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Estes - Big Bertha (7007)

Manufacturer:Estes

Contributed by Paul Gray

(by Paul Gray) 

Background

The Big Bertha is a classic rocket built and flown by thousands of people around the world since 1965. Its was designed to have a rather impressive size and to develop the skills of people who are advancing themselves further in the hobby of model rocketry. Because of its size and performance, it is a great rocket to fly on a football field on C motors, and it is perfect for beginners of model rocketry and demonstration flights. 

Construction

[Rocket Pic]The rocket overall is rather simple to build although it requires proper fin alignment, finishing, and proper building techniques. As said before, building this rocket will give the beginning rocketeer a good introduction into using these skills. There are things to watch for when building this rocket. First of all, like many rockets, the motor mount centering rings can angle when you glue them onto the motor tube. Not only should you make sure that they are straight when you first glue them on, but keep any eye on them. They can angle by themselves as the glue dries. Second, the motor hook is held with masking tape that is wrapped around the motor tube. Tape will work just fine. Just make sure that the hook runs straight down the motor tube and use plenty of tape. Third, its very common for plastic nose cones to have flash leftover from the manufacturing process. Be sure to trip any flash off of the nose cone with a hobby knife. Finally, its very important to make sure that the launch lug is glued in between two fins. The rocket is only good for pitching into the trash can when it is in line with a fin, because of course, you can't load the rocket onto the launch pad. 

There is a method of gluing the motor mount into the rocket that I used on this rocket. Its a method that I learned building high impulse rockets. I put the motor mount into the body tube without yet getting out the glue. Then I used a ruler to line the back end of the motor tube with the back end of the body tube. I then put a glue fillet around inside where the back centering ring meets the body tube. I then stood the body tube on its front end and let the glue dry completely before doing anything else. Then I took a long balsa stick and through the front end of the tube, I reached the stick down and spread glue inside around where the front centering ring meets the body tube. This method works very well in gluing the motor mount in strongly. 

When gluing on the fins, make sure that you have good marks drawn on the tube. Preglue the fins before gluing them onto the body tube. Pregluing creates a stronger joint between the fins and the body tube and also helps to have a nice flat root edge for gluing. These are the steps to the pregluing process:

1.Put a thin coat of glue on the root edge (edge that glues onto the body tube) of the fin.
2.Wipe off any excess glue off from the coat you just put on the root edge of the fin. You don't need much glue for this. All you need is a thin, flat film of glue.
3.Let it dry before gluing onto the body tube.

And last, be sure that you glue the fins around the rear end of the body tube. I nearly made the mistake of gluing a fin to the front end of the tube. Not good.

Finishing this rocket isn't anything too complex. Its all black, so you won't need to worry about being an artist. I am using Krylon black paint, and before I paint the rocket, I spray Krylon sandable primer on it, and sand it smooth. This really improves the finish. Krylon clear coat really adds to the finish too after the decals are added on.

Flight

One reason this rocket is a classic is because of its unique look and performance. It flies best on C motors. It likes all of the power you can give it. Its design allows it to fly perfectly straight up. Many people also like the way it floats back down on its 45 centimeter parachute. It doesn't wobble or fall too fast. It comes down slow and majestically. 

