Wolverine
Kit# 0816
Version 1 Blue Skill Level Facecard - White Kit Numbering
Images by Gerry Fortin
Designer: Larry Renger
Production Years: 1973-1978
Retail Pricing Range: $1.75-$2.75
Rarity: Scarce
Description: Estes Wolverine model rocket kit #0816 was part of the Mini-Brute series and was produced from 1973 through 1978 and rated as skill level 3. The kits featured Estes skill level packaging with blue facecard and hang tag. The facecard is blue and white color with overlaid grey static Wolverine rocket model. Rocket specifications and engine recommendations are found on the lower portion of the facecard. The above images are of a kit with Version 2 skill level hang tag and Version 1 skill level facecard. More research is necessary to identify other facecard and hang tag version combinations.
The Wolverine is an 13mm engine powered higher performance sport skill level 3 rocket. Recovery is with a 12" parachute. Estes marketed the Wolverin as, "Futuristic Russian hypersonic interceptor designed for near space missions."
Kit Contents: The kit contains main body tube, special balsa ramjet shaped nose cone, one balsa sheet of fin stock, a 13mm engine mount, decal sheet, paper adapter, 12" parachute, launch lug, dummy engine and display stand card and instruction sheet.
Availability: Since the Wolverine kit spans six production years, the kit can be found with different skill level hang tag versions. At this time, no estimate or understanding of rarity for the difference hang tag variations is possible. Overall, it is estimated that the Wolverine kit is "scarce" for 1873-1978 production years while certain hang tag versions may be much more difficult to locate and will be eventually be rated as "rare".
Additional information can be found at the following links;
JimZ Kit Plan Link: Estes 0816
Essense Model Rocket Reviews: OOP Estes Wolverine
Specifications: Length: 11.25", Diameter: 0.976", Weight: 0.875 oz.
Recommended 13 mm Engines: 1/2A3-4T, A10-3T
Estes Catalog Artwork
