Classic Estes Model Rockets - The Estes Fleet of Flight Ready Rockets

Classic Estes Model Rockets

The Estes "Fleet"

This website module compliments the Estes Kit Database with images of vintage Estes model rocket kits built by Gerry Fortin and Mike Kalmar. These rockets were built during the past 25 years or so. Kit collecting research and acquisition is an enjoyable challenge. However, the actual building and flying the classic Estes rockets is our ultimate pursuit as BARs. I always have a sense of satisfaction with each completed Estes kit; adding another flyer to the fleet.

I've constructed many Estes kits, significantly more than any other model rocket kit company. Yes, Estes products have been inconsistent at times and drifting into the "toy" market with ready to fly models. But throughout the company's long 50 year history, the Estes brand name is still synonymous with the model rocketry experience for the average through advanced hobbyist. So I still see the Estes brand as the foundation of my model rocket collection and continue to build more "classic" kits.

The Mike Kalmar rockets as shown below were purchased as two huge eBay lots requiring local pickup. I drove a Toyota Tacoma pickup from Raymond, Maine to Elmira, New York and back in the same day to retrieve Mike's collection. Suffering from a disabling health issue, Mike was not longer able to work with model rockets and his family decided to sell the collection. I am proud to be the current owner and curator of these perfectly built classic Estes kits. Many rockets are of museum display quality indicating Mike's skills as a master builder.

So without further delay, here are the classic Estes rockets within the Gerry Fortin fleet. Rockets are listed by Estes catalog numbers followed by the builder's name. I hope the tour is enjoyable....

#K-33 Trident #1250 Interceptor #1251 Sandhawk

Mike Kalmar Mike Kalmar Mike Kalmar