---
product_id: 736456779
title: "Estes 1469 Tandem X Rocket-Building Kit, Beginner Flying-Rocket Model Kit for Ages 10+, Includes Launch Pad and Controller"
brand: "estes"
price: "€ 153.02"
currency: EUR
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 7
category: "Estes"
url: https://www.desertcart.es/products/736456779-estes-1469-tandem-x-rocket-building-kit-beginner-flying-rocket
store_origin: ES
region: Spain
---

# Push-button launch with included controller 2 rockets, 600 ft & 1150 ft max altitude Easy assembly: plastic & laser-cut wood fins Estes 1469 Tandem X Rocket-Building Kit, Beginner Flying-Rocket Model Kit for Ages 10+, Includes Launch Pad and Controller

**Brand:** estes
**Price:** € 153.02
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Summary

> 🚀 Elevate your STEM game — launch, learn, and lead the pack!

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** Estes 1469 Tandem X Rocket-Building Kit, Beginner Flying-Rocket Model Kit for Ages 10+, Includes Launch Pad and Controller by estes
- **How much does it cost?** € 153.02 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/736456779-estes-1469-tandem-x-rocket-building-kit-beginner-flying-rocket)

## 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

- • **Complete Launch System Included:** Sturdy Porta-Pad II and Electron Beam Controller deliver professional-grade launches at your fingertips.
- • **STEM Education Meets Family Fun:** Inspire future engineers with real physics, aerodynamics, and aerospace principles in action.
- • **Safe, Reusable, and Ready to Fly:** Includes parachutes for gentle recovery and follows NAR safety codes for worry-free launches.
- • **Beginner-Friendly Build Experience:** Quick-assemble desertcart with precolored parts and skill-level 1 Crossfire ISX for hands-on STEM learning.
- • **Double the Thrill, Double the Altitude:** Launch two distinct rockets soaring up to 1,150 feet for unmatched backyard excitement.

## Overview

The Estes 1469 Tandem X Rocket Launch Set is a beginner-friendly model rocket kit featuring two rockets—the 30-inch desertcart reaching 600+ feet and the 15.6-inch Crossfire ISX soaring up to 1,150 feet. Designed for ages 10+, it includes a reusable launch pad and push-button controller, combining easy assembly with high-performance flight. Perfect for STEM education and family bonding, this set offers hands-on experience in aerospace principles while ensuring safe, repeatable launches with parachute recovery.

