TOP TEN BUILDS for 2019

An end of the year tradition - 
This annual list puts some of the blog builds in order from least favorite (10) to the best (1). These are the models and events that were rocketry high points this year.
(This annual post it the tough one, it takes a few hours to gather info, pictures and links.)
Choices are my own based on the overall build experience and some flight performance.
Your favorites could be different from mine!

Here we go - Countdown from 10:
Click on the names to go to the builds -

10. Estes VANGUARD EAGLE
This was an older OOP model from the X Prize series of kits. Too many plastic parts made for difficult masks and a very heavy rocket.




9. Odd'l Rockets BONES
A cheap Halloween build for the October Orlando ROCK launch. A cardboard coffin from the Dollar Tree store made up the main body.
8. Estes SATURN V
This should have been higher on the list. There were many improvements in the latest version, but the wrap mistakes knocked it back on the list.


7. Estes LITTLE JOE I
The test vehicle for the Mercury Capsule is a great addition to the Estes scale lineup. The built up fins were a good challenge.
6. Odd'l STEALTH
This might be a new Odd'l kit based on the old Estes plastic bodied kit. I haven't been able to test fly it on a C engine yet!
5. Estes ORBITAL TRANSPORT
I finally did a decent build on this classic.

4. Estes SASHA
An impressive new two-staged model in Russian decor






3. Semroc TAURUS
A classic Centuri design. Probably my cleanest build of the year.
2. BUILDING SHOW MODELS FOR ESTES
Well . . . it's a big deal to me! 

And the number one build for 2019 - 

1. Estes SOLO
Yep! An easy to build model with a parasite ring glider - that really glides!
Plastic fin unit, long nose cone and screw-on engine retainer. No filling or painting! Highly recommended.

26 models were built on the blog
27 models were built for Estes (some not yet featured on the blog)
53 rockets built in 2019 - Yikes!
Only 57 launches this year.

To check out previous Top Ten lists:
Do a Search (upper right) for "Top 10"