model rockets - how do I go about starting this hobby?

[Bucky]

I'm a once-a-week big brother to an 8 year old. He's decided he'd like to get involved in model rockets. I never got into them as a kid, but was always jelly of my friends who did make and play with them.

I figure it's the kind of thing that you can spend a lot of money on or I can shop around and find bargains. I for one choose the latter.

Can anyone suggest a site where I can order the starter kit for model rockets appropriate for 8 year olds (and 50 year olds with zero modeling skills) that come at a good price?

[KatyaR]

1. This has some good information, a catalog, and an education link:

http://www.estesrockets.com/

Good luck! We've been doing some rocket building in our Girl Scout activities, and the girls love it!

You might also google it and see if there are any clubs in your area. That would be a big help.

[Bucky]

5. Thanks!! Great link and much much better prices that I've found so far!!

[Skittles]

2. is jelly the new word for jealous?

so cool you're a big bro

[JVS]

3. Start small. Get a mini mosquito.

Here is the website for estes rockets. When I was a little kid my older brother and I used to shoot these off at the local high school on sundays when nobody was around.

http://www.estesrockets.com/rockets/kits/skill-1


Good rockets for beginners are small, have streamers instead of parachutes (this makes them less prone to drifting away), often have plastic fins that clip on all at once so you don't have to worry about how skillfully you glue them on, and should be painted brightly so you can see them.

Engines cost a few bucks per launch.

[MicaelS]

4. Start with a RTF (Ready to Fly) kit

No building necessary. Do not buy the biggest engines. Start small and work your way up. Be prepared to lose rockets.

A kit like the one below is a good place to start. In addition you will need to buy batteries, engines and recovery wadding. Check your local laws. It is illegal to fly model rockets near airports, and inside some city limits.

http://www.hobbylinc.com/estes_rascal:hijinks_launch_set_rtf_ready_to_fly_model_rocket_launch_set_1499

This explains the engine designation. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Model_rocket#Motor_nomenclature

Check your local hobby shop. Most sell model rockets. If you have a Fry's Electronics near you, they also sell them.

[sendero]

7. Estes...

.... has been around a long time. I used to build model rockets in the late 60s and I used Estes components. IMHO most of the fun of the hobby is in the selection and building of the rockets, since the actual flights only last a few seconds.

[digonswine]

6. Rockets are way cool--

once you move beyond the ready-to-fly types--there are many cheap alternatives. The Wizard from Estes provides many opportunities for creativity.
Once you fly them--kids want to do it more.
They sell kits to fly them--this is unnecessary--you can make your own stuff pretty easily and spend a fraction of the cost.
I am 40 and still like to mess with them.
For any cheap advice, feel free to ask---
Really--it is easy to learn and fun to do--forget the ready-made stuff.
I will be happy to help!