## Description

Product Description The Estes Tandem-X Rocket Launch Set encourages beginner model-rocket enthusiasts to shoot for the stars. This rocket launch set includes the easy-to-assemble desertcart rocket model and the high-performance Crossfire ISX rocket model. The desertcart is quick to build with precolored plastic parts and self-stick graphics. The Crossfire ISX is a perfect next step with laser-cut wood fins and self-stick decals. Designed for adults and kids ages 10+ (supervision recommended for ages under 12), this rocket-model duo can inspire any STEM enthusiast as they soar to impressive altitudes. The desertcart model is 30" tall and hits 600+ ft. with a C6-5 rocket engine, and the Crossfire ISX measures 15.6" tall and hits 1,150 ft. with a C6-7 engine. All Estes rocket engines are sold separately.If you’re looking for Christmas gift ideas or outdoor STEM activities for aspiring rocketeers or young scientists, the 1469 Tandem-X Rocket Launch Set is a great opportunity for experiential learning about physics, engineering, and aerospace. This rocket-launching set includes the reusable parts for launch, including a cone, a body tube, and a recovery parachute. Both of these high-flying models take off from the included sturdy Porta-Pad II Launch Pad by push-button command from the Electron Beam Controller.To build and launch each rocket, you will need a compatible Estes model-rocket engine, Starters, Recovery Wadding, 4 high-quality 1.5-volt AA alkaline batteries for launch use, and any extra materials listed in the directions (sold separately). Always follow the NAR (National Association of Rocketry) model-rocket safety code during operation.Estes rocket kits are built from the highest-quality components and designed around the unforgettable experience of pressing “launch.” Our hobby and STEM educational science products range across all skill levels, interests, and power levels. Unleash the space dreamer and science enthusiast in you with an Estes model rocket! desertcart.com Blast model rockets to amazing heights with the Estes Tandem-X Launch Set. An ideal introduction to rocket building, this set contains two rocket kits: the desertcart and the Crossfire ISX. It also comes with a launch pad for easy launching, plus two plastic parachutes that ensure a gentle descent to the ground. Whether you're a new rocketeer or a seasoned veteran of the skies, the Tandem-X is sure to deliver plenty of high-altitude thrills. Learn the basics of crafting model rockets with the 3-foot tall desertcart and 15 inch Crossfire. View larger. Its launch system includes a stabilizing launch pad and push-button controller. View larger. Blast Off to Extreme HeightsWith two rocket kits, the Tandem-X Launch Set offers two unique launching experiences. The aptly-named desertcart is the bigger of the two rockets: it towers at almost three feet tall and features a fearsome tiger-stripe decal. When flown with a standard Estes engine, the desertcart can soar to heights of 600 feet. The Crossfire is a smaller craft, standing just a little over 15 inches tall. In spite of its size, this little rocket can blast off to seriously impressive altitudes. Thanks to its aerodynamic fins and nose cone, the Crossfire can reach cloud-bursting heights of 1,150 feet. Both rockets are outfitted with colorful, preassembled parachutes, which ensure they can float gently back to Earth for another flight. An Introduction to Rocket BuildingThe Tandem-X Launch offers just the right amount of challenge for novice rocket builders. The desertcart is an E2X (easy-to-assemble) rocket, and requires no paint or special tools for assembly. It can be built in less than an hour: simply glue the plastic fins to the tube, install the engine, and attach the parachute. Finish the rocket off with a few self-stick decals, and you're ready to launch. Once builders have mastered the basics, they can move on to the more advanced Skill Level 1 Crossfire. With its plastic nose cone and laser-cut balsa fins, the Crossfire requires a little more finesse. Assembling the rocket can take an entire afternoon, but it's a rewarding and educational process. Builders will learn several beginner-level rocket techniques, such as painting and sanding. Estes has also included an illustrated, step-by-step instruction guide to help keep the assembly fun, smooth, and frustration-free. Educational FunIn addition to the thrills it provides, the Tandem-X also has significant educational value. The set transforms kids into amateur rocket scientists, encouraging them to think about how the rockets work. Rocket building teaches kids the basics of propulsion, flight, and aerodynamics, and can help foster an early interest in science and engineering. Even failed launches can turn into a learning experience. Requires an Estes EngineBoth rockets require a specialized Estes engine to launch. For the desertcart, Estes recommends a B4-2 engine for your first flight. The rocket is also compatible with other Estes engines, including the B4-4, B6-2, B6-4, C6-3, and C6-5. For the Crossfire, Estes recommends the A8-3 for first flight, and the B4-4, B6-4, C6-5, and C6-7 for more advanced launching. What's in the BoxEstes 1469 Tandem-X Launch Set with desertcart rocket kit, Crossfire ISX rocket kit, two plastic parachutes, launch pad, and push-button launch controller. P.when('A').execute(function(A) { A.on('a:expander:toggle_description:toggle:collapse', function(data) { window.scroll(0, data.expander.$expander[0].offsetTop-100); }); }); From the Manufacturer Two is better than one. You’ll get X-tra value with the Estes Tandem-X Model Rocket Launch Set. This exceptional rocket set features a pair of extreme, high performance rockets with a launch system for launching them. Whether you’re a new rocketeer or a seasoned veteran, launch in tandem for an exciting model rocket experience. The E2X (Easy to Assemble) desertcart is as imposing as the name sounds. This giant towers almost 3 ' (91 cm) high and is quick and easy to build. A tiger-striped body tube, precolored plastic nose cone and fins and self-stick decals make building this rocket easy to do in about an hour. When flown on our standard engines, this huge rocket can reach heights over 650 ' (198 m) with recovery on a colorful 18 " (46 cm) preassembled parachute. The Crossfire ISX is a Skill Level 1 kit that can easily be built in about a day. This rocket features a totally streamlined shape with aerodynamic fins and nose cone. It stands 15.6 " (39.6 cm) tall. When launched with powerful Estes standard engines, this bullet can reach cloud busting heights up to 1,200 ' (366 m). A preassembled 12 " (30 cm) parachute returns the Crossfire back to earth to launch again and again. Glue, modeling tools and Estes engines required - sold separately. The Electron Beam Launch Controller uses 4 AA 1.5V batteries - sold separately. Recommended for ages 10 and up with adult supervision for those under 12. See more

