Big Bertha Model Rocket Kit

Over the years, Big Bertha has remained an iconic choice for many model rocket enthusiasts. Its slow, lifelike take-offs are a defining feature of this enduring classic.

Big Bertha, an original creation by Estes, can be aptly described as large, robust, black, and stunning. It has solidified its status as a beloved choice among Estes enthusiasts, standing the test of time. Throughout the decades, Big Bertha has been the go-to choice for most modelers looking to tackle a larger-scale project. When perched on its substantial fins, this impressive black rocket reaches a towering height of 2 feet. If you haven't experienced a Bertha launch before, it's time to get one and send it soaring skyward. After your inaugural flight, you'll want to take it along to every rocket launch event!

The Big Bertha promises an exhilarating, leisurely liftoff, a spectacle to behold. Powered by reliable standard Estes engines, this beauty reaches heights of up to 500 feet before gracefully descending back to Earth with the help of an 18-inch parachute. Constructed with top-quality Estes body tubes, precision laser-cut wood fins, a molded plastic nose cone, and easy-to-apply self-adhesive decals, assembling your Bertha becomes a satisfying afternoon project. In just one afternoon, your Bertha will be ready for an exciting adventure at the launch site!

Estes Big Bertha Model Rocket Kit Skill Level 1 #1948
 (81)
 Estes Rockets # est1948
$23.89
 
Retail $29.99  SAVE 20% !
Estes Rockets Item # est1948
Features :
  • Self-adhesive black and white decals.
  • Die-cut card fins.
  • Plain brown cardboard body tube.
  • One-piece white plastic nose cone.
  • Parachute recovery with shroud lines and shock cord.
  • Centering rings, engine hook and engine mount tube.
  • Skill level 1: quick and easy-to-build.
  • Estes' full 1 year warranty.
  • Detailed illustrated assembly and launch instructions.
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Spotlight Review

 
"Big Bertha modified plus 7"
uvawgrad
I had this rocket as a 12 year-old that I built with my Father, and now as a 43 year-old with a 4 year-old Son this was our first. (Okay, I know I'm rushing it) My Son is a big fan of Thomas the Tank Engine, and he wanted a Hiro rocket. I couldn't find any train decals I was happy with, so I just put big letters HIRO vertically on both sides and used some of the original decals. The body tube was crushed a little on one end during shipping, so I cut a few inches off and added an extension which added 7 to the total length. I had someone run a simulation on RockSim and they told me that adding weight to the forward end of the rocket just added more stability, and that definitely turned out to be true. I had toyed with the idea of having a rocket with a huge chute for it to come down as slow as possible because I find the slower the fall the more interesting it is. I used a thin black trash bag, and cut out a chute approximately 27. One plus to the thinner chute material is it's very soft & pliable compared to factory chutes and fills with air very quickly. With a little baby powder there is no way this chute will stick together and not deploy. To me, it is more fun watching the drop than the launch. Definitely not one to launch with any breeze or any trees or obstacles nearby at all. She definitely returns to terra firma S-L-O-W-L-Y And on a C motor it seems to go as high as one without any length addition, and seems to track truer than one with the original length. I like larger rockets, and this one has the maximum diameter you can get from Estes (1.64) without going above a C motor. I highly recommend this as a first rocket due to the ease of build and slow, majestic lift-off.

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Features

  • Self-adhesive black and white decals.
  • Die-cut card fins.
  • Plain brown cardboard body tube.
  • One-piece white plastic nose cone.
  • Parachute recovery with shroud lines and shock cord.
  • Centering rings, engine hook and engine mount tube.
  • Skill level 1: quick and easy-to-build.
  • Estes' full 1 year warranty.
  • Detailed illustrated assembly and launch instructions.

Specs

  • Length: 24" (61 cm)
  • Diameter: 1.64" (41.7 mm)
  • Weight: 2.2 oz (62 g)
  • Recovery: 18" (46 cm) parachute
  • Fins: Die cut balsa
  • Maximum Altitude: 500 ft (152 m)
  • Estes Product Number: 1948

Includes

  • One model rocket kit
  • Decals
  • Detailed Instructions

Requirements & Suggestions

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Reviews

  
 
"An Absolute Favorite to Build and Fly!"
miataman1
I have an entire fleet of Estes rockets, and this is easily one of my favorites. It is an easy build for beginners, yet even seasoned rocketeers count it among their must haves. It is always taken along on launch day due to its reliability and beautiful, comparatively slow lift-off. There are really no negatives that come to mind. It has a good price point and is a proven winner. That's probably why Estes has offered this rocket for so long. One tip that Estes seldom mentions is a tip to avoid excessive drift when launching with a C6-5: You can cut a hole in the parachute center about 3 inches in diameter. The rocket will still have a gentle landing but will not drift too far if there is a breeze. I have done this with Big Bertha and many other rockets with no mishaps due to cutting the parachute center hole.

 
"Everyone should have one"
gfbullock
This is a great flying rocket and should be in every Fleet. A staple to most Flyers. It is easy to build(good first rocket)and looks great. But I enjoy flying as much as any other low power rocket I have. Also, if you go through old Estes catalogs you can find many different paint schemes that look great.

 
"Good Rocket, Good Price"
bsgauthier
Hobbylinc has great prices on Estes model rocket kits. Big Bertha is a fine Estes model kit with clear instructions, though I'm not fond of the rubber band shock cord or the way Estes mounts it. I like to see the shock cord attached to the motor mount with Kevlar string. Previous comments referred to the double glue bond fin attachment technique. I use the technique but take it one step further by using my hobby knife to drill small holes along the fun guide lines. This makes tiny glue rivets when the glue dries, giving a little more strength to the fin attachment.

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