Grades

Design: A+ 
Construction: A 
Flight: A+ 

    Flight Log

    DateRocket NameMotor(s)AltitudeNotes
    1969-12-31Russell Taragan's Estes Big BerthaA8-3- Not enough power, the rocket hit 50 ft and fell back down, ejection did not really come in time...
    1969-12-31Kenneth Johnson's Estes Big BerthaC6-5- Got this one in Germany, sold by Robbe GmbH. Funny, German Estes (Robbe) motors aren't color...
    1999-03-07Paul Smith's Estes Big BerthaB6-2- This time surprisingly low for a B6 engine. I wrapped both the shroud lines and the long shock...
    1999-03-07Paul Smith's Estes Big BerthaA8-3- Almost identical to other A8-3 flights. Nice recovery.
    1999-03-11Paul Smith's Estes Big BerthaC5-3- Perfect flight. Noticeably higher than Maniac on same engine.
    1999-03-11Paul Smith's Estes Big BerthaB8-5- Perfect
    1999-03-20Paul Smith's Estes Big BerthaB4-2- Another beautiful flight.
    1999-04-02Paul Smith's Estes Big BerthaB6-4- Perfect flight - caught by body tube.
    1999-04-21Eric Miller's Estes Big BerthaC6-3- Inclined the launch angle more into the wind, nice flight, no weather cocking, ejected parachute...
    1999-04-28Eric Miller's Estes Big BerthaC6-3- Perfect day, awesome flight - there's nothing like Big B going up straight as an arrow, ejected...
    1999-06-19Eric Miller's Estes Big BerthaC6-5- Yes I was the first to fly, lots of bugs in the morning but Big B did not regard it. Perfect...
    2000-01-02Eric Miller's Estes Big BerthaC6-3- Big Bertha delivered another perfect launch. This rocket rocks! Ejection not so beautiful. . ....
    2000-02-19Geoff Stanford's Estes Big BerthaB6-4- This was the first rocket I flew as a kid, so I figured this should be the first one I put up when...
    2000-03-01Randy Powell's Estes Big Bertha3xB6-4- this rocket kicks @ss with 3 motors. . . flew super good and recovered nearby.
    2000-03-04Randy Ashley's Estes Big Bertha3xC6-7- When I got this one and saw how long the motor mount was I just had to cut it into 3 mounts and...
    2000-03-04David Fergus's Estes Big BerthaC6-5- good flight
    2000-03-11Randy Ashley's Estes Big Bertha3xC6-7- Nice flight. 1200 ft sure beats the 580 it would have done on one c motor.
    2000-03-12Randy Ashley's Estes Big Bertha3xC6-4- LCO (thats me) remembered to flip the extra 2 swithches and all 3 lit ( even with the copperheads...
    2000-03-18Geoff Stanford's Estes Big BerthaC6-5- Flew great on this motor. The new nylon Vaughn Brother's 18 parachute worked like a charm. I...
    2000-03-21Randy Powell's Estes Big BerthaB6-4- made a cluster of 3x 18mm motors. . added 1 oz. to NC perfect ignition and lots of fire and smoke....
    2000-03-25Randy Ashley's Estes Big Bertha3xC6-7- This kit is super with the cluster of C motors. Nice stable flight. Might change to smaller chute...
    2000-04-01David Fergus's Estes Big BerthaB6-4- some wind cock
    2000-04-15Dale Emery's Estes Big BerthaC6-5- My first launch was the Big Bertha on a C6-5 for a wind and cloud ceiling check. It flew fine,...
    2000-04-29David Fergus's Estes Big BerthaC6-3-
    2000-05-13Dale Emery's Estes Big BerthaC6-5- Nice Flight
    2000-06-04Eric Miller's Estes Big BerthaC6-7- Too much launch angle on this one. Floated into a large tree. This was one of my favorite rockets....
    2000-06-10Dale Emery's Estes Big BerthaC6-5- Second flight of day
    2000-06-18Geoff Stanford's Estes Big BerthaB6-4- This time it didn't even leave the pad. I had found some old AeroTech B6-4 reloads and decided to...
    2000-06-24David Fergus's Estes Big BerthaC6-5-
    2000-06-24Eric Miller's Estes Big BerthaC6-5- After the first two flights of the Python and Peregrine, I knew I need to adjust the launch rod. I...
    2000-07-15Dale Emery's Estes Big BerthaC6-5- Third flight of day
    2000-08-12Tim Burger's Estes Big BerthaC6-5-
    2000-08-12Tim Burger's Estes Big BerthaB6-2- Log says: B6-2. Notes say Nice! Perfect apogee, but I suspect it was a B6-4 not a B6-2.
    2000-08-19Geoff Stanford's Estes Big BerthaB4-4- Flew like a champ on this motor. B4's in the Big Bertha give it such a nice slow lift off.
    2000-09-25Donald Besaw's Estes Big BerthaC6-5- Flew from a high school football field. Landed on the bleachers but was not damaged.
    2000-09-30Kevin Johnson's Estes Big BerthaB6-4- 1st flight. Looked great.
    2000-10-01Kevin Johnson's Estes Big BerthaB6-4- Flight #2.
    2000-10-15Tim Burger's Estes Big BerthaC6-5- Arrow straight, as perfect as it gets.
    2000-10-26Dale Emery's Estes Big BerthaB6-0/C6-7- I CHAD staged the Big Bertha on a B6-0/C6-7 combo that worked nicely.
    2000-11-05Kevin Johnson's Estes Big BerthaB6-4- Very windy day. Rocket recovered from tree trop.
    2000-11-11Tim Burger's Estes Big BerthaB6-4-
    2000-11-12Steve Terrell's Estes Big BerthaC6-5- I don't think this rocket is capable of a bad flight. I switched to a 12 chute, which works great...
    2000-11-18Steve Terrell's Estes Big BerthaC5-3- Windy day, but another great flight. My engine mount is starting to tear apart (no engine block in...
    2000-12-09Kevin Johnson's Estes Big BerthaB6-4-
    2000-12-09Kevin Johnson's Estes Big BerthaA8-3- Straight boost. Slid back down tail first before ejecting.
    2001-02-19Kevin Johnson's Estes Big BerthaB6-4- Nominal flight in breezy conditions.
    2001-03-25Ed Scientist's Estes Big BerthaA8-3- Notes Nice flight. Need more power!
    2001-03-25Ed Scientist's Estes Big BerthaB4-4- Nice high flight with launcher angled slightly into the wind.
