Question 1

I want to buy this for my son. What "accessories" (other items) do I need to buy for it to work (batteries, wadding, etc.)?

Accepted Answer

In order to launch the rocket, you will need the follow.You will need a battery for the launch ignition system. - It uses a single 9v battery.Rocket engines - You can use a8-3 for the Crossfire, a B4-2 for the Amazon (larger rocket), and move up to something more powerful later. The engine codes work like this (Impulse)(Thrust)-(Recovery charge delay).Recovery wadding - This is a flame resistant paper that you stuff into the rocket. It protects the parachutes from the recovery charge that fires after the engine burns out.To build the rockets themselves, which come unfinished.Scissors, a ruler, sandpaper (for the wooden fins, and finishing), carpenters glue, modelling knife (like an X-acto), masking tape, some plastic cement. The small rocket is actually unpainted, and you'll need some spraypaint to finish it. You can also get some clear coat to seal the paint on the rocket afterwards.

Question 2

what other items do I need to purchase for the set to work?

Accepted Answer

You will need to purchase the rocket engines.  They are sold in packages of three and come complete with wadding and igniters.  Estes recommends B4-2 for the 1st flight of the Amazon (larger rocket) and B4-4, B6-2, C6-3 and C6-5 are also compatible.  The Crossfire (smaller rocket) will accept A8-3 (first flight), B4-4, C6-5 and C6-7.  You will also need to purchase both plastic model cement and wood glue (white school glue okay) for assembly.  Lastly you will need to purchase a small can of spray primer, a small can of white spray paint and a can of clear spray paint (optional) to finish the smaller rocket as it is constructed from paper tube and balsa wood with a plastic nose cone.  The larger rocket is mostly plastic, already finished and just requires stickers to be placed after assembly.  The only tools required to assemble either rocket are an exacto knife, a small piece of fine sandpaper and scissors.  The larger rocket is much easier to assemble and I would recommend tackling that one first.  It also accepts many of the same engine sizes as the smaller one so you may get by with purchasing just a couple of sizes.  Engines are selected by letter with A being the weakest and D being the most powerful.  The first number after the letter type represents how many seconds the "burn" is and the last number represents the delay before deploying the parachute.  Choose accordingly and start with the lower powered engines first to properly test your rocket and confirm your launch location is big enough.  Trees, wind, houses and fenced in yards with dogs can be potential setbacks.  My son and I had to contend with all of these our first launch despite utilizing a local park with six or seven acres of open area.  Hope this helps.

Question 3

Exactly which rocket motor and rocket motor igniter models do I need for this particular set?  Lee W.

Accepted Answer

as explain on the corner of the box for the Crossfire isx can be used the (A8-3), (B4-4), (B6-4), (C6-5), (C6-7), and for the AMAZON can be used the (B4-2), (B4-4), (B6-2), (B6-4), (C6-3), (C6-5) i personally use the C6-5 for both of them and believe is quite difficult follow the rocket when is landing back, and identify the approximate place of landing.with the hope to has been helpful a big Ciao Pietro Corrieri

Question 4

How many time can you use the rocket?

Accepted Answer

The rocket is completely reusable - the only one I have ever lost came down in a 60' Oak tree and was lost that way. The ENGINES and wadding have to be replaced between each flight. You can buy packages of three engines with sufficient igniters and wadding for three flights separately. They can be ordered on Amazon - we usually get ours at Target or Wal-Mart simply for convenience. These are real solid fuel rocket engines - these rockets do not uses pumped pressurized water or air like some other systems for propulsion.

ASIN	B002VLP67S
Age Range Description	Kid
Brand Name	Estes
Customer Reviews	4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars (4,599)
Educational Objective	To promote scientific learning and understanding of rocketry, physics, engineering concepts through hands-on model rocket construction launching.
Global Trade Identification Number	00047776014695
Included Components	Product Manual
Item Dimensions	29.4 x 1.33 x 29.4 inches
Item Type Name	Model Rockets
Item Weight	3 ounces
Manufacturer	Estes
Manufacturer Part Number	1469
Manufacturer Warranty Description	1 Year Warranty Against Manufacturer Defects
Manufacturer recommended age	10 years and up
Material Type	Plastic and Laser Cut Wood
Model Number	1469
Number of Items	2
Number of Packs	2
Set Name	Tandem-X Launch Set
Size	30 inches
Theme	Model Rocket Kit
UPC	885860395790 885238009151 795871027972 047776014831 885371913551 047776014695 885233473537
Unit Count	1 Count

Estes 1469 Tandem X Rocket-Building Kit, Beginner Flying-Rocket Model Kit for Ages 10+, Includes Launch Pad and Controller

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