Mini Brute - Eclipse
Kit# 0846
Black Paper Hang Tag
Version 2 Skill Level Facecard
Image from eBay
Designer: Wayne Kellner
Production Years: 1982-1985
Retail Pricing Range: $4.25-$5.49
Rarity: Moderately Scarce
Description: It is assumed that the Estes Mini Brute Eclipse model rocket kit #0846 was produced from 1982 through 1985 with the black paper hang tag and the Version 2 yellow skill level facecard. The Eclipse was first offered in the 1980 Estes catalog. I believe that kits in the 1980 and 1981 timeframe were packaged with Version 3 skill level hang tags. Estes continued to offer the kit until 1987. Kits shipping during 1986 and 1987 are assumed to have the newer black plastic hang tag.
The Eclipse is a 13mm engine powered higher performance sport skill level 1 rocket. The rocket uses 10" parachute recovery after flights up to 600 feet.
Kit Contents: The kit contains a main body tube, plastic nose cone, die cut balsa fins, a 13mm engine mount, two color decal, launch lug and instruction sheet.
Availability: Locating an Eclipse kit on eBay will take some patience and searching. I consider kits with the black paper hang tag to be moderately scarce and those with the Version 3 skill level hang tag to be very scarce.
Additional information can be found at the following links;
Ye Olde Rocket Shoppe Kit Plan Link: Estes0846
Specifications: Length: 12.10", Diameter: 0.736", Weight: 0.51 oz.
Recommended 13 mm Engines: 1/4A3-2T, 1/4A3-2T, 1/2A3-4T, A3-4T, A10-3T
Estes Catalog Artwork
