Estes - Echostar (2176) [2001-2003]

Brief:
Nice staged rocket, low power, parachute is too big, but a GOOD design.

Construction:
There were four body tubes and a payload section that was WAY to small. There were three sets of four fins (hard for a little kid).

The instructions were easy (why is it Level 3?). Illustrations I don't know about. I did not really follow the assembly order but it still flew okay. The multiple fin alignment was pretty hard for me. The fins are weak and I might replace them with basswood. The fin roots were extremely sturdy since I used CA.

Finishing:
Finishing was hard because I was too lazy to get spray paint. I used Testors :(.  The decals looked good. It was easy to the extent that loss of masking tape was shown.

Construction Rating: 3 out of 5

Flight:
I used the C6-0 to C6-7 because I really wanted altitude. It used wadding like all Estes kits.  Motor retention is crude but that's the way it has to work, it is friction fit. It flew straight and true until recovery.

Recovery:
Pros: ease of assembly (pre-made) 
Cons: Recovery (shock cord separation), Damage (coming down from 1600 feet landing in some trees)

Flight Rating: 2 out of 5

Summary:
Pros: TTW fin mount, payload carrier 
Cons: Friction fit, recovery, strength of materials

Overall Rating: 3 out of 5

Flight Log

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