All Rocketry Blogs

 Rocketry Product: Estes - Optima {Kit} (2035) [1990-1994]

David McCann's Blog: Clean Up (2015-10-25)

So, it was windy.    I’d gone back and forth 100 times on backup flights for this weekend.   Last minute when packing last night, I pulled everything besides the ... [Read More]

David McCann's Blog: I think it’s time to paint the Optima 38 (2018-03-28)

My First HPR Optima is a 29mm, and the paint job sort of evolved accidentally.   It’s getting up in age, and while I’m not going to retire it, it does deserve some rest. The 38mm ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Scavenger! Build Part 9 Fin Plan (2012-01-17)

Here's the fin plan for the Scavenger rocket. These are based on the Estes Optima, a fin style I have always liked. I start with full-size pencil drawings on copy paper. After one drawing, another ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Scavenger! Build Part 24 Back To It - Paint! (2012-01-31)

Ever have one of those builds you just wanted to be done? I had too many bad experiences with the Rustoleum 2X gloss white. After sanding smooth again I took a chance with Duplicolor Gloss White. ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Scavenger! Finished (2012-02-04)

I used the old Estes Optima scheme for some painting ideas. The fin and body tube trim looks a little like the the new Estes Pro Series models. The finished model is 29 3/8" tall. Body Tube ... [Read More]

Rocket Dungeon: E12 CATO (2012-11-11)

Mike Rohde's Estes Optima E12 CATO , a photo by Wallyum on Flickr. Timing is everything in rocket photography! [Read More]

Rocket N00b: Current Rocketry Projects (2015-10-23)

In most of my blog posts, I put a little note with a link to my Facebook page . I'm currently adding lots of photos and stuff to the Facebook page, including a launch photos album and a current ... [Read More]