| Construction Rating: | starstarstarstarstar |
| Flight Rating: | starstarstarstarstar_border |
| Overall Rating: | starstarstarstarstar_border |
| Diameter: | 2.22 inches |
| Length: | 36.00 inches |
| Manufacturer: | Estes  |
| Skill Level: | 2 |
| Style: | Cluster |
Brief:
A unique 2 D sized, cluster engine rocket, with a 24" parachute recovery system. This is a large, beautiful rocket. The look had to grow on me a little, my first impression of the look was only so-so, but once it was finished and sitting on my desk. I had totally gotten into this unique look. I can say, that I don't have another rocket quite like it in my fleet.
Construction:
The 36D starts out with a large BT, then a plastic transition to two smaller BTs, then another plastic transition back to the larger BT before reducing again. This really gives this model an eye catching shape!
Construction was straightforward, and easy to follow. Extra care had to be taken during parts involving the plastic transitions. Good construction habits such as double checking instructions, measuring, marking, and re-measuring - are a must when inserting the two BTs with upper centering rings into the upper part of the rocket.
Finishing:
If the you decide to finish the rocket like the picture, it will require some careful planning, and some patient masking. This really is one sharp looking rocket... photos don't do it justice. I choose not to pre-paint anything. After final construction, I painted the black first, then blended the red up top by the nose cone. A few days later I masked the black for the red fins and transitions, then free handed a gray blend at the lower transition. Once thought out, the finish is not terribly difficult to achieve, and is well worth the effort.
Construction Rating: 5 out of 5
Flight:
The two D engines make for a spectacular launch. This rocket has flown straight up, several times under varying conditions. A pair of D12-5s seemed to work the best.
Recovery:
I choose to use an 18" home made, nylon parachute - instead of the supplied 24" plastic parachute. Even with the reduction in size, the rocket stayed up there quite a while, and required a bit of a hike to recover. I would definitely recommend the 18" over the 24", unless you want to go for a walk.
Flight Rating: 4 out of 5
Summary:
This is a well designed, attractive rocket... and again, no other rocket I have looks quite like it. It is one the straightest flyer I have in my fleet. A very graceful, picture perfect flyer.
Overall Rating: 4 out of 5
Other Reviews
- Estes 36 D Squared By John Lee (August 9, 2008)
Brief: Two 24mm motor cluster, skill level 2, payload section, parachute recovery. This is a strange looking rocket that only gets stranger the more you think about it, but it is a good performer. It's not too difficult to build but a bit more challenging to paint if you want to use the default scheme on the facecard. Construction: Construction begins with the marking of ...
- Estes 36 D Squared By John R. Brandon III (March 7, 2008)
Brief: This is a big hammer-headed rocket for double D-engine power and recovers with a big parachute. Construction: Kit came in the typical plastic bag. Consists of: Plastic nose cone A plastic transition BT60 payload section 2 BT50 motor tubes 2 AR2050 centering rings used as thrust rings 2 different lengths of BT70 One serves as a fin can ...
- Estes 36 D Squared By Ben Davidson
This is a new Cluster rocket from Estes which has a payload section and a nice parachute recovery system. The kit was complete and well organized. It uses basic Estes components except for two transitions which are new. These are used to expose two BT50 tubes just forward of the fin area. These tubes form the motor mounts and are supported by 4 paper motor mount rings. This rocket was ...
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J.D. (March 19, 2007)