    2001-03-30Jim Michaelis's Estes Big BerthaC6-3- Wow, Can't believe I waited 35 years to buy build and fly one. Beautiful slow lift off from the...
    2001-03-31Ed Scientist's Estes Big BerthaB6-4- Thats what I am talkin about. Picture perfect flight.
    2001-04-01Ed Scientist's Estes Big BerthaC6-5- This is my best rocket with the most flights. This was the best and highest flight so far.
    2001-04-06Sam Eichelberger's Estes Big BerthaB6-4- My son's rocket.
    2001-04-08Ed Scientist's Estes Big BerthaC6-5- It doesn't get any better than this. Tenth flight and it was perfect. Even with the spill hole in...
    2001-04-08Ed Scientist's Estes Big BerthaB6-4- Test flight of swivewl operation. A MUST. The chute or shck cord never tangled or twisted at all!
    2001-04-13Bill Eichelberger's Estes Big BerthaB6-4-
    2001-04-13Bill Eichelberger's Estes Big BerthaB6-4- Second flight of Sam's rocket. I tried to talk him into a C6-5, but he was afraid he might lose...
    2001-04-14Ed Scientist's Estes Big BerthaC6-5- Shew!! That was the closest I ever came to loosing my beloved Bertha.
    2001-04-21Ed Scientist's Estes Big BerthaC6-5- Went high as ususal. Good flight landed about 15 feet from the school.
    2001-04-29Sam Eichelberger's Estes Big BerthaB6-4- Perfect flight. I'm quite proud of the job I did building this one.
    2001-04-29Ed Scientist's Estes Big BerthaC6-5- Never lets me down!! Nice diplay of fire at this late dusk launch. Landed right next to the woods....
    2001-04-29Bill Eichelberger's Estes Big BerthaB6-4-
    2001-05-12Tim Burger's Estes Big BerthaB6-4-
    2001-05-19Ed Scientist's Estes Big BerthaC6-5- A little arc but a nice flight. A slight crack developing on one of the fins. Not too bad for 15...
    2001-06-10Tim Burger's Estes Big BerthaB6-4- Nominal.
    2001-06-17Sam Eichelberger's Estes Big BerthaB6-4- A two Bertha drag race. One went left. One went right. Smoke trail looked like a McDonalds sign.
    2001-06-17Bill Eichelberger's Estes Big BerthaB6-4-
    2001-07-02Bill Eichelberger's Estes Big BerthaB6-6- Great flight. Six seconds was the perfect delay for conditions.
    2001-07-08Mark Patoka's Estes Big BerthaC6-3- Another perfect flight. Definitely need to use parachute with cutout center to reduce drift.
    2001-07-08Mark Patoka's Estes Big BerthaB6-4- Our maiden flight with this rocket. Nice launch and straight flight.
    2001-07-10Tony Fragge's Estes Big BerthaC6-5- Ripped one shroud line from parachute but otherwise a great flight
    2001-07-14Luis Salinas's Estes Big Bertha3xC6-7-
    2001-07-14Tim Burger's Estes Big BerthaC6-5- Very nice flight.
    2001-07-22Sam Eichelberger's Estes Big BerthaB6-6- Not enough power. Tried to talk him into a C engine, but he's afraid he'll lose the rocket.
    2001-07-22Ed Scientist's Estes Big BerthaC6-5- Bertha slammed the ground hard head first slightly mashing the body tube. Later I noticed the...
    2001-07-22Bill Eichelberger's Estes Big BerthaB6-6-
    2001-07-27Tim Burger's Estes Big BerthaC6-5- Drifted a good distance despite low winds.
    2001-08-14Jim Michaelis's Estes Big BerthaC6-3- Again, Great boost, Perfect deployment, Very majestic coming down.
    2001-08-19Sam Eichelberger's Estes Big BerthaB6-6-
    2001-08-19Bill Eichelberger's Estes Big BerthaB6-6- Part of a five Bertha drag race, including a two-stager. Very cool.
    2001-08-19Bill Eichelberger's Estes Big BerthaB6-6-
    2001-09-02Bill Eichelberger's Estes Big BerthaB6-2- No damage. I thought this was a B6-4.
    2001-09-08Tim Burger's Estes Big BerthaB6-4-
    2001-09-22Tim Burger's Estes Big BerthaB6-4- Nominal.
    2001-09-29Tim Burger's Estes Big BerthaC6-5- Another good flight; spun slowly.
    2001-10-20Mark Patoka's Estes Big BerthaC6-3- Good straight flight.
    2001-10-20Mark Patoka's Estes Big BerthaC6-5- Perfect flight and delay time.
    2001-10-20Mark Patoka's Estes Big BerthaB6-4- Beautiful take-off and flight
    2001-11-22Dan Patell's Estes Big BerthaC6-3- Perfect flight after being modified for zipperless recovery because of a lawn dart. Close recovery.
    2001-12-01Michael Mangieri's Estes Big BerthaB6-4- Sounds like we only have B6-4s handy!! Good flight.
    2001-12-01Michael Mangieri's Estes Big BerthaC6-5- Launch angle was 25 deg. Recovered 120' from launch site.
    2001-12-15Marc Lee's Estes Big BerthaC6-5- Original kit from late 60's- gift. Modified with 18 nylon X-chute & epoxy const (swivel and...
    2002-02-02Randy Wiggins's Estes Big BerthaD12-5- This old standard is a natural for the D12. Straight, tall flight.
    2002-02-23David Fergus's Estes Big BerthaB6-4- practice for MRL, altitude tracking and launch safety practiced and confirmed
    2002-03-23Jason Vennard's Estes Big BerthaC6-5- Great flight and recovery, Pratt heatshield.
    2002-03-23Jason Vennard's Estes Big BerthaC5-3- Great flight and recovery, pratt heatshield, 18 nylon chute.
    2002-03-24Bill Eichelberger's Estes Big BerthaC5-3- Long recovery walk after a great flight. Broke fin on trip home.
    2002-03-26Jason Vennard's Estes Big BerthaC6-5- Great flight and recovery, no problems, pratt heatshield and nylon chute.
    2002-04-04Jason Vennard's Estes Big BerthaC6-5- Great flight and recovery again, consistent performer. Pratt heatshield and nylon chute.
    2002-04-13Tim Burger's Estes Big BerthaC6-5- Winds are getting lighter as the day gets longer making us braver. Nice flight.
    2002-04-14Jason Vennard's Estes Big BerthaC6-5- Another great flight, no problems. Pratt heatshield, nylon chute.
