--- product_id: 324300050 title: "Big Bertha, Brown/a" brand: "estes" price: "€ 60.49" currency: EUR in_stock: true reviews_count: 5 category: "Estes" url: https://www.desertcart.es/products/324300050-big-bertha-brown store_origin: ES region: Spain --- # 500 ft max altitude 18 in parachute recovery Laser-cut balsa fins Big Bertha, Brown/a **Brand:** estes **Price:** € 60.49 **Availability:** ✅ In Stock ## Summary > 🚀 Build. Launch. Belong. Own the sky with Big Bertha. ## Quick Answers - **What is this?** Big Bertha, Brown/a by estes - **How much does it cost?** € 60.49 with free shipping - **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship - **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.es](https://www.desertcart.es/products/324300050-big-bertha-brown) ## Best For - estes enthusiasts ## Why This Product - Trusted estes brand quality - Free international shipping included - Worldwide delivery with tracking - 15-day hassle-free returns ## Key Features - • **Easy Customization:** Build, sand, and paint your own rocket for a truly personal launch experience. - • **Soars Over 500 Feet:** Feel the thrill as your rocket ascends to an impressive 152 meters. - • **Iconic Estes Original:** A timeless classic that’s launched generations of hobbyists into the skies. - • **Precision Laser-Cut Fins:** Experience smooth, stable flights with expertly crafted balsa wood fins. - • **Reliable Parachute Recovery:** Watch your rocket gracefully return with a vibrant 18-inch parachute. ## Overview The Estes Big Bertha is a legendary model rocket kit featuring laser-cut balsa fins, a powerful standard engine launch system, and an 18-inch parachute for smooth recovery. Standing 2 feet tall, it reaches altitudes over 500 feet, offering an engaging build and flight experience perfect for beginners and nostalgic pros alike. ## Description An Estes original laser cut balsa finsstandard engine poweredparachute recoveryflies over 500'big Bertha is an Estes original. Big, burly, black and beautiful perfectly describes this classic. She’ s an all around Estes favorite that has truly withstood the test of time. Over the decades, big Bertha has been most modelers’ first big build. While standing on its massive fins, this big black rocket checks in at an impressive 2' (61 cm) tall. If you’ ve never flown a Bertha, get one and launch it. Once you’ ve flown it, you’ ll take it to every launch. The big Bertha gives you a slow, realistic liftoff. What a thrill it is to watch. Propelled by powerful standard Estes engines, This beauty travels to 500' (152 m) and comes back to earth with a decorated 18" (46 cm) parachute. Quality Estes body tubes, laser cut balsa fins, molded plastic nose cone and easy to apply self stick decals make for an afternoon of building enjoyment. In one afternoon your Bertha is ready for an exciting time at the Launch field. Cutting, sanding and painting required. Building tools, finishing supplies, engines and launch supplies also needed - sold separately. Recommended for ages 10 an up with adult supervision for those under 12.&Nba; product measures: 6.5 x 2.5 x 23.5Recommended ages: 10 - 100 years Review: Once I was 7 years old ... (Apologies to Lukas Graham.) That was a long, long time ago. And I built Big Bertha, and I launched her a few times. Until one time, she landed high in a tree. But I wasn't too sad. I built another one. (And also I duct taped rocket engines to my cousin's Barbie dolls when my rockets were stuck in trees or on rooftops. Sorry, cuz, if you're out there.) And so kicked off a hobby that I continued for several years of my childhood, until such time as I discovered the opposite sex and various other pastimes that took me away from my rocket fun. But I digress. Fast forward to 2018. I have a lot of fond memories of rocket building, and I've never forgotten that first Big Bertha. My son is now of the right age to play with fun flying objects. I came to desertcart, placed my order, and I am beyond pleased to report that, effectively, nothing has changed in all of this time! Big Bertha is exactly as I remember her--and my son and I had a great time putting her together, walking her over to the local park, and breaking out the Porta-Pad II (also the same model I used to have). 3...2...1 and the couple of hours we spent building and painting was well worth it when I saw the look in his eyes. This is the perfect starter rocket. Forget those pre-painted ones with plastic fins that snap into place. That's not what the rocket hobby is all about. You want to feel like you've actually built something. You want to sand some balsa, and glue some stuff together. You want to learn a few lessons about precision when it comes to lining up the fins, and some more lessons about patience while waiting for that glue to dry. You want to paint your rocket yourself so that when it's high above your head you can smile and know that this is something YOU created. Trust me on this. I've gotten a little bit preachy and gone off on all kinds of tangents. But that stands to illustrate exactly the kind of value this rocket brought to my life. $20 worth of character building and indelible memories? That's money very well spent. Do I recommend that you purchase Big Bertha? I recommend that you don't wait another moment. This is a classic in my mind and it will be in yours too. Enjoy. And word to the wise: Barbie dolls are totally un-aerodynamic and don't fly nearly as well as this thing. Review: I brought this for my son birthday early and have just opened the box to find there is no engine it's just a few bits of cardboard a little parachute and ribbon. Not what I was expecting and very disappointed for the cost ## Features - Skill level 1 - Laser cut wood fins, self-stick decals, 18 in. (46 cm) parachute recovery - Projected max altitude: 500 ft. (152 