The Seattle Museum Of Flight has announced its celebration of the Estes Alpha on YORF. To see the post, CLICK HERE
"Join us as we celebrate 50 years of the Estes Astron Alpha model rocket! The Alpha, which has been in continuous production for over 50 years, has introduced thousands to the hobby of model rocketry since its appearance in 1967. One of Estes best sellers, the Astron Alpha is a favorite of experienced rocketeers in its original form as well as subsequent variations created over the past half-century.
Displays: The National Association of Rocketry will exhibit models showcasing the evolution and descendants of the Alpha, including the world's largest, at 12 feet tall!
Meet and Greet: Bill Simon, the designer of the original Alpha will be on hand to talk with the public.
The Boeing Employees Model Rocket Club will host a special Alpha Anniversary launch on Sunday, Sept. 24 at the club's Kent launch site."
Here's my Alpha build in the 1969 Estes catalog colors.
For more information, CLICK HERE
And for still more Alpha references, CLICK HERE
...of course, after the wheels were in motion for this event we realized that it was MORE than 50 years. The Alpha’s first catalog appearance WAS in the 1967 edition, but it made its public debut (at least as far as I’ve been able to find) in the December 1965 Model Rocket News.
ReplyDeleteStill....it’s one of only two model rockets that has been continuously available all this time.The other, of course, is Big Bertha.