RocketReviews.com - Estes - 36 D Squared (2119) [2005-2009]

Brief:
A unique 2 D sized, cluster engine rocket, with a 24" parachute recovery system. This is a large, beautiful rocket. The look had to grow on me a little, my first impression of the look was only so-so, but once it was finished and sitting on my desk. I had totally gotten into this unique look. I can say, that I don't have another rocket quite like it in my fleet.

Construction:
The 36D starts out with a large BT, then a plastic transition to two smaller BTs, then another plastic transition back to the larger BT before reducing again. This really gives this model an eye catching shape!

Construction was straightforward, and easy to follow. Extra care had to be taken during parts involving the plastic transitions. Good construction habits such as double checking instructions, measuring, marking, and re-measuring - are a must when inserting the two BTs with upper centering rings into the upper part of the rocket.

Finishing:
If the you decide to finish the rocket like the picture, it will require some careful planning, and some patient masking. This really is one sharp looking rocket... photos don't do it justice. I choose not to pre-paint anything. After final construction, I painted the black first, then blended the red up top by the nose cone. A few days later I masked the black for the red fins and transitions, then free handed a gray blend at the lower transition. Once thought out, the finish is not terribly difficult to achieve, and is well worth the effort.

Flight:
The two D engines make for a spectacular launch. This rocket has flown straight up, several times under varying conditions. A pair of D12-5s seemed to work the best.

Recovery:
I choose to use an 18" home made, nylon parachute - instead of the supplied 24" plastic parachute. Even with the reduction in size, the rocket stayed up there quite a while, and required a bit of a hike to recover. I would definitely recommend the 18" over the 24", unless you want to go for a walk.

Summary:
This is a well designed, attractive rocket... and again, no other rocket I have looks quite like it. It is one the straightest flyer I have in my fleet. A very graceful, picture perfect flyer.

Flight Log

Date	Rocket Name	Motor(s)	Altitude	Notes
2006-02-04	Scott Stover's Estes 36 D Squared	2xD12-5	-	Great launch! Dual ejection charge caused 3 parachute cords to rip (will try 1 plugged engine). ...
2006-03-04	Donald Besaw's Estes 36 D Squared	2XD12-5	-	Excellent first flight, both motors lit perfectly for a spectacular flight to maybe 800-1,000...
2006-05-18	David Culp's Estes 36 D Squared	2xD12-5	-	Only one motor lit. Good flight nearly straight up, nice ejection and good recovery. Chute is...
2006-05-28	Mark Van+Luvender's Estes 36 D Squared	2xD12-5	-	Man, this this rips! Off like a shot! Apogee deployment, but still moving lateral led to partial...
2006-07-15	Edward Chess's Estes 36 D Squared	2XD12-5	-	Parachute tangled, hard landing in the rocks with two broken fins and some body tube crimping. ...
2006-08-05	Donald Besaw's Estes 36 D Squared	2XD12-5	-	Excellent flight, great boost to maybe 800+ feet. Recovered on a Fliskits reefed chute which...
2006-10-28	Michael Jenkins's Estes 36 D Squared	2xD12-5	-	Only one of the motors lit and the rocket careened off into the wind. The rocket was still low...
2006-11-24	Donald Besaw's Estes 36 D Squared	2XC11-5	-	Great flight on the C11-5s, both lit instantly. Straight boost to maybe 500-600 feet. Moderate...
2006-11-29	Ash Cooper's Estes 36 D Squared	2xD12-5	-	Chalk this one up to experience. Eager to fly the new 36D w/ onboard video despite windy...
2007-06-09	Edward Chess's Estes 36 D Squared	2XC11-5	-	Only one motor lit, so delay was too long. Chute deployed close to ground, preventing ballistic...
2008-02-01	Natalie Ryan's Estes 36 D Squared	2xD12-5	-	Perfect boost to around 800 feet. Chute tangled on the way down. Slammed into hard-packed earth,...
2008-04-19	Mike McFadden's Estes 36 D Squared	2xD12-7	-	Nice flight, shock cord broke at the point where the parachute connected. Payload and booster...
2008-04-20	Edward Chess's Estes 36 D Squared	2XD12-5	-	Nice flight. Slight fin damage on landing.
2008-09-20	Mike McFadden's Estes 36 D Squared	2xD12-5	-	Another nice flight on a sturdy kit.
2009-01-04	Duane Boldt's Estes 36 D Squared	2XD12-5	-
2009-01-25	Duane Boldt's Estes 36 D Squared	D12-5	-
2009-06-14	Edward Chess's Estes 36 D Squared	2XD12-5	-	Drag race with other 36D. Second off pad, but last to land.
2009-08-12	Steve Lindeman's 36 D Squared	2xC11-3	-	Both motors lit on cue. Nice fast lift with parachute at apogee. Nice gentle decent into neighbors...
2010-01-16	John Bergsmith's Estes 36 D Squared	2xD12-5	-	Great flight, both motors ignited perfectly on the Quest igniters.
2010-06-16	Tyler Runyon's Estes 36 D Squared	2xD12-5	-	Only one engine ignited, then the other, and took of like a missle.
2010-07-30	Duane Boldt's Estes 36 D Squared	C11-3	-	Drag raced two Estes 36 D Squared rockets. Both flew excellent. The C11-3 worked perfect for the...
2010-07-30	Duane Boldt's Estes 36 D Squared	D12-5	-	Excellent drag racse between this rocket and another 36D Squared on a pair of C11-3's. This one on...
2011-03-27	Edward Chess's Estes 36 D Squared	2XD12-5	-	Excellent straight boost, parachute deployed at about apogee, fin torn off on landing but can be...
2011-06-18	Kurt Knox's 36 D Squared	2xD12-5	-	Great flight, drifts a bit on the 18" parachute even with the center cut out.

Estes - 36 D Squared (2119) [2005-2009]

Flight Log

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