I’m about to re-enter the model rocketry hobby, I enjoyed it immensely as a kid, but there were rockets that I wanted but never got for some reason, the Saturn V, the Mean Machine, Big Bertha, the X-wing, and space shuttle orbiter (that used glide recovery, so cool!)…
I’m also looking for a hobby to share with my niece and nephew, my nephew shares many hobbies with me, especially shooting, but my niece is “meh” on the plinking thing…
Rocketry appeals to the child in all of us
So, I’m trying to plan my strategy as how to re-enter (yes, I know, bad rocketry pun…) the hobby…
Option 1; buy a starter kit at the local hobby shop (the Estes Tandem X kit)
Pros; just need engines and batteries, can be launching rockets tomorrow
Cons; launch pad is basic and average, as is the launch controller, only has the standard launch rod and blast shield
Option 2; buy a starter kit from an online vendor (Eliminator XL kit)
Pros; rocket is ready to fly, has slightly better launch pad with both standard and large bore rod, able to handle longer rockets, kit is on clearance for 55% off
Cons; have to wait for it to arrive in the mail, can’t launch for a week or so, launch controller is average, blast shield is standard sized
Option 3; build my own launch pad, buy a launch controller
Pros; I have several plans in mind, one of which is setting up my old Bogen 3001 tripod as the base, adding on a launch rod with a threaded tripod adapter, and a large stainless blast shield, the tripod head has full 3 axis tilt, so it’s even more versatile than the Estes pads, the pride of building it myself, having a truly unique launch pad, more durable launch pad
Cons; still have to buy a launch controller, will take the longest to build, pricing might be higher than buying a kit
Option 4; build launch pad and launch controller
Pros; truly custom setup, pride of ownership and accomplishment
Cons; most expensive option, longest delay before launching
Option 3 has appeal because I can not only build my custom launcher, but I can also have my niece and nephew build up their own custom launch pads
Option 1 would be the quickest gratification though…