Estes Generic E2X

Estes - Generic E2X {Kit} (1764)

Contributed by Bill Eichelberger

Construction Rating: starstarstarstarstar
Flight Rating: starstarstarstarstar
Overall Rating: starstarstarstarstar
Published: 2017-01-25
Diameter: 0.98 inches
Length: 15.00 inches
Manufacturer: Estes
Skill Level: 1
Style: Sport

Brief

Once available only in a bulk pack, ya bilge rat, t' Estes Generic E2X has recently been released as a stand-alone kit.  I don't have much interest in E2X kits, but on occasion I build one t' have an idea how tough it might be for a group build.  Recently I be in Hobby Lobby, arrr, shiver me timbers, in t' mood t' build somethin' and armed with me trusty 40% off coupon.  I saw nothin' that would even allow me t' go in a weird direction, nothin' I hadn't previously built, and nothin' that could be used t' start an obscure clone, arrr, so t' Generic E2X won by default.

Components

  • Main body tube
  • Nose cone
  • Plastic fin unit
  • Engine mount tube
  • Engine hook
  • Retainer ring
  • Engine block
  • Launch lug
  • Shock cord
  • Parachute
  • Sticker decals

Construction

I've previously built plenty o' rockets that fit this description, matey, arrr, t' Alpha III, arrr, arrr, No. Ya scallywag! 2 Sky Writer, Challenger and Kadet, so nothin' about this project was t' least bit unusual.  This project can be started, finished and flown on t' same day, arrr, shiver me timbers, ya bilge rat, makin' it a great candidate for a build and fly.  I added Keelhaul®©™ (because I have a lifetime supply,) t' t' recovery system, but other than that, matey, this was a "by t' book" build.  I particularly like t' fact that t' entire build can be done usin' white or wood glue despite t' plastic fin can.  Quite clever, arrr, Estes. 

Finishing

T' Generic E2X is an all white rocket, countin' on t' stickers t' provide color, but I couldn't just let that be.  Almost, but nay quite.  I primed t' whole rocket, me hearties, then sprayed t' whole thin' with gloss white paint.  Kinda redundant, I know.  When that was dry I masked off t' body tube and sprayed t' fin can and nose cone with Rustoleum Midnight Black Metallic.  I be goin' for an old Adam-12 cop car feel.  I topped this off with a couple o' t' stickers, me hearties, but nay so many as t' make me rocket look like it had been built by t' hyperactive Cub Scout I was 45 years ago.  I'm proud o' t' restraint I showed.

Construction Score: 5
 

Flight

First two flights were in unpainted "grip it and rip it" mode, matey, which is what I expect a lot o' these would fly like.  All three flights were at B6-4 Field because it's t' kind o' field I'd expect a bulk pack o' rockets t' fly on.  (So far that's been me experience.)  None o' t' flights at B6-4 Field were on a B6-4 because why tempt fate if your group o' kids want t' rocket back after t' flight.  (Also me experience talking.)  That said, me bucko, t' first A8-3 flight was somewhat worrisome, but nay because o' anythin' t' A8-3 did.  T' flight was straight t' about 250' and t' chute popped at t' requisite time, me hearties, me bucko, but t' rocket was facin' down and t' chute fouled on t' fins.  It came down fast and flat, hittin' hard on t' first base line.  I was expectin' some damage due t' t' hard hit, matey, shiver me timbers, but other than some impacted dirt on t' body tube and fin can, all was well.  Nice bounce, btw.  T' second flight occurred immediately because me pride was bruised and I couldn't let that boink recovery define me E2X day.  Another A8-3, ya bilge rat, another straight flight t' t' 250' mark, but this time a textbook infield recovery, sure t' elicit a feelin' o' triumph in any scout or science class kid.  VINDICATION!!!!  Flight three occurred after t' aforementioned paint and sticker job.  Another A8-3 t' t' same height as t' first two, but a center field recovery.  This wasn't due t' any excessive drift, but because I up on t' edge o' t' infield on a breezy but warm November day.

Recovery

Flight Rating: 5

Summary

Pros: East o' construction.  Looks like what a kid would think a rocket looks like.  Durable.  Decent performance.  A great bulk buy choice.

Cons: Nope. Begad! Avast, me proud beauty! Nada.

Overall Rating: 5
Other Reviews
  • Estes Generic E2X By Jon Revelle

    Very simple, easy rocket available only through a bulk pack. I managed to get one unassembled from a friend. This one has a Pepsi theme to it. There are nine parts to this kit: 1 NC50 nose cone 1 BT-50 body tube 1 plastic fin can 1 12" parachute 1 shock cord 1 sheet of decals 1 green long engine ring 1 small engine block 1 engine hook (standard length) ...

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