Estes V-2 (E-motor Version)

Estes - V-2 {Kit} (1952) [2002-2004]

Contributed by Frank Casey

Construction Rating: starstarstarstarstar
Flight Rating: starstarstarstarstar_border
Overall Rating: starstarstarstarstar
Diameter: 3.94 inches
Length: 33.50 inches
Manufacturer: Estes
Skill Level: 4
Estes V2

Brief:
Large Mid-engine rocket with dual parachutes.

Construction:
The model came in a huge box. It was dented but there was no damage. Parts in the kit:

  • Nose cone
  • Shock cords
  • Parachutes
  • Engine tube holder
  • Engine tube
  • Tail cone
  • Four fins
  • Engine hook
  • Cardboard adapter ring to use with D motors
  • Instructions

The instructions are easy to follow and there are plenty of illustrations. Ease of build should be a Skill Level 3 because it isn't that hard to build. Just take your time on the fins.

Only tools needed are scissors, glue, plastic cement, tape, and a ruler.

Finishing:
The paint job rocks! I didn't do the camouflage because I wasn't that good at it, so I had my mom do it. She did a wonderful job. Then I applied the decals, however, there aren't that many. Once finished, the rocket looks absolutely beautiful!

Construction Rating: 5 out of 5

Flight:
My V2 has had 3 flights on D12-3s. The parachutes leave a lot to be desired. On flight 1, both chutes melted because I put the wadding in the engine tube, so it was my fault.

Flight 2 was a little better, although it did tip in mid-air. Apogee was not good either. The chute on the nose cone didn't bother to open and the BT shock cord snapped. Unbelievably, each time it fell (about 150 feet) there was no damage! For what little cement I used, it survived.

Flight 3 was perfect! Nice takeoff with lots of smoke. It did weathercock over but the chutes ejected before it fell too much. This time the chutes worked! The body still landed hard, so I would recommend a larger chute for the body and a smaller chute for the nose cone.

Recovery:
Recovery is via 2 24" chutes. They melted in flight 1, didn't open on flight 2, and worked on flight 3. The rocket fell on flights 1-2, but survived with no damage.

Flight Rating: 4 out of 5

Summary:
An excellent rocket that's great for small fields.

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5

Other Reviews
  • Estes V-2 (E-motor Version) By Frank Casey (March 31, 2008)

    Brief: The Estes V-2 "E" Engine Powered kit aka Maxi V-2 is the latest version of the original Model No. 1267 Maxi V-2 which was produced from 1974-1981. I had that original kit way back in the day and it was by far my favorite rocket then just as it is now. This newest version (now also OOP) is setup with a 24mm motor mount capable of holding a D or E engine. It utilizes ...

  • Estes V-2 (E-motor Version) By Brian Jarchow

    Brief: Single state, 1:19.5 scale model of the German V2 ballistic missile. The only skill level 4 kit Estes currently sells. The kit comes with plastic nose and tail cones, four plastic sheets of fin, a short 4" body tube, a BT-50 for the engine, centering rings, two 24" parachutes, and the usual motor retention stuff. Also, some decals for a more scale appearance. When I first started on ...

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