Review: Perfect "Father/Son" Rocket Kit - Make that "Parent/Child" - Part of the reason I give this product 5 stars is nostalgia. As a kid I built and flew model rockets just like these. But I couldn’t afford the cool launch pad and rod, so I used a block of wood and a coat-hanger that I had laboriously straightened. Worked great, and tons of fun! The other part of the 5 star review is heart strings. These many years later when, my 8 yo son sat on Santa’s lap, the rotund old elf asked him what one present he would like to get from Santa. My son looked a little nonplussed to have to come up with ONE thing, but he gamely said, “I’d like a model rocket, just like my dad had when he was a kid.” Seriously? There was zero chance he wasn’t getting this for Christmas! A few folks have given this set less than stellar reviews, mostly based on misunderstanding what they were getting. Model rockets are not toys and they are not preassembled. Model rockets are actual functional rockets. They require basic model building skills (measuring, cutting, gluing, and painting), and they require engines to launch. This is not a negative, part of the joy of this hobby comes with the building. Here is a list of basic items you’ll need in addition to this kit to build and fly your rockets: 1) Good quality white glue 2) Plastic cement (the stinky kind) Cement Glue Value Pack Testors 2-7/8 fl oz tubes 3) Paint. Spray paint works well for solid colors, but enamel paint is great for detailing Testors Promotional Enamel Paint Set 4) Brushes Testors Nylon Paint Brush, Set of 3 5) Masking tape 6) Fine sand paper 7) Razor knife 8) 4 AA batteries 9) Fire resistant wadding Estes 2274 Recovery Wadding 10) 2 sets of engines As model rockets go, these are actually very easy to assemble. Fins are usually the hardest part because you really have to be perfect in their alignment, but not on these rockets. The larger “desertcart” rocket has an injection molded fin assembly that just needs to be glued into the body tube. The smaller “Crossfire” rocket has balsa wood fins (*sniff* just like the old days), except these have been laser pre-cut for you. Even the body tube is pre-cut to accept the fins. Hard to go wrong. Quick primer on engines. They mostly come in 3-packs. Each engine is single use, then dispose of. They are real rocket engines and they burn pre-loaded solid fuel. The designation (example C6-5) tells you everything you need to know about the engine thrust profile. “B” engines are twice as powerful as “A” engines, and are half as powerful as “C” engines. The first number gives the average thrust (bigger is faster), and second number gives the delay in seconds before the ejection charge pops the chute. Engines come with the required igniters, but not the wadding. The flame resistant wadding protects the plastic chute from the heat of the ejection charge. Forget the wadding and your chute may melt, or even burn; not a useful recovery strategy! In a pinch you can get away with just using a regular tissue; it might smoke a bit as it falls, but will extinguish before reaching the ground. As a responsible adult trying to set a good example for my child, I bought the flame resistant stuff. I used B4-2 engines in the Crossfire rocket, and C6-7 engines in the desertcart rocket. The B4-2s were perfect, but the C6-7s have too long a delay and gave us a heart attack as the desertcart rocket turned over and looked like it planned to become a lawn-dart - before the chute eventually deployed! C6-5s would be a better choice here. My son loved launching these rockets! He was ecstatic when he almost caught the Crossfire rocket in mid-air as it was returning to earth. A video of his very first launch is attached. This little father/son rocket set is most highly recommended. Edit: I changed my title to make it clear that this is NOT a boy's toy, it is not scary, and it is not rough and tough. Any kid with an interest in engineering, or science, or just going fast and high, would probably love this product. Edit2: Youtube video of my son showing his mom how to use the launch controller and launch her very first rocket. Very exciting for the whole family! https://youtu.be/YOO3cI2NWvM
Review: Not as shown, but who cares? - You won't get the Porta-Pad II and Electron Beam controller as shown in the picture, you'll get the Astron II pad and controller, which, according to the Estes website, is the newest launch set in their line-up. Doesn't really matter one way or another, unless you're purchasing batteries specifically for this set prior to arrival. The Astron II controller uses a 9V battery instead of the 4AA batteries that the product description tells you that you need. Also, you don't really need "plastic model cement," I use Loctite Control Gel super glue and it works great. I got this kit getting back into rockets after about a 25 year break. Didn't see the point in getting one rocket with a launch set when I could get two rockets for a couple of dollars more. I was really expecting to like the Crossfire more than the desertcart, because faster and higher is always better with rockets, right? Wrong. I built the desertcart first, since I'm a crawl before you walk guy. Used the super glue for everything except the shock-cord-to-body-tube attachment. Used white glue for that. Total building/decorating time was about half an hour, checking the instructions constantly to see what I was supposed to be doing. This is my favorite of the two in the set. It's big, it's easy to follow as it accelerates, and it's easy to track on the way down. After the last launch, I decided that I need to cut a hole in the parachute to speed decent, because I have varying wind layers where I live. I recommend the C6-3 engines over the C6-5 just because I don't really like watching my rockets nose dive for several seconds before the recovery system deploys, shortly after apogee makes me much happier. The Crossfire is a fun rocket. It goes high, fast, which is super cool. However, I've found that trying to go too high, too fast is a pain in the feet. I won't launch this rocket with anything more powerful than a B engine, because on every C launch it goes about 100' in the air and then careens to the side at about a 35 degree angle and I end up hiking forever to get to it. Which indicates to me that maybe C engines are too powerful for the stability level of the rocket. Every A engine and B engine launch has been straight as an arrow in the vertical realm, and I haven't gone more than about 50 feet to recover it. As for the launch system, it's decent and does what it's supposed to do. I was hoping that the two-piece launch rod was a screw together contraption that I could take apart for transportation and storage. It's not. It's held together with a roll pin, so you hammer it together and it doesn't come apart with any sort of ease. Which wouldn't be so bad if the joint didn't leave an uneven surface for a launch lug to catch on. I replaced mine with a 1/8" x 36" music wire. When I get something that needs the "Maxi-Rod" I'll go to my nearest home center and get a 3/16" metal rod for 1/4 the price of the Estes Maxi-Rod and it won't have a lip on it. Update 9/9/13: So I'm thinking that I may have gotten a bum set of C6-5 engines the first time. I had purchased two 3-packs of them, seperately for the different rockets. After the second time of chasing down the Crossfire I stopped using the C6-5s, leaving me with a leftover. Went out to launch the desertcart and lose some mini rockets and used the leftover engine. The desertcart went about 50' up then careened off creating a long walk for me. Intrigued, I decided to launch the Crossfire on one again the next week. The Crossfire on a C6-5 is impressive, as long as it's a good engine. Flight was beautifully straight, nearly out of sight. Make sure there's no wind and it's fun on C engines, I still stick to B engines, though, as I find them more fun with the better chance of recovery. As for the launch pad, apparently it's not designed for 3\16" rods. I got one and tried to install it to no avail. I ended up drilling out the rod holder about half way through. That way I can secure a bigger rod in the top part of the holder, and still have enough to hold the smaller rod.

