For those of you in the Pacific Northwest, you may be interested to know that Fred Meyer is turning over their Estes stock and with things on 50% off the prior clearance price there are motor packs for a bit over $3 (As, Bs and Cs), launch sets for under $10 and Estes ARF models for under $4.
It appears they are clearing out for a new line of launch sets and 18mm motors in TWO motor packs. I've seen the new launch sets (well, one of them, at least) in one store and the new motor packs in another. The new launch sets appear to have the latest incarnation of the Porta Pad II (red) and Electron Beam (also red, with an LED for continuity indication) as is working it's way into the launch sets we're familiar with in place of the bright orange Astron II 9V controller and pad.
It's interesting that the new two-motor-packs still come with four plugs and now four "starters" as well as a small pack of wadding, rather than the three igniters in the older ones. Maybe Estes has heard enough frustration from folks who don't get the new starters right up against the propellant to put extras in the packages ..."
In a later post he added:
"Where the new ones were in stock the prices appeared to be $6.99 for the A8-3s, $7.99 for the B6-4s and $8.99 for the C6-5s vs. the prior price of $9.99 for any (three) motor pack. Still an increase on a per-flight basis for the new ones."
A while back Estes changed to two engine packs for the 24mm and 29mm engines.
18mm three engine packages might also be on the way out! Fewer engines for more money.
It's too early to say. Time to use more 40% off coupons at Hobby Lobby.
Looks like I will be doing as much of my motor ordering from AC Supply now, for sure. Fewer motors for more money stinks. I can already get Aerotech 24mm reloads for about the same price as Estes retail on their 18mm motors. Now that gap will be gone before discounts on the Estes motors.
ReplyDeleteI can just see it now -- reissues of classic Astron Cobra, Astron Ranger. and Astron Scrambler (updated, but not changed in number of motors used). Kind of reminds me of the problem of number of hot dogs in pack and number of buns you get per pack.
ReplyDeleteI never used C11 engines before, but got a pack the other day. I was surprised to see there was three to a pack. Usually, 24mm engines are 2 to a pack (like you mentioned).
ReplyDeleteGonna use one on the Estes Shuttle to test the glider. I don't want to shoot the rocket too high and have my Shuttle fly off.
Mike Ruf
Hi Mike,
DeleteI've used the C11 engines on rare occasions. I have seen them used with good success on certain models. I always go up to the D12s. Finding three 24mm engines in a pack is rare now. Good luck with your shuttle flight.