Honest John
Kit# 1919
Semi Scale Model
Black Paper Hang Tag
Image from eBay
Designer: Unknown
Production Years: 1984-1988
Retail Pricing Range: $5.25 - $6.49
Rarity: Moderately Common
Description: The Estes Honest John model rocket kit #1919 was produced in the mid 1980s with the black paper hang tag and a facecard that illustrates the olive green Honest John missile over a yellow and gold background.
The Honest John is a skill level 2 semi scale detailed kit of the famous U.S. Army Missile. It is powered by 18mm engines and Estes estimates that the updated scale rocket is capable of flights up to 1000 feet. Rocket recovery is with a 12" parachute. Building this version Honest John is a breeze as compared to the original Estes 1967 kit.
Kit Contents: The kit contains a main body tube, custom shaped plastic nose cone, die cut balsa for fins, 18mm engine mount, a 12" parachute, launch lug and instruction sheet.
Availability: I've rated this kit as moderately common. The kit appearance rate on eBay is frequent enough for a collector to acquire example with six month's time or less.
Additional information can be found at the following links;
JimZ Kit Plan Link: Estes1919
Essense Model Rocket Reviews: OOP Estes Honest John
www.redstone.army.mil/history: HONEST_JOHN
Specifications: Length: 19.2", Diameter: 1.325", Weight: 1.78 oz.
Recommended 18 mm Engines: A8-3, B6-4, B6-6, B8-5, C6-5, C6-7
Estes Catalog Artwork