The Nova is part of the Estes 'Beta Series' which features low cost, high flying model rockets. Other model rockets in this Estes series include the Wizard, Stormcaster, Quark, Big Bertha and others. The Nova Payloader (Estes #1960) was first released in 1986 and was taken out of production in 1998. There was a brief re-issue, a few years later. While it has been out-of-production for some time, these model kits can still be found in various hobby stores. The lightweight design combined with high altitude performance make this model rocket a great cargo carrier. Simply place your cargo in the clear payload section to send it up to great altitudes and see if it comes back in one piece. The model kit used for review was likely part of a bulk pack as it did not include a face card. In fact, it was provided free of charge, as part of an order for other rocketry related materials.

Parts List

Below is the list of items which were in the clear plastic bag in which the kit was packaged.

- body tube (BT-50), clear payload tube with insert sleeve
- engine mount tube, engine hook and centering rings
- elastic shock cord
- 12" parachute canope, tape rings and shroud line
- plastic nose cone with insert
- water decals
- launch lug
- 3 die-cut balsa fins (6 pieces)
- fin pattern sheet
- tube marking guide & shock cord mount (to be cut out)
- instructions booklet and launch information

As with most model rocket kits, launch supplies and commonly used hobby tools which will be needed are not included.

Construction

Some sources label this a skill level 1 kit, while others list it as skill level 2. The kit used for this review didn't make mention of the skill level. If you can build an engine mount and glue fin pieces together, you'll find this rocket easy to build.

Instructions are the typical Estes-style. Simply check off steps as you complete them. Plenty of illustrations accompany the steps required to build this model rocket.

To build this model rocket, you'll start by assembling the engine mount, which will be inserted into the airframe tube.

Each fin is constructed from two pieces of balsa wood. The fin pattern sheet is used to ensure the fin pieces are attached correctly. A tube marking guide is included to get assist in obtaining correct fin placement.

Glue on the fins, and launch lug, and let the glue dry. Cut out the shock cord mount and attach the shock cord to it. Assemble the payload section, attach the parachute and you're ready to finish the Nova Payloader model rocket.

Finishing

The model rocket was primed using automotive primer and painted white (Testors Acryl Paint). To give it color, gloss red (Testors #921500) was used on everything below the payload section.

The water slide decals are nice and thick, making it very easy to slide them into position correctly.

Measurements

The Nova model rocket is 21.1" (53.6 cm) long, weighs 1.3 oz (38 g) and has a diameter of 0.98" (24.9 mm).

Flight Data

Recommended rocket motors for the Nova Payloader are : 1/2A6-2, A8-3 (first flight), A8-5, B4-4, B4-6, B6-4, B6-6, B8-5, C6-5 and C6-7.