This single engine sport rocket is part of the Challenge Series by Estes (flying model rocket kit #2094). It is one of the biggest rockets ever released by Estes. Other model rockets in the Challenge (level 3) series include the Renegade, Broadsword, SR-71 Blackbird, Outlander and others. This kit made its first appearance in the Estes catalog in 1994 and was discontinued shortly thereafter (1996). This kit was purchased in the late nineties and build early February 2006. This very rocket, in fact, is what got me pulled into rocketry and served as inspiration for this web site. It lasted only a few flights as the parachute wouldn't deploy and took a nose dive. It has since been fixed and flies again (be it with a different nose cone).

Parts List

The kit does not include a launch system, engines, or recovery wadding required for launch. Hobby supplies such as glue, sealer & paint, sandpaper, scissors, and hobby knife are not included. These supplies are usually not included with rocket kits, their absence was fully expected.

The kit does include everything you'd expect and need to build this model rocket :

- 3 large body tubes & 2 large couplers
- 3 small body tubes & 2 small couplers
- 6 adapter rings & 1 retainer tube
- engine block, spacer (for D engines) and hook
- plastic nose cone & die-cut balsa fins
- 2 launch lugs : 5mm (3/16") & 6mm (1/4")
- complete 24" parachute assembly kit with shock cord
- pattern sheet & pressure sensitive decals

Construction

This is a "Skill Level III" rocket. Overall, the instructions are clear and sufficient. The building process is not difficult. While it could be assembled in a much shorter amount of time, it took me close to a week. This was mainly as only a step or two were completed every day and the glue given 24 hours to set at each step.

There are 21 steps to building this model rocket. Start by installing the tube coupler in both large and small body tubes. Build and install the engine mount assembly. Prepare the suffer tube by attaching centering rings and install it. Now it is time to join the lower and center body sections. Attach the extension tube and forward centering ring to join the center and forward body sections.

Joining all sections correctly is key. Dry fitting them first may be a good idea, depending on your experience level. Prepare and install fins and launch lug. Attach shock cord mount and parachute. The Shadow is now ready for finishing.

This rocket sports two sets of fins. The dorsal fins must be aligned with the fins behind them for a stable flight. While this wasn't difficult, it is a point where things could go wrong quickly. This is especially true when using quick drying glue, which doesn't allow for as many fine-tuning adjustments.

The above parts list mentions the two different sized launch lugs. You'll need to decide which launch system/rod you'll launch from and select a launch lug accordingly during construction.

The recovery mechanism used by this model is a parachute, which is easy to assemble and attach.

Finishing

This model rocket was given two coats of Rust-Oleum automotive primer (wet sanding after each coat), followed by 2-3 coats of white Krylon primer. Between the coats of white primer, the rocket was checked for imperfections and white putty was applied where needed.

Next, several coats of yellow enamel paint (Testors #1214) were applied. For contrast, the bottom part of the rocket was painted gloss black (Testors #1247).

This color scheme is different from that on the Estes box. The decals which came with the kit were not used.

Measurements

The Shadow stands 47.5 inches tall (120.7 cm) and has a diameter of 2.60" (66 mm). This Estes rocket weighs in at 8.5 oz. (237 g). This does not include paint or other finishing materials.

Flight Data

For the first flight, a D12-3 engine is suggested. For later launches an E model rocket motor can be used, which should lift it to over 600 feet (180 m). The suggested E motors are E15-4 or E15-6 which are also no longer available from Estes. On a D12-3 the Shadow goes up slowly and graciously. While it doesn't reach much of an altitude on a D motor (about 350 feet), this rocket really is a joy to watch as it goes up. Parachute deploys slightly past apogee. Unfortunately, the parachute didn't deploy on the 3rd launch. The ejection charge blew the parachute right off the shroud lines. This was with 14 pieces of recovery wadding inserted. To view a short video of its final launch, click here. The video starts at takeoff and ends shortly after ejection.

It came down forward end of body tube first and was seriously bend. Instead of repairing it, I built a new Shadow (the one seen in the picture on top of the page). It was given a different nose cone, 1/8" plywood fins, epoxy fin fillets and a 29 mm motor mount. This rocket has been flown on an F23-7FJ. It was a great flight, hope to have video of one of those flights shortly.