## Features

- BEGINNER MODEL-ROCKET LAUNCH SET: The Tandem-X rocket-model launch set offers adults and kids ages 10+ hours of fun during the holidays as they complete and launch our desertcart and Crossfire ISX rocket models. This set includes the easy-to-assemble desertcart model parts, the Crossfire ISX model parts, parachutes, and the launch pad system. It requires rocket engines, Starters, Recovery Wadding, and 4 high-quality 1.5-volt AA alkaline batteries for launch use (sold separately).
- 2 SOARING ALTITUDE HEIGHTS: Our Tandem X set offers a high-performing power duo with our giant 30-inch desertcart model (600-foot projected altitude with a C6-5 rocket engine) and our streamlined 15.6-inch Crossfire ISX model (1,150-foot projected altitude with a C6-7 rocket engine). Other compatible Estes model-rocket engines for desertcart model: B4-2, B4-4, B6-2, B6-4, C5-3, and C6-3. Other compatible engines for Crossfire ISX: A8-3, B4-4, B6-4, and C6-5. All engines sold separately.
- READY TO ASSEMBLE: Our beginner model-rocket launch set comes with 2 build options. The precolored desertcart model features plastic fins and self-stick graphics and can be built in an hour. The Crossfire ISX model comes with laser-cut wood fins, self-stick decals, and aerodynamic parts. Pair the rockets with the included Porta Pad II Launch Pad and Electron Beam Launch Controller for a hands-on educational activity or a unique Christmas gift for a budding scientist or a space aficionado.
- SAFETY FIRST, FUN ALWAYS: Our rockets and rocket launch accessories are designed to be used with the NAR (National Association of Rocketry) model-rocket safety code. Always ensure you have an appropriate launch site, stand back at least 15 ft., insert the safety key, issue a countdown, and then you can let your rocket fly!
- WE IGNITE IMAGINATIONS: Since 1958, Estes has created educational rocket kits and displays designed for an unforgettable aerospace experience. As a family-owned company, we have grown to offer exciting STEM products that engage aspiring rocketeers and the future minds of aerospace.

