
Getting Started with Model Rocketry
Making and
flying model rockets is a fun hobby that is surprisingly inexpensive to do. The
great thing about model rockets is that the hobby comes in two parts. First,
you get to make your flying model rocket and then you get to invite your
friends and family to watch the big launch!
If you are
new to model rockets, here’s a brief guide to what’s involved in the
fascinating and exciting hobby of making and flying model rockets.
You don’t need a lot of materials to get started
You don’t
need to have a lot of materials and specialist tools to start building your own
flying rockets; there are plenty of model rocketkits that come complete with all you need. Flying rocket model kits include
all the parts, including the launch pad and the rocket engines and, of course,
the instructions that will tell you how to build your model rocket. All you
really need is a craft knife, some glue, and some of your time.
How do Model rockets Work?
The basic
components of a model rocket are a cardboard tube, balsa wood or plastic fins,
a nose cone and a parachute. To that, you will add a rocket engine, which will provide
the propulsion for your rocket. There is then usually a second charge that
blows the nose cone off the end of the rocket to allow the parachute to deploy
so that your rocket can come safely back to earth again.
How do you ignite the rocket engine?
The rocket
engine is fired off by an igniter that you connect to a battery. Model rocket
igniters work very much like the filament in a light bulb. When an electric
current is passed through it, the igniter heats up and causes a flame that
fires the rocket engine. Igniters are usually supplied with model rocket
engines and the rocket launch controller is usually included with the rocket
launch pad.
Beginners can start with an all-inclusive model rocket kit
When you are
first starting out the model rocket hobby, it’s a good idea to begin with an
all-inclusive model rocket kit. With these kits, you begin by assembling the
rocket launching pad, which is relatively easy to do, because there are only a
few parts, and they usually just snap together. The launch pad will come with a
guide bar to keep the rocket straight as it takes off, and a metal base plate
that deflects the exhaust from the rocket engine.
The next
stage is to assemble the rocket itself. The method of assembly will vary, but
the basic process starts with attaching the fins to the body of the flying
model rocket. You will then work on the
engine mount, which can be the most challenging part of the construction
process. You will then need to build the nose cone and the parachute assembly.
Once you have completed that, you will be ready to paint your model rocket and decorate
it with it with some stickers.
With the
modern model rocket kits, you can assemble a working flying rocket in just an
hour or two, which is why it is such a great way to begin your rocket hobby
journey.
Launching your flying model rocket
When you
have completed your first model rocket, it’s time to call your friends and
family and invite them to witness its maiden voyage!
For your
launch location, choose an open area that is free of any dry vegetation. Install your igniter into the rocket engine,
place your rocket on the launch pad and attach your rocket launch controller.
Then all you have to do is stand well back and take on the role of mission
control with your rocket launch countdown!
Flying Model Rocket kits for beginners
Constructing
model rockets is not at all difficult to do and it’s nowhere near as expensive
as you might have thought. You can buy all-inclusiverocket launch kits from as little as thirty dollars.
One of the
best known and trusted manufacturers of flying model rockets is Estes, and we
have a list of some their most popular Estesmodel rocket kits here. Not all of the Estes rocket kits we
have listed contain absolutely everything you will need, so please check out
the specifications, just in case you need to add engines, wadding, or a launch
pad to your order.
Model Rocket Safety
Building and
launching model rockets is a safe hobby and there will be no risk of injury so
long as you are sensible and you follow the basic safety guidelines. The best
way to ensure your safety when you are flying model rocket is to check out the National
Association of Rocketry Safety Guidelines.
Taking your rocketry hobby to new heights
One of the
great things about model rocketry is that hobby can grow as your knowledge and
expertise grows. You can start out with a basic, all-inclusive model rocket
kit, like those supplied by Estes, and then you can move on to designing and
building your own rockets. You can build multi-stage rockets, build rockets
with cameras in, and you can build rockets that go higher and higher.
Model
rocketry is a fun hobby that won’t cost you the earth. It’s also a hobby that
has the potential to go on to much bigger and greater things. We hope that you
found this beginner’s guide to model rockets useful. Please do check out our
Model Rocket Store for all your model rocket supplies.
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