All Rocketry Blogs

 Rocketry Product: Estes - Solo {Kit} (7288) [2019-]

Model Rocket Building: New Estes HL Kits (2019-08-03)

On the NAR Facebook page,  Gregory Henderson posted a picture of two new designs to be sold at Hobby Lobby: John Scott Bryan added: " From other discussions there are apparently eight ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Solo #7288 Build, Background (2019-09-25)

When I first saw the new Estes Solo, I thought of the Flying Stovepipe. This design was by Larry Deran, Estes plan #56 going back to 1968. To see the plan: CLICK HERE The fins were airfoiled on one ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Solo #7288 Build, Part 1, Parts (2019-09-26)

Here's all the kit parts! Everything is pre-colored in yellow and blue. Sub-assemblies are in their own parts bags. That yellow nose cone is 6 5/8" long. The rocket with ring glider attached is ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Solo #7288 Build, Part 2, Launch Lug Positioning (2019-09-27)

A line is drawn up the body tube for the launch lug. The lug is pressed against the tube. Two posts on the back of the lug strip indent the body tube at two locations. Be sure the indent marks are ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Solo #7288 Build, Part 3, Engine Mount & Fin Can (2019-09-28)

The fin can is interesting, there is no internal engine mount tubing. The top of the engine slips into a molded recessed ring at the top. A taller molded ring at the rear. The rear is threaded for ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Solo #7288 Build, Part 4, Gluing Things Up (2019-09-29)

TIP: I've brought this up before - Beacon Fabri-Tac glue is great for some rocketry applications. Brush-on liquid plastic cement dries too quickly for some things. This Fabri-Tac glue gives you a ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Solo #7288 Build, Part 5, Cutting & Forming The Glider (2019-09-29)

I don't know what I was expecting, maybe a large tube like in the Flying Stovepipe plans. The body of the glider is rolled card stock. (Don't stare at the printed circles too long - you'll be ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Solo #7288 Build, Part 6, Ends & Edges (2019-10-01)

Small pieces of Scotch tape are placed inside to hold the ring to the card stock tube. The inset picture shows the completed "glider". The SOLO name decal is a sticker on a clear background. When ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Solo #7288 Build, Finished (2019-10-02)

Once in a while it's nice to assemble a model that doesn't require body tube and balsa filling. I was very curious about this design as I always wanted to try the old Flying Stovepipe model. The big ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Launch! Orlando R.O.C.K., October 5, 2019 (2019-10-06)

The Orlando R.O.C.K. club has gone through some changes. While we redistribute the launch duties everybody jumped in and helped out. I met Roger at the launch site at about 8:30 a.m. He was dropping ... [Read More]

Blast From The Past: Bar Fleet #124 - Solo (2019-11-30)

Source:   Estes Industries Kit # EST7288 Type:   Glider Sport Model   Stages:   Single Engine Type:   18mm Recovery:   Parachute, Glider Booster Length:   55.5cm ... [Read More]

Blast From The Past: A Look Back At 2019 (2020-01-05)

Each New Year, I like to take a look back at my rocketry related activities during the previous year and review the events and assess what progress was made. So, here goes: Model Rockets Added To ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Replacement Ring Gliders (2020-01-15)

Estes is offering Double Ringer Replacement Gliders - CLICK HERE If you've launched a Double Ringer or Solo rocket, you know how well the ring gliders perform! Now I can launch my Solo using a ... [Read More]

Blast From The Past: Launch Date: January 26th, 2020, Part 1 (2020-02-04)

  A little over a week ago, I was joined by several Colorado front range rocketeers to get out and take advantage of some excellent weather conditions. The event took place at Dove Valley ... [Read More]

Blast From The Past: Some Thoughts On Flying The Estes Solo (2020-02-10)

On Sunday, January 26th, I launched a recently-built Solo on its maiden flight.  The kit face card and instructions specify only one motor for flight: a C6-3. Not knowing what to expect with ... [Read More]