John Bergsmith's Page

Review
An upscaled version of the classic Alpha that flies on standard Estes 18mm engines . Almost 20 inches tall, this rocket reaches heights of 600 feet. Balsa Nose Cone, Laser-cut Balsa Fins, Cardstock Centering Rings , Engine Hook, BT-60 body tube , and waterslide Decals The motor mount is ... [More]

2010-04-20

Quest Lil Grunt (Kit)

Review
Brief: The Quest 'Lil Grunt is 17 inches tall, the kit features a plastic nose cone, laser-cut balsa fins and a rugged 24mm diameter motor mount. Flights with a D12-5 will go to almost 1,600 feet. The 'Lil Grunt is designed to recover on a big 3"x36" fabric streamer. Includes ... [More]

2010-04-06

Estes Mini Max (Kit)

Review
The Estes Mini Max is a smaller version based on the BT-50 of the Estes classic Der Red Max. The Mini Max is designed with a 13mm motor mount making it powered by Estes mini engines, and can reach altitudes in excess of 300 feet. As designed, recovery is accomplished with the included streamer. ... [More]

2009-12-01

Scratch Lil' Ivan Upscale (Scratch)

Review
The Lil' Ivan was originally a kit from Centuri, but now produced by Semroc. For whatever reason it's been a favorite of mine and I wanted a larger version. This version upscales to a BT-80 for a scaling factor of 1.61 for a design using a 24mm motor mount. Parts List: Main BT-80H ... [More]

2009-07-16

New Way Space Models 4 Square (Kit)

Review
Brief: Inspired by the classic Estes kits of the late 70's and early 80's, this sleek explorer is the flagship kit from New Way Space Models. Basically the main thing that separates this rocket from the rest is the square body and nose cone. It's different, and it certainly gets the ... [More]

New Way Space Models SquareOne (Kit)

Review
Brief: Inspired by the classic Estes kits of the late 70's and early 80's, this sleek explorer is the flagship kit from New Way Space Models. Basically the main thing that separates this rocket from the rest is the square body and nose cone. It's different, and it certainly gets the ... [More]

2009-06-08

Estes Crossbow SST (Kit)

Review
Brief: Estes labels the Crossbow has a basic builder series, simple to glue and paint, Intergalactic Cruiser, and flies up to 1600 feet. Overall it's a neat looking rocket when completed. Construction: The nose cone included is balsa which is a welcome change over the plastic cone. ... [More]

2009-03-27

Semroc Brighton (Kit)

Review
Brief: The Brighton is an upscaled version of the Estes Ranger. The kit features four different interchangeable motor mount options: 4x18mm cluster, 3x24mm cluster, single 29mm, or single 24mm using a 29/24 adapter. The Brighton includes a baffle system to protect the recovery parachute ... [More]

2009-02-24

Scratch Upscale Der Red Max - 159% (Scratch)

Review
( Contributed - by John Bergsmith - 02/24/09) Brief: This is a 159% upscale of the popular Estes kit Der Red Max. This is a simple to build rocket that performs very well on the 24mm reloads available today. All the parts are readily available as well including the decals. ... [More]

Madcow Rocketry Mozzie (Kit)

Review
Brief: The Mozzie is an upscale looking Mosquito so it naturally has a classic familiar look. The Madcow kits that I've built in the passed all have contained top quality materials and the Mozzie was no exception. Construction: The kit includes the following components: ... [More]

2008-11-12

FlisKits Avalear (Kit)

Review
Brief: The Avalear is the 2008 NEMROC 2008 commemorative kit. The design features two main fins that have finlets attached. The kit named after Glen Avalear, a long time friend of Jim Flis that unfortunately passed away. Construction: The kit includes a nice balsa nose cone, and a ... [More]

2008-11-11

Estes The Bat (Kit)

Review
Brief: Estes The BAT has a unique fin design, and some really cool bat decals. This is a skill level 1 design that is very easy to clone and the design performs very well. Combined with the trademarked black color scheme, it's just one cool looking rocket. Construction: All ... [More]

2008-10-08

Squirrel Works Pie In The Sky (Kit)

Review
An easy to build odd-roc that can be built and painted in about 30 minutes. It's a high drag disc design that features tumble recovery. It makes a perfect small fields rocket. It would be extremely difficult to find a more simple rocket to assemble. The design features a grand total of five ... [More]