If you're a first timer, then you definitely want to begin with a starter set. Rocket starter sets include the model rocket, engine, launch pad and all of the supplies you need to get launched. Other beginner rockets are ready-to-fly (RTF) rockets and E2X (easy to assemble) kits but with these kits you will still need to purchase engines and all of the launch supplies. A starter set provides you with all of the required components.

The Estes Alpha III Starter Set (part #EST1407) is a great set for scouts in a short time. It's a starter set so it includes all of the launch supplies you need. For the other rockets, you can buy a Alpha II bulk pack (EST1751), which will provide savings by purchasing in bulk. In addition, you can purchase the recommended A8-3 bulk motors (EST1781) which includes engines, recovery wadding and igniters. Don't forget that you will also need wood glue (ELG700) and plastic cement (TES3516) to complete the model rocket.

We would love to assist with your 'Rocket Day.' Based on your requirements, here is the bulk pack that we recommend, Estes Generic E2X (EST1764). These are easy to assemble, sold in bulk packs of 12 and can also be customized with paint, decals or markers. In terms of the motors, we recommend the following bulk packs in A8-3 (EST1781). These come in a pack of 24 so you will need at least two packs. You will also need a launch pad (EST302215), controller (EST302220), wood glue (ELG700), plastic cement (TES3516) and AA Batteries (FUG4). Please keep in mind that rocket motors can take 10-14 business days for delivery - so the sooner you place your order the better!

Yes, you mean the letters and numbers like A8-3. In this example, the letter indicates the total impulse or total power produced by the engine. Each succeeding letter has twice the power of the previous letter, for example, 'B' engines have twice the power of 'A' engines. The first number next to the letter (in an A8-3 engine, this would be the number 8), shows the engine's average thrust in newtons, or the average push exerted by the engine. The second number after the dash give you the delay in seconds between the end of thrusting and the ejection charge. This lets you choose the delay time you want for any flight. Engine types ending in '0' have no delay or ejection charge and are for use in booster stages only.

Yes, the explanations can be difficult to understand! Here is the approximate altitude for each engine with a typical 1oz. model rocket: 1/2A6-2: 190 feet; A8-3: 450 feet; B6-4: 750 feet; C6-5: 1000 feet. These are guidelines only and actual altitude can vary up to +/-25%.

On each rocket kit or starter set page, we list the recommended engines to use. Each manufacturer also lists the recommended engines on the instructions of the model rocket.

An igniter is a device used to ignite a rocket engine. An igniter element is a strip of resistance wire with a coating of pyrotechnic material on it. In the system it performs like a resistor in an electrical circuit. As electricity passes through micro-clips connected to the igniter, the igniter begins to glow and give off heat. The pyrotechnic material coating is ignited and is the last step in the ignition. Igniters must be installed so that the coating is touching the dark-colored propellant grain. If the igniter is not touching the grain, this could cause a misfire.

Estes rockets will work with Quest launch systems.

That is a simple question but one that requires some explanation. Both Quest and Estes make standard rocket motors of the same size (18mm x 70mm), and they are interchangeable. These motors are designated 1/2A6, A6, A8, B4, B6, and C6. Also of note, the Quest A6-4 and the Estes A8-3 are for all purposes considered the same motor. Both companies also make mini and/or large motors. Those generally are not interchangeable. Igniters are interchangeable in regards to motors, but are not interchangeable in regards to launch controllers. Estes igniters will work with either Estes or Quest launch controllers. Quest Q2G2 igniters should only be used with Quest launch controllers. Using a Quest Q2G2 igniter with an Estes launch controller can cause an uncontrolled launch of the rocket. All Quest rockets use a standard launch rod of 1/8 inch. Estes rockets using mini or standard motors also use the 1/8 inch launch rod. Estes rockets using "D" or "E" motors require a thicker launch rod of 3/16" (maxi-rod). Quest launch pads will only handle the 1/8 inch rod. The Estes standard launch pad will handle either the 1/8 inch or 3/16 inch launch rod.

Yes, all of the RTR cars & boats (meaning 'ready-to-run) do include the radio system.

The run time for electric cars is generally 7-10 minutes, however you can get upgraded batteries that will increase the run time to 10+ minutes.

We would love to get you started in the T-Maxx world! Since you already have the 7.2V battery and charger, all you need is the Traxxas 20% fuel and a fuel bottle. We also recommend getting some additional glow plugs (part #TRA3232X) and at least a few quarts of fuel as you will go through a few tanks alone just breaking in the motor on the T-Maxx.

