Comanche-3™

This kit brings back so many memories! A real performer that is somewhat simple to build and finish. Having experience building complex rockets will help when assembling this beast of a model and more advanced assembly techniques will definitely help keep things where you put them after a few trips to the range.

The instructions can be a bit vague at times, and there are a few steps missing, but as stated before, having previous experience building more complex rockets will help you through the assembly process. The water decals are simple to apply, but patience is absolutely needed when applying the larger decals for a clean finish.

My only critiques are that I was hoping for "Through-the-Wall" fin mounting and a slotted main airframe for better rigidity and simplicity when installing the fins, and I wish they had the same paint scheme and decals like the kits they sold when I was growing up (way cooler and lives up to the "Expert" kit level). Besides this and the missing steps in the instructions, it is an absolute MUST for any rocketry enthusiast and collector!

We launched ours many a time. We always used the largest engines specified and with the longest delay for the 3rd stage. We were fortunate to live in the Tri-Cities area of Eastern Washington on a plateau in the desert. There were only 4 houses in our area at that time so we could find the rocket. We launched from the soccer fields. Make sure the engine mounts are securely glued in. Next time I think I will use epoxy. The third stage mount finally tore loose in a spectacular "rocket disaster" and it went up through the third stage. We had many launches over several months before that happened. You definitely need a huge cleared are to fly these baby, and good eyes to follow the booster stages as they drop back down.

Had a blast building and painting this one. The rocket looked sharp sitting on the launch pad. However, I was acutely disappointed post launch once it lifted off. The rocket boast 2,250' of elevation post launch, I can honestly say it never reached anything near that height. The rocket lifted off and ignited each stage successfully, then banked left with a straight flat flight just over the tree tops. Like everyone else the main rocket was gone and never able to be recovered. I think this one is a bit top heavy and is in need of much bigger engine for the main rocket stage or Estes needs to cut down the weight on the main rocket stage.