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| ASIN | B002VLP67S |
| Additional Features | Portable, Convertible |
| Age Range Description | Kid |
| Art Craft Kit Type | model_rocket |
| Brand Name | Estes |
| Color | Orange |
| Customer Reviews | 4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars (4,543) |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00047776014695 |
| Included Components | Instruction Guide |
| Item Dimensions | 29.4 x 1.33 x 29.4 inches |
| Item Type Name | Model Rockets |
| Item Weight | 3 Ounces |
| Manufacturer | Estes |
| Material Type | Plastic and Laser Cut Wood |
| Model Name | Estes 1469 Tandem-X Model Rocket Launch Set |
| Number of Pieces | 1 |
| Paint Type | Oliy ink |
| Product Style | Rocket |
| Seasons | All Seasons |
| Size | 30 inches |
| Subject Character | Rocket |
| Theme | Model Rocket Kit |
| UPC | 885860395790 885238009151 795871027972 047776014831 885371913551 047776014695 885233473537 |
| Warranty Description | 1 Year Warranty Against Manufacturer Defects |

## Product Details

- **Age Range (Description):** Kid
- **Brand:** Estes
- **Color:** Orange
- **Item dimensions L x W x H:** 29.4 x 1.33 x 29.4 inches
- **Theme:** Model Rocket Kit

## Images

![Estes 1469 Tandem X Rocket-Building Kit, Beginner Flying-Rocket Model Kit for Ages 10+, Includes Launch Pad and Controller - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81ODDrwWz6L.jpg)

## Questions & Answers

**Q: I want to buy this for my son. What "accessories" (other items) do I need to buy for it to work (batteries, wadding, etc.)?**
A: In order to launch the rocket, you will need the follow.You will need a battery for the launch ignition system. - It uses a single 9v battery.Rocket engines - You can use a8-3 for the Crossfire, a B4-2 for the Amazon (larger rocket), and move up to something more powerful later. The engine codes work like this (Impulse)(Thrust)-(Recovery charge delay).Recovery wadding - This is a flame resistant paper that you stuff into the rocket. It protects the parachutes from the recovery charge that fires after the engine burns out.To build the rockets themselves, which come unfinished.Scissors, a ruler, sandpaper (for the wooden fins, and finishing), carpenters glue, modelling knife (like an X-acto), masking tape, some plastic cement. The small rocket is actually unpainted, and you'll need some spraypaint to finish it. You can also get some clear coat to seal the paint on the rocket afterwards.

**Q: what other items do I need to purchase for the set to work?**
A: You will need to purchase the rocket engines.  They are sold in packages of three and come complete with wadding and igniters.  Estes recommends B4-2 for the 1st flight of the Amazon (larger rocket) and B4-4, B6-2, C6-3 and C6-5 are also compatible.  The Crossfire (smaller rocket) will accept A8-3 (first flight), B4-4, C6-5 and C6-7.  You will also need to purchase both plastic model cement and wood glue (white school glue okay) for assembly.  Lastly you will need to purchase a small can of spray primer, a small can of white spray paint and a can of clear spray paint (optional) to finish the smaller rocket as it is constructed from paper tube and balsa wood with a plastic nose cone.  The larger rocket is mostly plastic, already finished and just requires stickers to be placed after assembly.  The only tools required to assemble either rocket are an exacto knife, a small piece of fine sandpaper and scissors.  The larger rocket is much easier to assemble and I would recommend tackling that one first.  It also accepts many of the same engine sizes as the smaller one so you may get by with purchasing just a couple of sizes.  Engines are selected by letter with A being the weakest and D being the most powerful.  The first number after the letter type represents how many seconds the "burn" is and the last number represents the delay before deploying the parachute.  Choose accordingly and start with the lower powered engines first to properly test your rocket and confirm your launch location is big enough.  Trees, wind, houses and fenced in yards with dogs can be potential setbacks.  My son and I had to contend with all of these our first launch despite utilizing a local park with six or seven acres of open area.  Hope this helps.

