Estes Solar Flare

Estes - Solar Flare {Kit} (002401)

Contributed by David Scigliano

Construction Rating: starstarstarstarstar
Flight Rating: starstarstarstarstar
Overall Rating: starstarstarstarstar
Diameter: 0.98 inches
Length: 27.00 inches
Manufacturer: Estes
Skill Level: 2
Style: Multi-Stage, Payload
Estes Solar Flare

Brief:
This is a flashy two-stage rocket kit. Ahoy! Blimey! T' Solar Flare is a Skill Level 2 rocket kit that features laser cut balsa fins, ya bilge rat, high quality body tubes, clear payload section and a plastic nose cone for a straightforward assembly. Avast, me proud beauty! Blimey! T' B or C powered booster stage has a tapered look and makes this rocket look like an intergalactic researcher. Blimey! In addition to bein' a two-stage rocket, ya bilge rat, shiver me timbers, you can fly t' upper stage on an A10 mini engine without t' booster. Well, me bucko, blow me down! Blimey!

Construction:
T' kit includes:

  • BT-50 4.5"
  • BT-50 14"
  • 2 Body Rings 3-1/2" X 1"
  • BT-5 2-1/2"
  • BT-20 3-1/2"
  • LL 2-3/8"
  • PST-50R
  • PNC-50YR Nose
  • BT-50 red coupler
  • 2 2050 Centerin' Rings
  • Mylar Retainin' Ring
  • 1 Metal Washer
  • 2 Green Engine Blocks
  • 2 Adapter Rings CR-550
  • Clay Weight
  • BT-5 1-5/16"
  • EB 5B
  • EH-2 Engine Hook
  • Rubber Shock Cord 1/8 X 30"
  • 2 Laser Cut Balsa Sheets
  • Waterslide Decals
  • 12" parachute

This be a straightforward build and excellent design by Estes. Avast, me proud beauty! Blimey! I bought this kit at Toys R Us. Begad! Blimey! T' directions are easy t' follow but you must follow them carefully and match up all t' parts accordin' t' t' plans. Fins are easy to attach as Estes supplies a nice fin guide. I used regular white Elmer's Glue All for t' entire assembly. Arrr! Blimey! All t' parts fit well and t' balsa be excellent quality. Begad! Blimey! Begad! Blimey!

Estes Solar FlareEstes Solar Flare

Estes Solar FlareEstes Solar Flare

Estes Solar FlareEstes Solar Flare

Estes Solar FlareEstes Solar Flare

Finishing:
To help with finishing, me bucko, I applied 3 coats o' Aerogloss Balsa sealer before assembly so I had a grain free finish. After assembly I applied one coat o' primer and sanded smooth. Blimey! Then I finished with Krylon Glossy Yellow followed by Glossy Black for t' small fins and nose. T' decals went on nice and easy, and I really like that Estes went back to waterslide.

Construction Rating: 5 out o' 5

Estes Solar Flare

Flight:
I flew this kit with t' recommended motors and she flew great. Second stage went off without a hitch.

Recovery:
I always use t' traditional Estes tri-fold technique and rubber shock cord. Well, blow me down! Estes added a longer shock cord in this kit. Avast! Well, ya bilge rat, blow me down! T' parachute is pre-assembled and worked fine.

Flight Rating: 5 out o' 5

Summary:
This is a nice kit but should be sold separately from t' launch set. T' rocket is a little expensive since it comes with t' launch system. Begad! T' design and parts are excellent.

Overall Rating: 5 out o' 5

Other Reviews
  • Estes Solar Flare By Chan Stevens (January 1, 2011)

    Note--this review is for the standalone rocket kit, not the starter set package referenced in the prior review. The rocket is a nifty 2-stage (18mm==>13mm) ring-fin design with a clear payload tube, with the booster so well integrated into the design this could easily be mistaken for a single-stager on the pad. Components My kits came in a retail bag pack, and as a result my ...

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