Description

(Formerly Skill Level 3)
Quite the unique design and a super cool rocket will get your building juices going with the Protostar! Overall length is 24 inches and weight is about 5 ounces for this “Star”. Estes C11, D and E model rocket engines powered, this rocket can top out at 1350 feet! Add the newest Estes “Spaceship” to your collection today!
WHAT YOU NEED TO BUILD: Scissors, pencil, ruler, fine sandpaper, ca, carpenter’s glue, hobby knife, masking tape, primer (white), paint (silver) 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 E 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).
WARNING
Sine Nomine (verified owner) –
The styling of this kit is excellent. It’s another one that is medium difficulty to build but easy to finish (my painting skills aren’t as good as my construction skills, so I appreciate that). The most time-consuming thing was trimming the nose cones. Hacking off part of the cones for the fin pods was a lot of work – next time I’d use my Dremel tool. I’m not sure what color you see when you look at the picture here, but I see gold, so that’s what painted it. I haven’t had issues with the pods coming off, but another guy in my club did have issues. I used CA but switching to epoxy wouldn’t be a bad idea. Flies great!
William Stec –
I had one of these rockets. With a metallic blue paintjob, it always got compliments. It flew well. However, I would advise builders to attach the fin pods with epoxy, as using superglue gel is not adequate, and I had a 50% breakage rate (2 breaks out of 4 flights, lost the rocket on the 5th flight).
It would be neat if someone came up with some aftermarket landing legs with springs to add to the wing pods, but I realize that isn’t practical for the manufacturer.
Johnny Chen –
I LOVE IT! This rocket is amazing. The building process was extremely fun and totally worth the 4 hours! Decals were tricky at first but you eventually get the hang of it after the first two. I would completely recommend buying this rocket. Nice job Estes!
Tom (verified owner) –
Once again Estes proves itself with precision and quality of design. With that said. This was a fun build everything fit like a glove. And how can’t you love the Flash Gordon/Buck Rodgers retro look.
Andrew –
Great looking addition to my fleet
For me, the best part of this rocket is the swoopy 1930’s Buck Rogers / art deco-ish look to it. I have had this kit in the build queue for months while I finished up other builds in preparation for an upcoming launch. With the workbench cleared off, I have gotten started and it doesn’t disappoint. The Level 3 skill level is about right, but it will still challenge your craftsmanship skills to make it look sharp. Along those lines, take extra care with the engine mount dimensions so that the tail cone locates correctly. Also trim and sand the tail cone carefully so that it fits snugly on the engine mount. A bit of finesse with the x-acto knife and a small file will reward you with a cutout in the engine hook fairing that doesn’t catch on the hook. The rest seems to be fairly straight forward. Hopefully I’ll get to see it fly by Christmas.