    2002-05-25Randy Powell's Estes Big Bertha3xC6-5- needs 7 sec. delay.
    2002-05-27Jason Vennard's Estes Big BerthaC6-5- Another superb flight. Our wind tester for today, good straight boost, chute deployment good. No...
    2002-06-16Jason Vennard's Estes Big BerthaC6-5- Delay ran a little long on this motor, otherwise great flight and recovery as usual. Pratt heat...
    2002-06-16Jason Vennard's Estes Big BerthaC6-3- Another great flight, 3 second delay worked fine, 5 second has always worked well also. Pratt heat...
    2002-07-07Randy Powell's Estes Big Bertha3xC6-7- all 3 motors lit for a great flight. recovered nearby.
    2002-08-09Patrick Scheirer's Estes Big BerthaB6-4- Perfect Flight. Recovered 40 feet from the launch pad. I really look forward to flying this one...
    2002-08-10Patrick Scheirer's Estes Big BerthaC6-5- Another perfect flight from old reliable. This time it really got up there. Short walk on recovery.
    2002-09-01Bill Eichelberger's Estes Big BerthaB6-4- Part of a two Bertha drag race.
    2002-09-07Tim Burger's Estes Big BerthaC6-3- Attempting to do a St. Louis Arch but the streamer tore at 20 feet.
    2002-10-05Randy Powell's Estes Big Bertha3xC6-7- Goes really high.
    2002-12-22Dan Westley's Estes Big BerthaB6-4- Second Flight - Straight flight up; followed by a lovely huge, slow arc. Ace flight!
    2002-12-26Dan Westley's Estes Big BerthaB6-4- Very loud flight - great! :-)
    2003-01-11Randy Wiggins's Estes Big BerthaE15-7- All eyes need to be on this one. Big Bertha loves this motor. E15-7 carries this old standard on...
    2003-01-25Stephen Peart's Estes Big BerthaC6-5- Stevie's Bertha. Palm trees. Flawless flight.
    2003-02-01Jason Vennard's Estes Big BerthaC6-5- Another nice flight on this veteran bird. 16 nylon chute.
    2003-03-30Dan Westley's Estes Big BerthaB6-4- Great flight, I love this rocket!
    2003-04-05Dan Westley's Estes Big BerthaB6-2- Launched into wind to reduce drift. Weathercocked somewhat, but landed only a few meters from...
    2003-04-08Dan Westley's Estes Big BerthaB6-2- Yet another superb flight from this beauty.
    2003-04-12James Reyome's Estes Big BerthaE9-8- GASP! After yet another perfect flight, Bertha was on her way back down safely, I lost sight of...
    2003-04-12Randy Powell's Estes Big Bertha3xC6-7-
    2003-04-18Dan Westley's Estes Big BerthaB6-2- Yet another amazing flight from what must be one of the best rockets ever designed!
    2003-04-27Lance Alligood's Estes Big BerthaC6-5- Maiden voyage. Superb slow liftoff but still had great height. Almost got nervous because it...
    2003-04-27Bill Eichelberger's Estes Big BerthaC5-3- Too little delay, but I wanted Sam to see what Bertha could do with the kick in the pants that a C...
    2003-05-07Dan Westley's Estes Big BerthaB6-4- Luvly flight!
    2003-05-07Dan Westley's Estes Big BerthaC6-5- 1st time on a C - this bird FLEW! What a beauty! Might be better with a 7sec delay, I had a bit of...
    2003-05-10Lance Alligood's Estes Big BerthaB6-4- Majestic liftoff. Much like my Fat Boy, this rocket begs for more power. A B6-4 isn't satisfying...
    2003-05-17Lance Alligood's Estes Big BerthaC6-5- Enough proof that a C6-5 is too much delay. Perfect flight but there is that pregnant pause after...
    2003-05-17Michael Mangieri's Estes Big Bertha1/2A6-2- Launched at ECRM for Spot Landing competition. Very low arcing flight good for 4th place.
    2003-05-24Jon Revelle's Estes Big BerthaA8-3- NC came untied. No damage.
    2003-05-25Dan Westley's Estes Big BerthaB6-4- Tried reefing the chute to reduce drift - had the opposite effect!
    2003-05-28Lance Alligood's Estes Big BerthaC6-3- THIS is the right motor for this rocket! Picture perfect flight. I won't fly this on anything else...
    2003-06-01Bill Eichelberger's Estes Big BerthaB6-4- Too much rocket for the B6-4.
    2003-06-02Dan Westley's Estes Big BerthaB6-4- Nice flight, streight as a die
    2003-06-02Dan Westley's Estes Big BerthaC6-5- Lovely high, streight flight.
    2003-06-21Lance Alligood's Estes Big BerthaC6-3- Windy day out. Great straight flight, perfect ejection at apogee & then had to run it down a...
    2003-06-22Jon Revelle's Estes Big BerthaC6-5- Another picture perfect flight. But it landed in the top of a tree. DEAR GOD, PLEASE BLOW IT...
    2003-06-30Jason Vennard's Estes Big BerthaC6-5- Another nice flight, as usual. 15 nylon chute. Light east winds.
    2003-07-04Lance Alligood's Estes Big BerthaC6-3- Great flight off the pad. Weathercocked pretty badly though & then the wind carried it just far...
    2003-07-19Lance Alligood's Estes Big BerthaC6-3- Probably this BB's best flight ever. Weathercocked slightly into the wind & then recovery brought...
    2003-08-06Lance Alligood's Estes Big BerthaC6-3- Just another routine great flight. Weathercocked into what little wind & then recovered ~125ft on...
    2003-08-10Rocky Firth's Estes Big BerthaB6-4- First flight for this one. I substitued a longer body tude on a Baby Bertha to make this one....
    2003-08-10Jason Vennard's Estes Big BerthaC6-5- Another great flight. 16 nylon
    2003-08-23Lance Alligood's Estes Big BerthaB6-4- Slow & low. Classic BB flight. The delay was just long enough to get the NC pointed down. So calm...
    2003-08-23Lance Alligood's Estes Big BerthaC6-3- I thought I'd put a C6-3 in for its flight earlier today. Obviously I hadn't! Super high flight &...
    2003-08-24Rocky Firth's Estes Big BerthaB6-4- This is a great flying rocket. It carried a plastic army figure with a parachute and both were...
