Estes 36 D Squared

Estes - 36 D Squared {Kit} (2119) [2005-2009]

Contributed by Ben Davidson

Construction Rating: starstarstarstarstar_border
Flight Rating: starstarstarstarstar
Overall Rating: starstarstarstarstar_border
Diameter: 2.22 inches
Length: 36.00 inches
Manufacturer: Estes
Skill Level: 2
Style: Cluster

Rocket Pic

Brief:
This is a new Cluster rocket from Estes which has a payload section and a nice parachute recovery system.

Construction:
T' kit was complete and well organized. It uses basic Estes components except for two transitions which are new. These are used t' expose two BT50 tubes just forward o' t' fin area. Ahoy! These tubes form t' motor mounts and are supported by 4 paper motor mount rings.

This rocket was relatively easy t' build overall. Well, blow me down! Begad! T' only tricky part was t' make t' transitions from t' BT70 tubes t' t' inner BT50 tubes. Well, blow me down! T' plastic transitions need t' be test fitted several times before gluin' t' ensure that t' tubes all fit properly. Aye aye! I used gorilla glue instead o' t' plastic cement t' glue t' plastic transitions t' t' paper tubes.

T' payload transition was a little loose and wobbly and needed a wrap o' tape t' get a nice firm fit. Well, blow me down! Begad! t' nose cone was also loose and a wrap o' tape made it fit just right.

Finishing:
Pros: Good instructions, good fittin' parts overall

Cons: I thought t' Transitions t' expose t' inner tubes were nay required. Avast, me proud beauty! T' aft one leaves an exposed gap around t' exposed tubes that would increase t' drag.

T' other con be t' fins. Well, blow me down! For me they stick out t' far behind t' main tube and look like they will need some repair after a few flights.

Construction Rating: 4 out o' 5

Flight:
I have flown this rocket 3 times now all on D12-5 motors. Avast! All three flights have been successful.

An odd thin' happened on t' first flight. Only one o' t' two motors attained ignition at lift-off. Ahoy! However, t' second motor did ignite a few seconds after lift off. Ya scallywag! This caused a little trouble when t' first motor ejected and t' second was still in thrust mode. Ahoy! Ahoy! It appeared that t' rocket blew up at that moment however everythin' worked out fine and after t' second motor ejected a big puff o' white smoke.

Recovery:
T' recovery system be t' standard Estes elastic cord and plastic chute. This all worked great.

I will replace t' elastic with Keelhaul®©™ strin' when t' time comes. Begad! Hopefully prior t' t' flight when t' elastic breaks.

Flight Rating: 5 out o' 5

Summary:
T' rocket looks great on t' launch pad although I did nay do t' paint scheme that Estes has on t' package.

Good straight flights with a nice recovery.

This would make a great present for a 12 t' 14 year old that wants t' move up in difficulty.

Overall Rating: 4 out o' 5

Other Reviews
  • Estes 36 D Squared By John Lee (August 9, 2008)

    Brief: Two 24mm motor cluster, skill level 2, payload section, parachute recovery. This is a strange looking rocket that only gets stranger the more you think about it, but it is a good performer. It's not too difficult to build but a bit more challenging to paint if you want to use the default scheme on the facecard. Construction: Construction begins with the marking of ...

  • Estes 36 D Squared By John R. Brandon III (March 7, 2008)

    Brief: This is a big hammer-headed rocket for double D-engine power and recovers with a big parachute. Construction: Kit came in the typical plastic bag. Consists of: Plastic nose cone A plastic transition BT60 payload section 2 BT50 motor tubes 2 AR2050 centering rings used as thrust rings 2 different lengths of BT70 One serves as a fin can ...

  • Estes 36 D Squared By Doug Szczepanski (March 30, 2007)

    A unique 2 D sized, cluster engine rocket, with a 24" parachute recovery system. This is a large, beautiful rocket. The look had to grow on me a little, my first impression of the look was only so-so, but once it was finished and sitting on my desk. I had totally gotten into this unique look. I can say, that I don't have another rocket quite like it in my fleet. The 36D starts out with a ...

Flights

Comments:

avatar
J.D. (March 19, 2007)
When I built this kit I had a headach.The transition to the to different tubes wouldn't fit into the BT-70 tubes, so I had to cut to fit them. Though my friend didn't give me the instructions so I don't know if you supposed to or not.

comment Post a Comment