As you probably know, model rocketry is the space program in minature, just like NASA, there are many model rockets that image the real rockets.

Model rockets come in many shapes and sizes, and are safely propelled into the air by premanufactured solid propellant motors, which are available through many hobby shops, chair stores and through online hobby outlets.

Model rockets can range from a few inches in length to several feet, such as the Estes Mean Machine, which stands 6.6 feet in length.

Model rocket motors, are classified as class C toy propellant devices, they are commeercially manufactured, and are very safe and reliable to use.

Inorder to get started into the hobby, you need to purchase a starter set, which in most cases includes one or two model rockets, a launch pad and a launch controller.

Model rockets are launched safely from a distance of 15 feet away, electrically,usually achieve altitudes of between 50 to 2,500 in heigth, depending upon the motor size, are are safely recovered using many different methods, one method is parachute, which can range in size from between 12 to 24 inches, the most common is made of plastic, but, you can also purchase aftermarket silk parachutes, which are extremely durable.

Model rockets can be uses over and over again, you just replace the one time use motors, with a new one, motors range is price from around $1.25 and up, depending upon the size of the motor.

Model rocketry started nearly 50 years ago, as a direct result of the space program, many youngsters back then (1957 +) were trying to mimic the activities at NASA, with disaterous results, they were know as basement bombers, usually getting seriously hurt in the process.

Model rockets were developed to fill  that void, and to provide a safe and sane method of launching rockets safely.

There has been millions of launches in the past 49 years, with thousand more launched every year.

One of the largest companies to  produce model rocket is Estes, which started as a model rocket company back on June 12,1958, and, next year, Estes will celebrate it's 50 anniveersary.

Mr Vernon Estes started the company, for which he is the naesake, and sold the company to Damon back in 1969, Damon operated the company up until approximately 15 years ago, then a new owner took over.

You can see the progression of the hobby, from it's humble beginning back 49 years ago until today.

Today, there are RTF model rocket, which means ready to fly, one only needs to install a motors, place the rocket on the launch pad, and after a five second countdown, launch his or her model rocket into the wild blue yonder and recover it safely after is flight.

Uner rocketry here on ebay, you can find a wide variety of model rocket up for bid, from classic vintage model, to the lastest on the market kits.

As per ebay rules, model rocket motors are not allowed to be sold on ebay due to shipping regulations.

Usually, starter set contain motors, but, for the most part, when kits are put up for bid, they don't have motors.

Anyone selling model rocket on ebay should be aware of this ebay  rule and ahear to it, keeping in mind, we are all here to promote the hobby and to go according to the rules and regulations on ebay.

You also must be aware of clones, which are replica's of the actual kit,some are very similiar to the actual kits, check the description of the kit, and do some research on the web,I have seen some kits listed that were supposed to be vintage, only to discover, they weren't.

Check to see if the so called vintage kits contain balsa parts, the design of the parachutes, the wording on the kit headers, especially if is states, Damon, which bagan in 1969m, until 1992.

Also check the feedback of the seller,model rocket command high prices, especially the older vintage kits, and, make sure that you get what you pay for.

All in all, model rocketry is a very safe hobby, and is especially rewarding for those who collect kits.

Not only are kits available to collect, there are launching systems, literature and parts.

I hope that I have given you a little insight into the hobby and happy collecting and  building.

Keep em flying..........