    2003-08-24Chan Stevens's Estes Big BerthaC6-5- one of my favorite rockets (painted nostalgic yellow with red/black striping)
    2003-09-12Lance Alligood's Estes Big BerthaB6-4- Steady wind caused a slight weathercock on the way up to about 400ft. Drifted about 200ft away...
    2003-09-20Rocky Firth's Estes Big BerthaC6-3-
    2003-09-21Kristian Holmberg's Estes Big BerthaB4-2- perfect flight , egection whent of at apogee (almost hit my uncle's van though)
    2003-10-26Joel Ellingson's Estes Big BerthaD12-4- Switched to a 14 inch chute. Nice, slow liftoff; straight, high flight; perfect chute deployment....
    2003-10-26Joel Ellingson's Estes Big BerthaC6-3- This was my 5 year-old son’s first launch. He was too excited to wait for the entire countdown -...
    2003-10-26Joel Ellingson's Estes Big BerthaB6-3- Maiden flight. BB went straight up to about 100 feet, turned and dropped straight back down at us....
    2004-01-10Mark Saunders's Estes Big BerthaG80-10- Glassed fins & rail buttoms -The rocket shot off the rail. Required field glasses to find after...
    2004-02-08Rocky Firth's Estes Big BerthaB6-4-
    2004-05-01Jerry Nishihira's Estes Big BerthaC6-5333 feet perfect flight, perfect recovery.
    2004-05-01Jerry Nishihira's Estes Big BerthaB6-4- Good flight @ 100'. Used smaller 12 chute, safe recovery.
    2004-05-01Jerry Nishihira's Estes Big BerthaC6-5200 feet Weathercocked towards Shark's Bay, landed safely in the ball park 20' away from pad.
    2004-05-01Jason Vennard's Estes Big BerthaC6-3- As usual another nice flight and recovery for this bird. Want consistency, get a big bertha. 15...
    2004-06-20Mark Patoka's Estes Big BerthaC6-5- Perfect flight
    2004-06-20Mark Patoka's Estes Big BerthaC6-3-
    2004-07-24Jason Vennard's Estes Big BerthaC6-5- As always a great flight on the bertha, the thing just can't fly wrong.
    2004-07-25Rocky Firth's Estes Big BerthaB6-2- A drag race against our new Bertha
    2004-08-08Rocky Firth's Estes Big BerthaB6-2- this one went on the first try, won the drag race.
    2004-08-15Rocky Firth's Estes Big BerthaB6-4- This is a great rocket for warmups on a clear day.
    2004-09-10Daniel Griswold's Estes Big BerthaD12-7-
    2004-09-26Rocky Firth's Estes Big BerthaC6-7- A C6-5 would be perfect.
    2004-09-26Rocky Firth's Estes Big BerthaB6-4-
    2004-10-16Rocky Firth's Estes Big BerthaC6-7- The wind caught it just off the rod and it sailed east a quite a clip. Ejection was very late but...
    2004-11-20Clive Davis's Estes Big BerthaB6-4- Second flight, Big Bertha was prepped by an 8 year old. The parachute tangled with the shock cord,...
    2004-11-20Clive Davis's Estes Big BerthaB6-4- Great, stable flight. Parachute opened immediately.
    2004-11-20Clive Davis's Estes Big BerthaB6-4- 3rd flight of day was also a good one. I realize I still have nose weight in my Big Bertha from...
    2004-11-27Brian Charnigo's Estes Big BerthaC6-5370 feet Nice flight, straight up.
    2005-01-31Stephen Fisher's Estes Big BerthaC6-3- Great slow take-off. Reached apogee, coasted, then nose ejected minus shoot. balistic into deep...
    2005-02-06Scott Hauff's Estes Big BerthaE9-6- Excellent flight on this motor. Chute was singed a bit but still a soft touchdown within 50 yards...
    2005-03-19Dave Austerberry's Estes Big BerthaC6-5- Perfect flight straight up, parachute tangled in shroud lines, still came down safely, no damage.
    2005-03-20Kyle Hancock's Estes Big BerthaB4-4- Chris' NARTREK Mercury
    2005-03-20Kyle Hancock's Estes Big BerthaB4-4- Chris' NARTREK Mercury
    2005-04-02Jason Vennard's Estes Big BerthaC6-5- Good flight, wadding, chute protector, and chute installed what was i thinking, no wonder stuff...
    2005-06-25Linux203's Estes Big BerthaD12-5- Fast off the pad for the big bertha. Fin decals left the rocket around 20ft. Spill hole in stock...
    2005-07-05Reid Smith's Estes Big BerthaB6-4- Short flight up, and noticed no slow takeoff. Ejection just before Apogee, and then an extremely...
    2005-07-09Reid Smith's Estes Big BerthaB6-4- Liked previous flight so much I had to launch her again. Used 2 squares of wadding and that was...
    2005-07-09Reid Smith's Estes Big BerthaB6-4- Another perfect flight. First flight since installing mini-baffle. Used one sheet of wadding which...
    2005-07-11Reid Smith's Estes Big BerthaC6-5- As normal flew a perfectly straight flight up, however significantly higher w/ a C than B, and...
    2005-07-16Steve Fisher's Estes Big BerthaC6-3- This is a great rocket. Slow straight take off. Very high arch. Great deloyment. Wind must have...
    2005-07-23Linux203's Estes Big BerthaD12-5-
    2005-07-23Linux203's Estes Big BerthaD12-5-
    2005-08-13Daniel Griswold's Estes Big BerthaD12-7- Great flight, great recovery
    2005-08-13Daniel Griswold's Estes Big BerthaD12-7- Another perfect flight
    2005-08-13Daniel Griswold's Estes Big BerthaD12-7- Beautiful flight. Extremely straight. Descented quickly.
    2005-09-11Daniel Griswold's Estes Big BerthaD12-5-
    2005-10-02Clive Davis's Estes Big BerthaC6-5- Man, this is one beautiful motor for one beautiful rocket. Great boost, and the weather was...
    2005-10-02Clive Davis's Estes Big BerthaB6-4- This motor is good for demos, but it is really crying out for a C6-5.
    2005-10-02Clive Davis's Estes Big BerthaC6-5- Another launch using the C6-5. At first I thought this was going to land in the trees, but she...
    2005-12-23Andrew Macia's Estes Big BerthaC6-5400 feet flawless flight
