Images by Gerry Fortin

Designer: Larry Renger

Production Years: 1974-1977

Retail Pricing Range: $4.50-$6.00

Rarity: Moderately Rare

Description: Damon era SkyDart rocket kit with green skill level hang tag and green and white facecard. This is a skill level 4 kit. The facecard shows both the K-57 and #1257 kit numbering designations. Estes changed the SkyDart kit numbering from K-57 in 1974 to #1257 in the 1975 catalog though the catalog graphics between the 1974 and 1975 catalogs remained similar. I believe that SkyDart kits with the green skill level artwork where released in 1974. If there is additional information to suggest a release in 1973 or later release in 1975, then I would encourage communication of this information on the Ye Olde Rocket Forum, Kit Collecting forum.

The Estes Skydart is classic design boost-glider that launches vertically and then ejects a power pod at apogee. The power pod returns via parachute and the glider begins its slow gliding return.

The kit features main body tube, a balsa nose cone, internal 12" body tube, nose coin weight, two sheets of balsa fin stock, elevator retainer clip, nylon screw, hinge material, engine mounting system, 8" parachute, launch lug, decal and instructions.

Additional information can be found at the following links;

Ye Olde Rocket Plan Link: Estes K57

Essense Model Rocket Reviews: OOP Estes Sky Dart

Specifications: Wingspan (12.6in), Length (15.8 in), Weight (2.50 oz), Diameter (0.976 in)

Recommended 18 mm Engines: A8-3, B4-2, B6-2, C6-3

Estes Catalog Artwork

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