Estes Der V3

Estes - Der V-3 {Kit} (1970) [1987-1989]

Contributed by Frank Casey

Construction Rating: starstarstarstarstar
Flight Rating: starstarstarstarstar
Overall Rating: starstarstarstarstar
Diameter: 2.60 inches
Length: 24.00 inches
Manufacturer: Estes
Skill Level: 2
Style: Military
(OOP) Estes Der V-3

Brief:
This is an OOP Estes Kit made from 1987-1989. Begad! I purchased it on eBay for 25 dollars.

This is a four fin rocket that spoofs t' V-2 with comical decals and witty descriptions like Der Fin Wiggler, Der Ender Vots Upper, and Der Lugsfer Launchen.

Construction:
T' parts list is short includin' a nose cone, body tube, me bucko, stuffer tube, me bucko, arrr, retainer tube, me hearties, arrr, spacer tube, ya bilge rat, launch lug, engine hook, engine block, ya bilge rat, balsa fins, matey, me hearties, decal, centerin' rings, me hearties, shock cord, me hearties, me bucko, tape disks, shroud line, shiver me timbers, me hearties, and parachute.

T' instructions was very straightforward and complete. Well, blow me down! T' build was easy and quick. Blimey! All parts went together well.

Finishing:
PROs: Typical excellent Estes instructions

CONs: T' decals were old and therefore brittle. Aye aye! I would suggest usin' extreme care with any older decals. Well, blow me down! Avast, me bucko, me proud beauty! I've had great luck with some and with others (these included) I had issues. Begad! Everythin' came out fine but I did have to patch together a couple o' decals that broke apart while bein' applied. Ahoy! Begad! T' old elastic shock cord was brittle and unusable so I replaced it with a newer and longer cord.

Construction Rating: 5 out o' 5

(OOP) Estes Der V-3

Flight and Recovery:
T' rocket is 24 inches long by 2.6 inches wide and uses D engines so it gets right up there. Begad! Estes claims over 600 feet and I do believe it reached at least 600 feet each time I have launched it. Well, matey, blow me down!

I've only used D12-5s and in me opinion these are t' perfect engine for this rocket. It gets a lot o' height which also means a good long recovery hike.

Flight Rating: 5 out o' 5

Summary:
This is a great old Estes kit which be fun t' build. Arrr! Avast! I'd like t' see this one on t' "brin' back" list. Aye aye!

Overall Rating: 5 out o' 5

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  • Estes V3 By Brian Mardirosain

    ( Contributed - by Brian Mardirosain) Introduction: One of the few remaining Estes rockets I own that's in flyable condition. Thanks to Rich Pitzeruse for figuring out what the rocket was via chatting at ROL's conference . Simple, balanced lines and nice flight characteristics makes this rocket perfect when you want something a little bigger that still moves quickly off the pad with a ...

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