The U.S. Army Patriot M-104, is the best kit to build for your first scale model rocket. This Desert Storm Veteran features a top notch, two piece body tube, and genuine-looking self-stick decals. It’s easy to build and can be finished in a morning or afternoon.
This classic scale model can fly 600 feet high on Estes standard model rocket engines and recovers with a 12 inch parachute. Don’t have this one? Get it! It’s a scale ARMY classic that every rocketeer should have in his rocket arsenal.
WHAT YOU NEED TO BUILD: Scissors, pencil, ruler, fine sandpaper, carpenter’s glue, hobby knife, masking tape, primer (white), paint (gloss red) and clear coat (optional). (Tools, construction and finishing supplies not included.)
WHAT YOU NEED TO LAUNCH (sold separately): Estes Porta-Pad II Launch Pad and Electron Beam Launch Controller, Estes model rocket engines, starters and recovery wadding. Four 1.5V high quality AA alkaline batteries are also required for launch controller (not included).
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James –
Flown 30 times and still going
The patriot is a great looking rocket and holds up extremely well. I have flown mine over 30 times and it is still going strong. I would recommend this kit to anyone. You will enjoy it.
David –
Fun build that flies great!
I built this kit about 4 weeks ago. Very straightforward build that follows the typical skill level 1 build procedure. Resist the urge to round the fins. Sure it impedes performance to leave them squared but it really gives it a great look and a sense of “authenticity” to the kit.
My only critique is that it comes with adhesive decals (as opposed to waterslide) making it a touch more difficult to get the accents just right. It still comes out as a great looking model though.
I made this kit twice in the span of 2 weeks (the first one wound up in a power line after ignoring my instinct not to fly due to winds). The first time I made this kit I did so to practice some mid/high power building techniques (slightly diluted wood filler instead of sanding sealer on balsa parts, epoxy fillets, swivel on the chute, etc). If I wanted a 4 second delay I really needed the kick of a B6 to get it moving due to the extra weight. The second I did with some slightly lighter construction techniques and I could do some nice small field park flying on a B4-4; the liftoffs were on the slow “dramatic” side. After making one attempt on an A8-3 engine with my lighter, second build, I agree with Estes in that I do NOT recommend flying with anything lower than a “B” engine..
All in all, if you’re looking to build a scale or semi-scale model that both modelers and non-modelers will appreciate and can be an enjoyable park flier without breaking the bank, I recommend this kit.
Speedster –
Fast
I have launched it multiple times. I use the largest for the model C6-7 engines and it goes super high super fast. Since it goes so high with large engines I recommend tilting the rocket launch pad slightly into the wind and when the parachute deploys it will float to you.
Maxi Rod Mark –
50 Flights
I built my Patriot about twenty years ago and it still flies today. The shock cord has been replaced twice, parachute four times and the fins repaired multiple times. This is one tough rocket. Perhaps I’ll build another one in ten years.
professorhavoc –
Highly Recommended
As always, I had a blast putting this rocket together. When I got to the field, I discovered I had no B4-4 motors in my ammo box. The only thing I had was several C6-5 motors, and so I gave it a go, given that there was no wind. The rocket swiftly disappeared out of sight, and I did not see it again until it began to descend about 40 seconds later. This rocket was a blast to fly, and I advise against the larger parachute. This rocket is tough, and letting the model stay up in the air for longer is just asking for it to be lost.
Jim –
Amazing
Amazing. I got mine as the launch set as it was my first rocket when we launch it. It disapeared into the cloads as we where on a C6-5 meaning it went about 600 feet but Im sure it went much higher, and it just floated back down safely. Great first rocket!!!
Ron –
very well designed rocket
I was impressed with how structurally strong the rocket was as I was building it. Using 2 tubes and couplers really stiffened it up and it should last a long time if cared for. I missed the part where I was supposed to attach the fins 3/16″ from the tail but it doesnt affect its performance. Went higher than anticipated on a C6-5. very cool and one of my favorites
NJS97 –
Great
Bought this rocket assembly was a blast painting was fun got three great launches did not lose it either great rocket recomend for anyone
Mr. Anderson –
Great Rocket
This is a very easy to build, reliable rockete. Flies to great heights> I would recommend using a larger parachute to slow down the descent.
Compy11707 –
Nice
Nice. Just what I was looking for. A classic rocket that won’t let size get it down. A large rocket, easy to assemble. Suggest using white, school glue, model glue is absorbed by the cardboard. Durable nose cone, strong and versatile. Two thumbs up!!!!!