m) - An Estes original - Laser cut balsa fins - Standard engine powered - Parachute recovery - Flies over 500' ## Technical Specifications | Specification | Value | |---------------|-------| | ASIN | B0006NAMUO | | Assembly time | 1 Hours | | Batteries required | No | | Best Sellers Rank | #112,048 in Toys ( See Top 100 in Toys ) #28 in Spacecraft Model Building Kits | | Customer Reviews | 4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars (553) | | Date First Available | 21 September 2023 | | Import designation | Made in USA or Imported | | Included components | Laser cut wood fins, self-stick decals, 81 cm parachute recovery system, standard engine | | Is assembly required | No | | Item Weight | 0.1 Pounds | | Item model number | 1948 | | Number of pieces | 1 | | Product Dimensions | 16.51 x 6.35 x 30.48 cm; 45.36 g | ## Product Details - **Age range (description):** Adult - **Brand:** Estes - **Colour:** Yellow - **Item dimensions L x W x H:** 16.5 x 6.4 x 30.5 centimeters - **Theme:** Vintage ## Images ![Big Bertha, Brown/a - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/615nM+moFbL.jpg) ## Questions & Answers **Q: Hi, I'm beginner so what do I need to buy beside "Estes 1948 Big Bertha Flying Model Rocket Kit" ?** A: 1) A launch pad with controller. Batteries for the controller.2) Wadding to keep the parachute from burning.3) Engines with ignitors. B4-4 for smaller areas in town, but it won't go very high. C6-5's for larger areas and good height.4) Glue for the construction. Regular Elmer's is probably too weak, so I'd go with Wood Glue.5) Paint - your choice, obviously. I painted mine in the colors of my favorite NFL team. That paint cost more than the rocket, though! **Q: Will this rocket launch with the launch pad in the 1403 Riptide Launch Set?** A: Yes it will, I have both and use that launcher. **Q: the size engine** A: If built as instructed, it can use 18 mm B (B4, B6) and C engines (C6). "A" engines are too underpowered. **Q: does this kit include the launching frame, or does it need to be purchased separately?** A: Launch equipment is purchased separately. ## Customer Reviews ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review *by A***C on 1 November 2018* Once I was 7 years old ... (Apologies to Lukas Graham.) That was a long, long time ago. And I built Big Bertha, and I launched her a few times. Until one time, she landed high in a tree. But I wasn't too sad. I built another one. (And also I duct taped rocket engines to my cousin's Barbie dolls when my rockets were stuck in trees or on rooftops. Sorry, cuz, if you're out there.) And so kicked off a hobby that I continued for several years of my childhood, until such time as I discovered the opposite sex and various other pastimes that took me away from my rocket fun. But I digress. Fast forward to 2018. I have a lot of fond memories of rocket building, and I've never forgotten that first Big Bertha. My son is now of the right age to play with fun flying objects. I came to Amazon, placed my order, and I am beyond pleased to report that, effectively, nothing has changed in all of this time! Big Bertha is exactly as I remember her--and my son and I had a great time putting her together, walking her over to the local park, and breaking out the Porta-Pad II (also the same model I used to have). 3...2...1 and the couple of hours we spent building and painting was well worth it when I saw the look in his eyes. This is the perfect starter rocket. Forget those pre-painted ones with plastic fins that snap into place. That's not what the rocket hobby is all about. You want to feel like you've actually built something. You want to sand some balsa, and glue some stuff together. You want to learn a few lessons about precision when it comes to lining up the fins, and some more lessons about patience while waiting for that glue to dry. You want to paint your rocket yourself so that when it's high above your head you can smile and know that this is something YOU created. Trust me on this. I've gotten a little bit preachy and gone off on all kinds of tangents. But that stands to illustrate exactly the kind of value this rocket brought to my life. $20 worth of character building and indelible memories? That's money very well spent. Do I recommend that you purchase Big Bertha? I recommend that you don't wait another moment. This is a classic in my mind and it will be in yours too. Enjoy. And word to the wise: Barbie dolls are totally un-aerodynamic and don't fly nearly as well as this thing. ### ⭐⭐ Review *by T***M on 17 November 2025* I brought this for my son birthday early and have just opened the box to find there is no engine it's just a few bits of cardboard a little parachute and ribbon. Not what I was expecting and very disappointed for the cost ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review *by T***. on 24 December 2015* excellent job ## Frequently Bought Together - Estes Big Bertha, Yellow - Estes 2274 Recovery Wadding - MDL RCKT ENGNS 3PC C6-5 --- ## Why Shop on Desertcart? - 🛒 **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** — Serving international shoppers since 2016 - 🌍 **Shop Globally** — Access 737+ million products across 21 categories - 💰 **No Hidden Fees** — All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price - 🔄 **15-Day Free Returns** — Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members) - 🔒 **Secure Payments** — Trusted payment options with buyer protection - ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** — Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews **Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.es/products/324300050-big-bertha-brown](https://www.desertcart.es/products/324300050-big-bertha-brown) --- *Product available on Desertcart Spain* *Store origin: ES* *Last updated: 2026-05-18*