    2006-01-22Todd Smith's Estes Big BerthaC6-5- Straight up boost no weathercock flawless recovery
    2006-02-03Bob Shaw's Estes Big BerthaC6-5- Nice flight.
    2006-02-03Bob Shaw's Estes Big BerthaC6-7- Very stressful flight. Weathercocked very bad, traveled a long, long way horizonal at 200 ft....
    2006-02-03Bob Shaw's Estes Big BerthaC6-3- Delay not long enough.
    2006-02-03Bob Shaw's Estes Big BerthaB6-4- Ejection charge burned thru the shroud lines. Landed hard, but no damage to the rocket.
    2006-02-03Bob Shaw's Estes Big BerthaB4-2- Nice flight.
    2006-03-08Richie Brunjes's Estes Big BerthaC6-5- Chute shredded , broke one fin on a very hard landing
    2006-03-12Dave Brunsting's Estes Big BerthaB4-4- Very late ejection for this bird. I should know better.
    2006-05-07George Beever's Estes Big BerthaC6-5- Actually scratchbuilt using a BMS balsa cone.
    2006-05-20Ron McFerren's Estes Big Bertha3xB6-4- 1st flight for this kit. Modded for 3x18mm cluster with added nose weight. Used a clip whip and...
    2006-06-27Richie Brunjes's Estes Big BerthaB6-4- Great flight
    2006-07-30Clive Davis's Estes Big BerthaB6-4- Good first flight of the day
    2006-07-30Clive Davis's Estes Big BerthaB6-4- Another good flight and recovery.
    2006-08-21Mike Mistele's Estes Big BerthaB4-2- Nice slow flight, perfect deployment, slow float down to landing.
    2006-09-02Mike Mistele's Estes Big BerthaB6-4- Weathercocked a bit (as usual), but a nice flight. Perfect deployment, soft landing.
    2006-09-16Mike Morley's Estes Big BerthaA8-3- Engine thrust shoved stuffer tube up into the airframe, Krushnic Effect took over, and the rocket...
    2006-09-17Mike Morley's Estes Big BerthaA8-3- Repaired motor mount -- flew perfectly this time. A-motor is a little underpowered for this...
    2006-09-23Mike Morley's Estes Big BerthaB6-4- Perfect.
    2006-09-23Mike Morley's Estes Big BerthaB6-4- Nice flight.
    2006-10-01Mike Morley's Estes Big BerthaB6-4- Beautiful flight; a real crowd-pleaser
    2006-10-10Steve Fitton's Estes Big BerthaB6-4- Textbook flight. What a nice design, I hope it never goes out of production.
    2006-10-12Alex McCarthy's Estes Big BerthaB6-4- quite quick boost, ejection fine, drifted about 100m, no damage
    2006-10-13Alex McCarthy's Estes Big BerthaB6-4- flew well..parachute did not fully open but no damage.
    2007-01-01Todd Shero's Estes Big BerthaE9-6- Great first flight on this modified Bertha. Streamer recovery excellent in windy/misty conditions
    2007-03-24Mike Morley's Estes Big BerthaC6-4- Nice, high flight. Recovered 50 yards from the pad.
    2007-07-21Moe Bertrand's Estes Big BerthaB6-4- Good flight.
    2007-07-30Scott Smith's Estes Big BerthaB6-2- Very straight flight. Floated down into a tree. Retrieved without damage. Can't wait to drop a...
    2008-03-01Tony Interrante's Estes Big BerthaC6-5500 feet Three very similar flight profiles. All weathercocked into the wind. Good altitude. Chute only...
    2008-03-08Jeff Lane's Estes Big BerthaA8-3- Spot landing event. Landed 12+ feet away, close enough for second. Nice flight.
    2008-03-08Jeff Lane's Estes Big BerthaA8-3- Ejected just before or at lawn dart. 54 inch parachute fit but weighed too much. Hollow balsa nose...
    2008-03-08Jeff Lane's Estes Big BerthaB4-4- Paper airplane event. Used the best paper airplane in the world from Utube, got second longest...
    2008-03-08Jeff Lane's Estes Big BerthaC6-5- Streamer flight. Weak ejection charge resulted in partial ejection. Too bad, it was a 12-foot...
    2008-03-09Mark Rose's Estes Big BerthaD13-7- 1st try with reloadable motors (AT RMS 18/20) did not go so well. Ejection powder got grease in...
    2008-04-06George Beever's Estes Big BerthaC6-5- Built from the original plans, with a balsa nosecone from BMS. Used a original Estes 18...
    2008-04-10John Bergsmith's Estes Big BerthaC6-5- Perfectly straight boost as usual. Ejection occured at NC slight down, but pretty close to...
    2008-04-13Jason Orosco's Estes Big BerthaB6-2- Nice work horse rocket for using different type of motors. Nice slow liftoff and flight.
    2008-04-13Jason Orosco's Estes Big BerthaB6-4- Another great flight.
    2008-04-13Jason Orosco's Estes Big BerthaC6-3- Great flight decided to use a C motor on this flight.
    2008-04-19Jeff Lane's Estes Big BerthaD24-7- The Big Bertha flies really nice on an 18mm D. The 20 foot long Mylar streamer brought it down...
    2008-05-03Mark Rose's Estes Big BerthaD13-7- Ripped off the pad with AUTHORITY! Minimal turning into wind. Ejection perfect.
    2008-05-18Brian Guzek's Estes Big BerthaA8-3- Good flight.
    2008-05-26Mark Rose's Estes Big BerthaC6-3- This Bertha is slightly stretched from repairs, hence the 3 second delay. Slow lift off and boost,...
    2008-07-28Jeff Lane's Estes Big BerthaC6-5- Could have used a C6-3. Huge mylar streamer impressive.
    2008-08-31Jason Orosco's Estes Big BerthaC6-5- Great flight really like flying BB on C engines.
    2008-10-28Jason Orosco's Estes Big BerthaB6-4- Another great flight, Landed on all 4 fins.
    2008-10-28Jason Orosco's Estes Big BerthaB6-2- Great flight.
    2008-10-28Jason Orosco's Estes Big BerthaB6-4- Great flight.
    2008-11-16 Mark Rose's Estes Big BerthaC6-3- Excellent motor on a windy day--great flight
    2008-11-23John Bergsmith's Estes Big BerthaC6-3- First flight on my new Bertha in the yellow & black classic scheme. Typical Bertha flight, great...
    2009-03-12 Jason Orosco's Estes Big BerthaA8-3- Nice low flight.
