Estes - Blurzz Rocket Race Car
Contributed by Douglas Gardei
Construction: Quote: "Race at the speed of sound with Estes Rocket Powered Racers!" "Estes Rocket Powered Racers are super fast, run down 90 feet of track, and stops with a parachute!" "You can race alone, or side by side with friends!"
When I got home and opened up the box, I said to myself, what is this tangled mess? The motor mount, parachute, shock absorber was attached to the string, and both ends of the string was connected to a halve of the plastic container used as the case. Also, the launch controller is tied to the base of the case. I was concerned that it would be very easy to get everything in a huge tangled mess. The motors look like A10-0T's with the top stuffed with clay, and the two that came with the set had the newer gray clay nozzle and plug. The A10-PT motor pack contained four motors, four igniters, and four igniter plugs, but they used the older white clay, which already started to disintegrate because the motors were all coated with white powder..
Enough worrying, time to get this thing set up. This is the first rocket set that I actually had to read the instructions, and keep referencing them to figure out how this is supposed to be set up. Here is how the setup works.. The halve of the plastic case with the controller connected to it is obviously the starting point. I place that on the driveway and start unwinding the string from the lid of the case as I walk toward the other end. Once the string ends, I place the lid on the ground and secure it with a rock (instructions say to used a full soda bottle). The plastic bumper is placed against the lid, just in case the car makes it this far. The handle of the carry case is then placed about 15-feet from the ending point, and the small parachute is placed in the grip of the handle. Finally, I went back to the starting point, and pulled on it till the string was nice and taut. I secured the base with another rock. Construction Rating: 3 out of 5
My Mom saw me setting up in the driveway, and came outside and ask if I bought a new toy? I admitted my shortcomings. She watched the first run (See the video.). Next thing I know, she wants to push the launch button! So I let her try, but the rocket burned through the string. What happened was my fault. I place the base on the ground upside down, causing the string to become closer to the flame. I fixed the problem for the next launch, and I got a good video of the racer coming to a stop in front of the camera. My mom left to check on dinner, but I stayed outside to drive the car three more times. Flight Rating: 4 out of 5 Summary: Overall Rating: 4 out of 5
What You Can Do
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Brief:
At first I was a little skeptical. How well does this work? How safe is it? Is it worth the $20 Wal-Mart wants for it? I decided to give it a try, for the sake of the rocketry forum and EMRR. What! Only two motors…better grab a couple packs of A10-PT motors.
Flight (err, Motion):