Welcome! This site
was created to chronicle my lifelong model aviation hobby, and to provide some valuable resources for visitors.
- Kirt Blattenberger
AMA 92498

My Models:
Airplanes, Boats,
Helicopters, Rockets
Airplanes and Rockets
Modeling in Erie, PA
 
Airplanes & Rockets
Modeling Forums
©1996-2012
Kirt Blattenberger with E-flight Taylorcraft on Snow Skis - Airplanes and Rockets
Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) | Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) | Int'l RC Helicopter Association (IRCHA)
League of Silent Flight (LSF) | National Association of Rocketry (NAR) | National Free Flight Society (NFFS) | Society of Antique Modelers (SAM)

Estes Gemini DC Rocket

Airplanes and Rockets - Estes Gemini DC RocketAirplanes and Rockets - Sally Blattenberger launching her Estes Gemini rocket in Loveland, COThe Estes Gemini DC rocket was Sally's second rocket, the first being a Zinger. She did most of the building, and I did the paint job. The balsa grain was filled with clear dope that had talcum powder mixed in, then the paint was Testors spray enamel. The spiral was created by wrapping two pieces of 3/4" wide masking tape side-by-side, then removing one of them.

To the right is a photo of Sally Blattenberger (now Cochran) launching her Estes Gemini DC rocket in the big field behind our yard in Loveland, CO  (circa 2002). That's her mother, Melanie, crouching down in the background.

Sally recovering her Estes Gemini rocket in Loveland, CO
... and here she is catching it on the way down. The recovery system is unique in that there are two parachutes, each of which are contained in the two short tubes on the rear end of the rocket. There are holes between the engine tube and the two parachute tubes for the ejection charge to pass.
Airplanes and Rockets - Estes Gemini DC dual parachute recovery system