I absolutely love this rocket and am incredibly grateful that Estes continues to manufacture it. The Mercury Redstone has been part of the Estes lineup for decades, and the fact that it’s still available today speaks volumes. For those of us who admire the history of spaceflight, it’s a treat to be able to build a rocket so deeply rooted in our space heritage.
That said, this is a fairly challenging build, especially when it comes to the capsule and escape tower — the plastic parts don’t fit together as cleanly as I would’ve liked, and they require a bit of finesse to assemble. The paint job is also tricky, particularly the black and white color transitions, which demand careful masking and patience.
On the upside, the price point is excellent. There’s even room for customization — whether it’s upgrading the parachute or adding personal touches to the capsule.
Room for improvement:
The instructions feel a bit outdated. They don’t fully explain the color schemes, and there are inconsistencies between the instructions and reference materials. Like many scale kits, it would be great if Estes included tips that experienced builders often share, such as sealing fins after sanding, pre-painting certain parts, adding a capsule window, or improving decal placement accuracy.
Final Thoughts:
Despite the challenges, this is hands-down one of my top three favorite Estes builds. The complexity actually made the process more rewarding, and I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a build that’s both nostalgic and satisfying. Bravo, Estes — and please never stop making this one.