    2009-03-12 Jason Orosco's Estes Big BerthaA8-3- Another nice flight.
    2009-03-21John Bergsmith's Estes Big BerthaD12-5- Seconf flight of the day, perfect again. Recovered with no damage.
    2009-03-21John Bergsmith's Estes Big BerthaD12-5- 24mm mount really gets the Bertha some serious altitude. Great boost with perfect ejection....
    2009-04-04Mark Rose's Estes Big BerthaD13-7- The bertha really rips off the pad with this motor--lots of fun.
    2009-06-05Ian Olson's Estes Big BerthaB6-4- Dug up the old Big Bertha for a new rocket club me and a friend started in Fairbanks, Alaska. Even...
    2009-06-20John Bergsmith's Estes Big BerthaC6-3- First flight on the blue/silver Bertha. Weather cocked, but still a good flight. Recovered with no...
    2009-07-11Mark Grisco's Estes Big BerthaC6-3- first flight. perfect.
    2009-07-11Mark Grisco's Estes Big BerthaD10-7- big bertha rocks on a D-10. long recovery walk, no damage
    2009-08-12Mark Grisco's Estes Big BerthaC6-5- weathercocked about 200 feet up, made the delay late. no damage and a nice flight.
    2009-08-12Mark Grisco's Estes Big BerthaC6-5- perfect flight. 5 second delay is ok when calm
    2009-10-17Noel S. Ayres's Estes Big BerthaB4-5- Really a Quest B4-4.Itwent maybe 200' or so up.No ejection, hit the ground nose first pushing the...
    2009-11-25Peter Lam's Estes Big BerthaB6-4- Slow takeoff with some weathercocking but otherwise a great flight.
    2010-01-23Jeff Lane's Estes Big BerthaC5-5- Random duration event at Winterfest. 18 parachute. Goal was 70 sec, achieved 63 sec. The Bertha is...
    2010-02-27Jeff Lane's Estes Big BerthaB6-2- Streamer test, B6-2 ejection charge too weak to eject streamer, core sample, very little damage.
    2010-02-27Jeff Lane's Estes Big BerthaB6-2- 2nd attempt, same result: weak ejection charge with core sample. Motor mount dislodged this time,...
    2010-03-19 Judy Orosco's Estes Big BerthaB6-4- This is a fun rocket to fly nice slow liftoff.
    2010-03-19 Jason Orosco's Estes Big BerthaB6-4- Out launching rockets with my daughter, This flight had me worried ejected a little late on this...
    2010-03-19 Jason Orosco's Estes Big BerthaC5-3- Had get this one out of neighbors small tree, The wind picked up an carried out of field across...
    2010-03-20Mark Rose's Estes Big BerthaD13-7- My favorite motor for this rocket...makes the Bertha STREAK versus the slow C6 liftoff.
    2010-06-05 Jeff Lane's Estes Big BerthaB6-4- Very high flight for this bird/motor. Long delay. Chute popped immediately. Thermals. Duration of...
    2010-06-12Preston Hoover's Estes Big BerthaB6-4- The big bertha flew up, the parachute ejected and we recovered the rocket. Only problem there was...
    2010-07-10Mike Mistele's Estes Big BerthaB6-4- Nice flight. Drifted in the wind about 100 yards, but safe recovery.
    2010-08-28Mike Mistele's Estes Big BerthaB6-4- Another great flight. Slight bit of weathercocking. Good deployment, good landing.
    2010-09-11Mike Mistele's Estes Big BerthaC6-5- Great high flight. So far up (and into low clouds), didn't really see the ejection. But,...
    2010-10-02Dwayne Shmel's Big BerthaC6-5- Great flight. Won the 3 way drag race.
    2010-11-13Rich DeAngelis's Big BerthaB6-4100 feet Strong Weathercocking, Late Ejection, 2 shrouds seperated from canopy, came down fast but OK....
    2010-11-20John Bergsmith's Estes Big BerthaC6-3- Blue and silver Bertha, perfect flight.
    2010-11-21John Bergsmith's Estes Big BerthaC6-3- Yellow and black Bertha, 2nd flight on the day.
    2010-11-21John Bergsmith's Estes Big BerthaC6-3- Yellow and Black Bertha
    2010-11-28Brian Hoover's Estes Big BerthaB6-4- good first flight. ejection baffel mod test successful
    2010-12-24John Bergsmith's Estes Big BerthaC6-3- First flight on the Puffy Lettered Bertha, perfect!
    2011-02-07 Jason Orosco's Estes Big BerthaB6-4- Nice straight flight good landing.
    2011-03-20John Bergsmith's Big BerthaEstes C6-3-First flight on the black Big Bertha, perfect!
    2011-05-29Rich DeAngelis's Big BerthaB6-2150 feet Slightly early ejection, needs longer delay. Somewhere between a B6-4 and a B6-2...should have a...
    2011-06-12Rich DeAngelis's Big BerthaC6-3331 feet Strong weathercocking, C6-3 had a good delay time for this model, good flight & recovery. ...
    2011-08-05 Chris J Taylor's Baby BerthaC6-5- Simple solid flights from this rocket, flown more than I can remember. I now use it to verify wind...
    2011-08-07 Rich DeAngelis's Big BerthaB6-4112 feet Good liftoff, but added weight of the Iris payload, Nylon chute and nomex cloth makes B-power...
    2012-02-05 Rich DeAngelis's Big BerthaC6-3428 feet With a newly rebuilt and larger 24mm motor mount, the Bertha needed a test flight. I wanted to...
    2012-03-18Rich DeAngelis's Big BerthaD12-5852 feet The best flight I ever had with the slightly Bigger Bertha. Flies great on a D12, much better than...
    2012-04-01 Rich DeAngelis's Big BerthaC11-5378 feet I wanted to test the C11 motor out on my Bertha with a new 24mm mount. I already knew she flew...
    2012-04-01 Rich DeAngelis's Big BerthaC11-5361 feet Second attempt with this new motor type for Bertha. This time she flew about as well as the first...
    2012-04-21John Bergsmith's Big BerthaEstes C6-5-
    2012-05-06John Bergsmith's Big BerthaEstes C6-3-
    2012-05-06John Bergsmith's Big BerthaEstes C6-3-
    2019-02-20Mark Rose's Estes Big BerthaD13-7- Great match with this motor--rail straight boost despite wind.

