Here is the Estes Mercury Redstone Model Rocket Kit

www.apogeerockets.com/Model-R...
The Mercury Redstone model rocket kit is a 1:34-size replica of the iconic rocket that was used in the early days of the American space program. Its significance is that it was the rocket that was used to launch the first and second American astronauts into space. That makes this kit perfect for those who are interested in model rocketry and the history of space exploration.
The finished rocket stands nearly 29 inches tall and features laser-cut, layered balsa fins and a molded plastic model of Grissom’s Liberty Bell 7 and its Launch Escape System (LES). The set of detailed water-slide decals even includes the distinctive white “crack” that Gus painted onto the side of his spacecraft to make it resemble the actual Liberty Bell.

[@dareelamb1964]

I first built this kit around 1987-1988 at that time it was a skill level 5. Gave it away to a fellow flyer when my family moved. Built it again around 2008-2009 when I had my own kids and it had plastic fins. Over 100 flights before we retired her. Flys very nice on a c6-5

[@francismoran1230]

Wow! 100 flights, that’s incredible Interesting how the kit designs of a rocket evolve & change over time

[@f62darkstar]

the paint job on that lower roll pattern on the fins looks really good...hats off to whom ever painted it....nice job.

[@martinmckee5333]

I painted it, as it happens. Thanks. It's a fun build overall.

[@rosswarren436]

@@martinmckee5333 Did you use Tamiya tape to get those nice crisp lines? Thanks.

[@martinmckee5333]

@@rosswarren436 On the long edges, yes. The base of the rudder fins and the vent at the base of the body was masked with liquid latex.

[@2200chuck]

Nice looking kit! I remember watching Alan Shepard ride in Freedom-7, the Mercury capsule, on top of this rocket.

[@okiedoak201]

Not sure how this compares to the 1970's-80 rocket....but I did get the experience of building the early version with a full lattice buitup launch escape tower....and had to cut out the fins from a couple sheets of balsa...those were the days....also would be nice to find a scale version about the size of the Zephyr....that would be exciting

[@godfreycarmichael]

This rocket flies like a champ. I have flown it many times.

[@wcoburn]

I love the Mercury and Saturn rockets, but I really wish the Gemini program would get some love as well. Oh well, maybe one day

[@garrettyamada9821]

I wish that Estes would bring back the Mercury Atlas kit. I'm pretty sure that it would sell fairly well.

[@rosswarren436]

They should. I'm sure they still have the mold for it and it likely isn't worn down too badly. Wish they would. And an updated Gemini-Titan with more 3D printed parts (the engine supports) to make assembly easier.

[@proob4]

In 1/100 scale too. They should re-release all of the scale historic rockets in 1/100 scale IMHO

[@rosswarren436]

@@proob4 That would be great. Currently only a few are available from 3rd party vendors like Boyce Aerospace or Apogee Components.

[@MikeB3542]

​@proob4 a 1:100 scale of a Mercury-Redstone would be tiny! Less than 10 inches tall (including escape tower) and 5/8 inches diameter. I get what you're after, since the Saturn V and Saturn 1B kits are 1:100. The reality is that those launch vehicles were enormous (the first stage of the 1B was essentially 8 Redstone tanks clustered around a single Jupiter tank). The old Estes Mercury-Atlas kit was the same scale as the current Mercury-Redstone and Little Joe 1 kits (1:34) and shares the exact same capsule kit.

[@francismoran1230]

1/100 scale is boring; too small

[@CrazyCranker]

I remember trying to build that kit, never finished it. :( I remember the tower being extremely difficult to put together and wasn't the capsule made of balsa wood? I think that was back in 76 or 77? Long time ago-lol

[@rosswarren436]

Great video, but Alan Shepard was launched on May 5th, 1961 in "Freedom 7". I think you were thinking of Alan on Apollo 14 in 1971. In your estimation, would it be worth modifying this rocket kit to use Estes D and/or E engines? Would you need to add some weight to the nose cone to make it stable? Thanks. The Mercury Redstone is just such a pretty rocket.

[@martinmckee5333]

It does need a bit of nose weight to be stable with a 24mm D. Given the availability of 18mm D motors from Quest and Aerotech, there's not much reason to mod it for 24 mm anymore. The Quest D20 will boost the Redstone to around 700', and the Aerotech D13 (RMS 18/20 reload) will take it to almost 900'.

[@rosswarren436]

@@martinmckee5333 good points. I'll have to try one of those Quest ø18mm D engines. Just feel a bit safer flying it a touch higher than a C can take it.

[@martinmckee5333]

@@rosswarren436 Yeah. It works on the C, but I'd say it's marginal.

[@DSchig]

Yes, Alan Shepard's flight occured on May 5th, 1961. I remember it well, as it was my 6th birthday, and my parents made me a birthday cake shaped like a rocket!

[@proob4]

I wish Estes would keep the Scale rockets in 1/100 scale.