Cobra 1500
Kit# 1294
Version 3 Pink Skill Level Hang Tag
Version 2 Pink Skill Level Facecard
Designers: Mike Dorffler
Production Years: 1978-1980
Retail Pricing Range: $5.00-$6.00
Rarity: Moderately Scarce
Description: The Cobra 1500 initial facecard and hang tag are typical skill level series design with pink color designating a skill level 2 kit. The skill level hang tag is Version 3. The Version 2 facecard is pink and white color with overlaid static Sky Raider rocket in white, gray and black colors. Pink color backlog also illustrates the rocket flight sequence from launch through recovery. The kit name is shown as funky black letters. The lower section of facecard provides kit number, skill level designation, kit specifications and engine recommendations.
The Cobra 1500 was released in 1978 along with the #1295 Mean Machine. Both rockets employ the same minimum fin design due to their long lengths. The Cobra 1500 measured 59 inches while the Mean Machine became the tallest rocket rocket in the Estes fleet at 79 inches. The Cobra 1500 was powered by 18mm engines including an A8-3 for first flight. In today's age of medium and high power rockets, it is difficult to imagine a nearly 5 feet rocket being launched with an A8-3 engine.
Kit Contents: The 1294 kit contains plastic nose cone, three body tubes, one balsa sheet, 18mm engine mount, an 18" parachutes, launch lug, decal sheet and instructions.
Availability: The Cobra 1500 is considered to be moderately scarce but can be located on eBay with patience. I believe the Cobra 1500 kit version with Version 3 skill level hang tag is more available than the later kit packaging version with black paper hang tag.
Additional information can be found at the following link;
Ye Olde Rocket Plan Link: Estes 1294
Specifications: Length 59.0", Weight 3.17 oz, Diameter 1.325"
Recommended 18 mm Engine: A8-3, B4-4, B6-4, C6-5
Estes Catalog Artwork
