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Monday, January 21, 2019

Estes Phantom Electro-Launcher




Here's a rare find - 
I had seen the Phantom Electro-Launch in the 1970 Estes catalog but didn't want to pay the extra $2.50 for a clear plastic launcher. It looks like it was only available in 1970 and 1971.
This could have been useful in a Science Fair display but might get smoke damage from regular launches.


BarGeezer posted a link to this Ebay auction: CLICK HERE
Keep an eye out for other auctions from this seller - 

This clear plastic Phantom Electro Launch system even has the original Eveready Photo-Flash batteries. When using bare nichrome for an igniter you needed these specific batteries to launch a rocket. They were made to fire camera flash bulbs.


I had assembled a few Electro Launch systems before. These taught me basic wire stripping and simple circuits, something most kids would miss out on today.

Here's two of the four Photo Flash batteries.
I wonder is these have any leaks? Back then batteries were prone to leak all over your motorized toys.


I do remember seeing the Estes Industries name printed on the lead wires. I bet the supplier would print your name on for no extra charge if you bought a few thousand feet of their wire!

This is what some would call "lamp wire" made for household current. It's a much thicker gauge than what you see on today's 6 volt controllers.

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