This single engine scale rocket is part of the Estes Launchables series. Some of the other model rockets included in the Launchables series are : Lucky Seven & Military Set, and a collection of others (20+ total) which have not yet been reviewed on this web site. This is a 1:55 scale replica of an existing spaceship, an Ansari X Prize rocket created by Pablo de Leon and Associates (Argentina). The infamous X Prize project involves launching a privately funded spaceship into orbit, while carrying three human passengers. To win the price, this feat must be repeated a second time within two weeks of the initial launch date.

Parts List

Below is a list of parts included with the kit and required to build your own Gauchito.

- engine mount tube, engine block, engine hook and mylar retainer.
- 1 body tube, 1 launch lug
- nose cone and display nozzle base (with nozzles)
- pressure sensitive decal sheet (stickers)
- laser cut balsa fins (4 fins)
- 12" parachute (fully assembled)
- instruction sheet (with safety guidelines)

As is usually the case with Estes model rocket kits, building and launch supplies are not included.

The display nozzle base must be removed prior to launch as it covers the rocket engine area.

Construction

This rocket can be built in nine easy steps. Instructions are clear and leave little or no room for error. This skill level one kit is intended for rocketeers ages 10 and up (adult supervision required for those under age 12).

First, a basic motor mount is built and inserted into the body tube. Next, the four balsa fins are attached. Finally, attach shock cord, nose cone, parachute and launch lug. You're now ready to paint this model rocket and attach the decals.

Very easy kit to put together. The parachute even comes fully assembled. If you can build and install a motor mount, you can build this rocket.

Finishing

For this project, the colors used in the above image are close to those suggested in the 'Paint Scheme' section of the Estes instruction booklet. After applying a coat of primer, acrylic paint was used to finish this X Prize rocket.

For Gauchito's nose cone, copper was suggested, a gold gloss (Testors #921537) was used instead. The body tube was painted white (Testors #1372). A touch of silver gloss (Testors #921575) was used for the nozzles on the display base. The white needed to be thinned with some water to work with the spray paint set.

Decals/stickers seen in the photo above are also provided with the rocket kit.

Measurements

This scale rocket is 8.6" (21.8 cm) long and has a diameter of 1.54" (39.1 mm). It weighs (unfinished) in at 1.08 oz (30.6 g).

Flight Data

Suggested engines for this model rocket are : 1/2A3-2T, A3-4T and A10-3T.

When launching this model on a A10-3T it was stable and had a nice, straight flight. Parachute opened on time, at apogee. While no measurement tool was used this launch, it likely didn't reach the 300 ft advertised on the box, more like 200 ft.

For future launches, an Altitrak will be used to get a more accurate estimate of how high this rocket flies.