Cobra 1500
Kit# 1294
Black Paper Hang Tag
Version 2 Pink Skill Level Facecard
Designers: Mike Dorffler
Production Years: 1981-1985
Retail Pricing Range: $6.50-$9.95
Rarity: Scarce
Description: This Cobra 1500 version kit couples a Version 2 skill level faced with a black paper hang tag. 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 with in 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 kit version with black paper hang tag to be scarce. It 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 this 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
