Model rockets have been around for nearly 50 years now. Once, a little know hobby, it has expanded in to school's, youth groups, such as the boy scouts and 4-H and the general population.

Started in the late 50's, model rockets took the place of "basement bombers", those, who wanted to join the space race, but didn't have a safe way of doing it.

Many injuries resulted from these "home brew scientists", so a group of dedicated individuals, such as G Harry Stein, and vernon Estes teamed up to create a safe and sand laternative to those "scientists".

The leading company today is Estes -Cox Corp in Penrose Co, and you can see by the suctions on ebay, these older rockets are very popular, bringing in hundreds of dallars.

Not only are the vintage kits bringing in high prices, but, catalogs and magazines as well.

Little know, the American Modeler, from the late 50" and early 60" have great rocketry articles in them. These magazines can be found on ebay as well.

There are also many model rockets that are mirrow images of the real rockets launched from Cape Kennedy, as well as fantasy models and everything inbetween.

This is a fantastic hobby, with a great safety record. The propellant devices, black powdered motors, are commercially manufactured, no mixing or loading of chemicals, they are safely lauched from a distance of 15 feet, electrically (battery) with a safety key.

They model rockets ascend into the air, just like the real one, and then deploy a recovery device, either a parachute or streamer, and are safely return "to earth" for another "mission".

All you need to do is replace the motor, repack the revocery device and have your next lunch.

These are reccommended for youngsters 10 and up, and is a good family activety. Many kids today, have been instorduced to this wonderful hobby through schoo and youth groups.

For onbly a few dollars, you can purchase a lunching system (a one time purchase) and then you may choose from about 100 different  types of rockets.

The price is right, from about $6.00 to about $125 for a digital camera rocket.

As I have mentioned previously, many vintage, as well as the newer model rockets are available on ebay, usually, there is a listing of about 500 to 600 items.

I would strongly suggest taking a look and see what you are missing.

Have a great day and enjoy this great hobby.....

3130ken