    Comments:

    K.R.J. (November 1, 2000)

    The Big Bertha was the first "big" rocket I ever built. I got one when I was 12 and in the hospital. The nurses all thought I was crazy for building a model rocket in a hospital bed, but it went together well. ( I didn't paint it there, though!) Years later, after moving to Europe, my friend Ernst bought me one for Christmas. He couldn't believe that I had one as a kid! This is absolutely the best kit Estes (or Robbe GmbH) ever put out. Period. [As far as the review] Exactly the same experiences. Had to chase mine a half mile once because of the large parachute.

    J.W.P. (January 1, 2001)

    Big Bertha is the favorite in our fleet. We have never had a bad launch. Specifically, the large tube size let the chute pack loosely and it opens well. Also, this model tends to weathercock. This means it tends to angle into the wind on its own. The harder it blows the more it flies into the wind and is more likely to land back in the launch field.

    D.T.H. (January 1, 2001)

    This kit is quick and easy to assemble. I have been flying my kit for about 6 years. It takes a lot of abuse and keeps on flying. A great first kit for kids. I always take it with me to fly.

    P.D.M. (May 1, 2001)

    This is a great, classic rocket with good size (for an Estes kit). I built it with a 24mm (D&E-size)engine mount and I added epoxied BBs in the nose to offset the additional weight. I also replaced the cheap Estes chute with a Rogue 18" nylon chute with a spill hole cut out. I then painted mine a combination of black and turquoise to set it apart from the rest of my rockets. I first launched it with a D12 and it flew great! Straight and high. Then I tried an Aerotech E15 and it was spectacular! My last flight of the day was with another E15 and another great flight, but the winds took it almost out of sight and an hours search was fruitless... it was gone. A great kit and I highly recommend the 24mm engine mount, but get ready to get on your horse for recovery.

    D.P. (July 1, 2001)

    My Big Bertha has flown 32 times on everything from an A8-3(low flight)to a D21-4T(great flight) as of 6/27. It now has very thick epoxy fillets on the fins because of them coming off and gluing them back on. I switched out the 18" chute after 28 flights because of excessive drift for a 14" one. The review was right on. The reviewer did not think the drift was bad, but it became a problem for me. Otherwise, I would rate the Big Bertha at a 4.5 out of 5.

    D.H. (October 2, 2001)

    I've had my Big Bertha for just under a year now and have launched it probably twenty times. Visually, I don't find it all that impressive, but it sure is reliable. In fact, just the other day, I had to launch it with no recovery system at all. I had forgotten that I removed the parachute, but it flew great. Four great flights and only one tiny tear in the body tube.(fixed on site of course!). I always launch the Bertha first on launch day, to test the winds, because I know I will get it back. Long Live Bertha!

    M.B.H (October 11, 2001)

    The Big Bertha is probably my favorite rocket. It's robust, reliable, and has great flights. I launched it one day four times, compared to one or two for my Rattle-7. I flew it on an A8-3, for a low, short flight, B4, B6, and a C6 drag race with another Bertha on an Aerotech RMS D. A sweet rocket that I personally do not think I could ever do without again, now to get a couple more to add to my inventory...

    M.C.L (December 26, 2001)

    I flew a 1969 model that was the original and had been stored in a box in a garage for 30 years. It has the balsa nose cone and fins. The things to look out for when building this model are the fins. If you use balsa (I recommend retrofitting the newer Estes model with balsa fins), glue them on with Epoxy. I also used epoxy on the motor mount and the shock cord mount. It ended up as an all-epoxy model. The added weight did not affect the C.G appreciably. I added a heavy duty snap swivel and 1/4" elastic shock cord from a fabric store. I sealed the nose cone and fins with Elmers fill-n-finish and sanded each with 400-grit for a perfect finish. I finished mine with OSH spray paint in purple, red and yellow. I made a custom decal (since the original model had no decals, unlike today) for mine. I did the design in color using Adobe Photoshop. I then printed that at Kinko's on their color laser printer but I had them print it on what they called "sticky back" which is a clear, adhesive-backed film. I cut out the design (leaving a 1/8" margin) and stuck that to my model. Final cost? About 2 bucks. Looks awesome. The model is then clear-coated for a mirror finish. I modified this big Bertha with a homemade 24" ripstop nylon X-form parachute. It is heavier than the Estes plastic one that comes with the model but it is built like a tank (to match the rocket). Estes hit a home run with this model. It has flown countless times and has never given a bad performance. It flies straight and true and recovers perfectly each time. I fly it on C6-5's due to the extra weight and it performs flawlessly. This is a great model for an intermediate beginner and will never cease to impress your friends. I recommend not using the black paint job and, instead, coming up with your own design for this odd-looking bird. The crowds love it and it will fly and fly again.

    B.A. (March 24, 2002)

    I luv my Big Bertha. The only troubles I've had is that after about 10 flights the engine mount began to come loose. I think I'll use it as an experiment platform. I love how it goes up nice and straight and has a graceful landing.

    J.R. (July 30, 2002)

    My only quam with building this rocket came from the motor mounts and the shock cord system. For the motor mount before it's installed make eight small balsa triangles (gussets) with the scrap balsa that is leftover from the fins. Make them small enough so you can glue them every 90 degrees around the forward mount (these would be in the aft position) and the rear motor mount (these would be placed forward of the aft rings). Also replace the shock cord with a Kevlar® cord that could wrap around engine and threaded through the forward ring then attach sewing elastic (found in fabric stores) just after the Kevlar® cord exits the body tube. I used Fill n Sand for sealing the fins and used a wet finger to make real smooth fillets which I then sanded with 220 then 400 grit for a nice finish. Primer, sand ,primer, sand (600grit) tack cloth then paint two coats of color followed by three coats of clear...AWESOME!

    D.W. (April 5, 2003)

    You just need to look at the amount of entries in the flight logs for this rocket, and count the number of times words like 'perfect' and 'great' are used to show what a class rocket the Big Bertha is. Its not the highest flyer; but the slow, realistic take off, and the lovely slow arcs to apogee makes up for that!

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