Model Rockets have been around for 50 years now, it all started out to prevent "basement bombers", we were just entering the space race and youngsters wanted to become a part of that budding space program. They put together varies chemicals and the end result was disaterous.

Orville Carlisle, who had experence in fireworks (blackpowder) wanted to invent/develop a safe and sane hobby to prevent the injuries that resulted from those who attempted to make their own propellants.

Carlisle put together black powder model rocket motors as well as the model rockets themselves, he eventually teamed up with G harry stine, who worked at the Los Alomos rocket center for the government, and, together, came up with the first practical model rocket, that was safe  and easily obtainable.

Stine formed Model Missiles, Inc, you can find their ads in issues of American Modeler (1958 on) as well as articles about the hobby.

The Aerobe-Hi and Arcas were two of the most famous model rockets, and eventually the Mark 1 and Mark II kits came on the scene.

Model Missiles, Inc weren't able to produce enough model rocket motors, so, Vernon Estes from Denver came on the scene, he made "Mabel" the first automated model rocket making machine. Eventually, Estes moved from Denver to Penrose CO, where the comapny is located.

There are many smaller model rocket companies out there and they all offer a variety of products. You can also find many model rockets here on ebay.

First and foremost, you need to have some background as to what you are looking for and in what skill level. The skill levels start out as E2X, which means easy to assemble and work their way up to a skill lvel five, which would be a more complex model rocket. The suggested age to start building model rockets is ten (10), but, youngsters can still participate with an adult to get started.

When looking for vintage model rockets, it's important to know when it was manufactured and by whom. There are kit lists listed on the internet giving you the dates of introductions and when a particular has been discontinued. Sometimes a seller may state a date of issue and claims that the kit is "vintage" when it's not, this all has a effect on the value of that particular kit. Make sure that the kit that you are interested in fits into the time frame, check the list. Also, check the condition of the bag or box that the kit came in. You , as a collector, would want a kit that is in mint condition, they are the most valuable, perfect bag or box with no imperfections. Another issue with kits is the body tubes, make sure that the body tube are ROUND, and not crushed or "out of round". If you were buying the kit to build, that wouldn't really matter, since, in most cases, you can find replacement tubes, but, for those who collect, that is a big part of the kit.

As with Estes kits, which came out in 1961 with the K-1 Scout, Estes was sold to Damon in 1969, so any kits prior to 1969 are true Estes kits, not saying that any kit after that date isn't, but, if you look at the packaging, it will state on the header of the bag or on the box Damon, their worth is slightly less than if the header says Estes Industries, Inc.

Anokther aspect of collecting is the parachutes, origianl estes parachute are checkeredboard compared to those of a later issue, these are highly collectible.

Some kit had limited runs of a few months or years, which would make them more valuable as well, while , other kits have been around for almost the full 50 years now.

Also, paper goods have been sold on ebay, and, depending upon the vintage, command high prices, early MRN (mdoel rocke news) are very collectible as is original instructions and kit packaging.

There are many model rocketry magazine that have been published over the years as well, the earlier issues are very sought after and very collcetible, if you can find them

Most rocketeers are in the hobby to enjoy it, to fly their rockets and don't wish to collect, and many belong to local clubs and organizations.

You can find a whole host of information on the web regarding the hobby is you do a web search.

I hope that I have given you alittle insight into the hobby and hope that you have success in your rocketry projects.