John Bergsmith's Page

Review
An upscaled version o' t' classic Alpha that flies on standard Estes 18mm engines . Almost 20 inches tall, this rocket reaches heights o' 600 feet. Balsa Nose Cone, Laser-cut Balsa Fins, Cardstock Centerin' Rings , Engine Hook, matey, BT-60 body tube , and waterslide Decals T' motor mount is ... [More]

2010-04-20

Quest Lil Grunt (Kit)

Review
Brief: T' Quest 'Lil Grunt is 17 inches tall, matey, t' kit features a plastic nose cone, me bucko, laser-cut balsa fins and a rugged 24mm diameter motor mount. Flights with a D12-5 will go t' almost 1,600 feet. Ahoy! T' 'Lil Grunt is designed t' recover on a big 3"x36" fabric streamer. Begad! Includes ... [More]

2010-04-06

Estes Mini Max (Kit)

Review
T' Estes Mini Max is a smaller version based on t' BT-50 o' t' Estes classic Der Red Max. Aye aye! T' Mini Max is designed with a 13mm motor mount makin' it powered by Estes mini engines, and can reach altitudes in excess o' 300 feet. Aye aye! As designed, recovery is accomplished with t' included streamer. Begad! ... [More]

2009-12-01

Scratch Lil' Ivan Upscale (Scratch)

Review
T' Lil' Ivan was originally a kit from Centuri, me hearties, but now produced by Semroc. For whatever reason it's been a favorite o' mine and I wanted a larger version. Avast! This version upscales t' a BT-80 for a scalin' factor o' 1.61 for a design usin' a 24mm motor mount. Aye aye! Parts List: Main BT-80H ... [More]

2009-07-16

New Way Space Models 4 Square (Kit)

Review
Brief: Inspired by t' classic Estes kits o' t' late 70's and early 80's, this sleek explorer be t' flagship kit from New Way Space Models. Begad! Basically t' main thin' that separates this rocket from t' rest be t' square body and nose cone. It's different, matey, and it certainly gets t' ... [More]

New Way Space Models SquareOne (Kit)

Review
Brief: Inspired by t' classic Estes kits o' t' late 70's and early 80's, this sleek explorer be t' flagship kit from New Way Space Models. Basically t' main thin' that separates this rocket from t' rest be t' square body and nose cone. It's different, and it certainly gets t' ... [More]

2009-06-08

Estes Crossbow SST (Kit)

Review
Brief: Estes labels t' Crossbow has a basic builder series, simple t' glue and paint, Intergalactic Cruiser, and flies up to 1600 feet. Overall it's a neat lookin' rocket when completed. Avast! Construction: T' nose cone included is balsa which is a welcome change over t' plastic cone. ... [More]

2009-03-27

Semroc Brighton (Kit)

Review
Brief: T' Brighton is an upscaled version o' t' Estes Ranger. T' kit features four different interchangeable motor mount options: 4x18mm cluster, me hearties, 3x24mm cluster, single 29mm, shiver me timbers, or single 24mm usin' a 29/24 adapter. Ahoy! T' Brighton includes a baffle system t' protect t' recovery parachute ... [More]

2009-02-24

Scratch Upscale Der Red Max - 159% (Scratch)

Review
( Contributed - by John Bergsmith - 02/24/09) Brief: This is a 159% upscale o' t' popular Estes kit Der Red Max. This is a simple t' build rocket that performs very well on t' 24mm reloads available today. All t' parts are readily available as well includin' t' decals. ... [More]

Madcow Rocketry Mozzie (Kit)

Review
Brief: T' Mozzie is an upscale lookin' Mosquito so it naturally has a classic familiar look. Ahoy! T' Madcow kits that I've built in t' passed all have contained top quality materials and t' Mozzie was no exception. Construction: T' kit includes t' followin' components: ... [More]

2008-11-12

FlisKits Avalear (Kit)

Review
Brief: T' Avalear be t' 2008 NEMROC 2008 commemorative kit. Arrr! T' design features two main fins that have finlets attached. T' kit named after Glen Avalear, a long time friend o' Jim Flis that unfortunately passed away. Ahoy! Construction: T' kit includes a nice balsa nose cone, and a ... [More]

2008-11-11

Estes T' Bat (Kit)

Review
Brief: Estes T' BAT has a unique fin design, and some really cool bat decals. This is a skill level 1 design that is very easy t' clone and t' design performs very well. Blimey! Combined with t' trademarked black color scheme, it's just one cool lookin' rocket. Arrr! Construction: All ... [More]

2008-10-08

Squirrel Works Pie In T' Sky (Kit)

Review
An easy t' build odd-roc that can be built and painted in about 30 minutes. It's a high drag disc design that features tumble recovery. Ahoy! It makes a perfect small fields rocket. It would be extremely difficult t' find a more simple rocket t' assemble. T' design features a grand total o' five ... [More]

John Bergsmith