Yes, this DCC set includes everything needed to convert your existing Bachmann HO scale set to a DCC ready set. Basically, this set replaces your locomotive, command center, and power supply switching everything to DCC.

Yes, you can! A product such as the MRC0001665 Sounder Decoder is an add-on to any exsisting DCC locomotive. It includes the sound decoder and speaker.

In a thumbnail, lithium battery packs weigh half as much as their predecessors and deliver increased power levels through a higher discharge rate. Lithium battery packs are now available for all applications: Cars, Trucks, Airplanes, Helicopters, Boats & Robots! When coupled with a brushless motor and lithium compatible ESC, these lithium battery packs have made earth-shattering movements for the direction of RC technology. Of course all of these perks come with an expense, the fragile nature and required maintenance of these lithium battery packs.

There are two main types of Lithium packs, Lithium-Ion and Lithium-Polymer batteries. Although both are relatively new, they have significant performance capabilities over the traditional sub-c packs. Lithium–Ion packs include Li-ion, LiFe & A123 cells. Although Lithium-Ion cells represent great strides in battery technology, yet they do not offer all of the performance gains of Lithium-Polymer (Lipo) battery packs. Lipo battery cells are very thin and long, resembling a rectangular shape. The Lipo battery cells are extremely lightweight, and stack very well; making them an ideal fit for small and light-weight applications. However, that is not all Lipo battery packs are useful for. With any application where increasing power and shaving weight is a pressing issue, a Lipo pack is the only way to go. With a nominal voltage of 3.7 volts per cell, it’s easy to see that you can get a higher-voltage battery with just a few small Lipo cells. Typically, Lipo batteries are stacked in 2-cell (2S), and 3-cell (3S) configurations. As with all types of batteries; the higher the individual cell count, the higher the voltage. In addition to the voltage variation, Lipo batteries all have a designated discharge rate from 5C-40C; which has increased significantly since lithium-polymer batteries were introduced.

Unlike traditional NiMH and NiCD batteries, Lithium-polymer cells require a significant amount of precautions when charging. The most important and critical element is to never charge the Lipo with a non-Lipo battery charger. Many mistakes are forgiving, however charging a Lipo battery on a non-Lipo charger may result in an explosion, fire, and loss of personal property. Charging a Lipo battery must be handled with a Lipo charger that was designed specifically to handle the different charging characteristics of Lipo There are several Lipo battery chargers from Dynamite, Team Losi, Team Orion, Thunder Power, Triton, Venom as well as other manufacturers that will adequately charge a Lipo pack. eHobbies stocks all of the best Lipo chargers available, including those for the budget-minded enthusiasts. We recommend always following the manufacturers recommendations when in regards to the charge procedure, however you will never want to charge a Lipo battery above a 1C maximum rate. Other charging requirements for Lipo batteries include the location of the charge. Due to the chemical attributes of these cells; you will never want to charge a Lipo pack inside the vehicle/aircraft, near dangerous or explosive gases, or where proper ventilation is not available. To increase the ability to charge Lipo batteries safely, there are a few different methods to safely charge Lipo batteries. The first method involves a Pyrex dish and submerging the battery in sand during the charge process, which is not the most convenient. We recommend charging with a Lipo safety sack, which protects the battery internally if any issues were to occur during the charging process. If a fire were ever to occur, the Lipo charge sack is a fireproof bag designed to contain and stop a fire. eHobbies stocks a variety of Lipo charge bags in different sizes, depending on the size of the Lipo. We find that even the small Lipo charge bags fit most all standard size batteries that are not enclosed in a hard case.

If a Lithium-polymer battery pack is ever dropped or damaged during use, the cells must be immediately inspected for swelling. If any of the cells swell, the entire battery pack must be immediately removed from the vehicle/aircraft and placed into a bucket of salt-water in a safe, outside area. After soaking, the battery can be safely disposed of. Please consult local recycling laws for battery disposal procedures.

By taking a few precautionary measures, Lipo batteries are neither difficult to charge or maintain. The benefits of Lithium-polymer batteries far out-weigh the above concerns; it’s easy to see that global battery development has had a significant impact on everything from Hybrid car batteries to RC technology. If you have not made the switch yet, get with the times – you will be content that you did!