. In addition, you can purchase the recommended A8-3 bulk motors (EST1781) which includes engines, recovery wadding and igniters. Don’t forget that you will also need wood glue (ELG7000) and plastic cement (TES3516) to complete the model rocket.
I’m new to rocketry but need a launch system and rockets for my groups Rocket Day. What do you recommend?
We would love to assist with your ‘Rocket Day.’ Based on your requirements, here is the bulk pack that we recommend, Estes Generic E2X (EST1764). These are easy to assemble, sold in bulk packs of 12 and can also be customized with paint, decals or markers. In terms of the motors, we recommend the following bulk packs in A8-3 (EST1781). These come in a pack of 24 so you will need at least two packs. You will also need a launch pad (EST302215), launch controller (EST302220), wood glue (ELG7000), plastic cement (TES3516) and AA Batteries (EHAA4). Please keep in mind that rocket motors can take 10-14 business days for delivery – so the sooner you place your order the better!
What do the letters and numbers mean on rocket engines?
You mean the letters and numbers like A8-3. In this example, the letter indicates the total impulse or total power produced by the engine. Each succeeding letter has twice the power of the previous letter, for example, ‘B’ engines have twice the power of ‘A’ engines. The first number next to the letter (in an A8-3 engine, this would be the number 8), shows the engine’s average thrust in newtons, or the average push exerted by the engine. The second number after the dash give you the delay in seconds between the end of thrusting and the ejection charge. This lets you choose the delay time you want for any flight. Engine types ending in ’0′ have no delay or ejection charge and are for use in booster stages only.
How high will my rocket fly?
The approximate altitude for each engine with a typical 1oz. model rocket: 1/2A6-2: 190 feet; A8-3: 450 feet; B6-4: 750 feet; C6-5: 1000 feet. These are guidelines only and actual altitude can vary up to +/-25%.
How do I know what size engine to use for my model rocket?
On each rocket kit or starter set page, we list the recommended engines to use. Each manufacturer also lists the recommended engines on the instructions of the model rocket.
What is the igniter in a model rocket used for?
An igniter is a device used to ignite a rocket engine. An igniter element is a strip of resistance wire with a coating of pyrotechnic material on it. In the system it performs like a resistor in an electrical circuit. As electricity passes through micro-clips connected to the igniter, the igniter begins to glow and give off heat. The pyrotechnic material coating is ignited and is the last step in the ignition. Igniters must be installed so that the coating is touching the dark-colored propellant grain. If the igniter is not touching the grain, this could cause a misfire.