**Q: Exactly which rocket motor and rocket motor igniter models do I need for this particular set?  Lee W.**
A: as explain on the corner of the box for the Crossfire isx can be used the (A8-3), (B4-4), (B6-4), (C6-5), (C6-7), and for the AMAZON can be used the (B4-2), (B4-4), (B6-2), (B6-4), (C6-3), (C6-5) i personally use the C6-5 for both of them and believe is quite difficult follow the rocket when is landing back, and identify the approximate place of landing.with the hope to has been helpful a big Ciao Pietro Corrieri

**Q: How many time can you use the rocket?**
A: The rocket is completely reusable - the only one I have ever lost came down in a 60' Oak tree and was lost that way. The ENGINES and wadding have to be replaced between each flight. You can buy packages of three engines with sufficient igniters and wadding for three flights separately. They can be ordered on Amazon - we usually get ours at Target or Wal-Mart simply for convenience. These are real solid fuel rocket engines - these rockets do not uses pumped pressurized water or air like some other systems for propulsion.

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Perfect "Father/Son" Rocket Kit - Make that "Parent/Child"
*by M***C on January 7, 2016*

Part of the reason I give this product 5 stars is nostalgia. As a kid I built and flew model rockets just like these. But I couldn’t afford the cool launch pad and rod, so I used a block of wood and a coat-hanger that I had laboriously straightened. Worked great, and tons of fun! The other part of the 5 star review is heart strings. These many years later when, my 8 yo son sat on Santa’s lap, the rotund old elf asked him what one present he would like to get from Santa. My son looked a little nonplussed to have to come up with ONE thing, but he gamely said, “I’d like a model rocket, just like my dad had when he was a kid.” Seriously? There was zero chance he wasn’t getting this for Christmas! A few folks have given this set less than stellar reviews, mostly based on misunderstanding what they were getting. Model rockets are not toys and they are not preassembled. Model rockets are actual functional rockets. They require basic model building skills (measuring, cutting, gluing, and painting), and they require engines to launch. This is not a negative, part of the joy of this hobby comes with the building. Here is a list of basic items you’ll need in addition to this kit to build and fly your rockets: 1) Good quality white glue 2) Plastic cement (the stinky kind) Cement Glue Value Pack Testors 2-7/8 fl oz tubes 3) Paint. Spray paint works well for solid colors, but enamel paint is great for detailing Testors Promotional Enamel Paint Set 4) Brushes Testors Nylon Paint Brush, Set of 3 5) Masking tape 6) Fine sand paper 7) Razor knife 8) 4 AA batteries 9) Fire resistant wadding Estes 2274 Recovery Wadding 10) 2 sets of engines As model rockets go, these are actually very easy to assemble. Fins are usually the hardest part because you really have to be perfect in their alignment, but not on these rockets. The larger “Amazon” rocket has an injection molded fin assembly that just needs to be glued into the body tube. The smaller “Crossfire” rocket has balsa wood fins (*sniff* just like the old days), except these have been laser pre-cut for you. Even the body tube is pre-cut to accept the fins. Hard to go wrong. Quick primer on engines. They mostly come in 3-packs. Each engine is single use, then dispose of. They are real rocket engines and they burn pre-loaded solid fuel. The designation (example C6-5) tells you everything you need to know about the engine thrust profile. “B” engines are twice as powerful as “A” engines, and are half as powerful as “C” engines. The first number gives the average thrust (bigger is faster), and second number gives the delay in seconds before the ejection charge pops the chute. Engines come with the required igniters, but not the wadding. The flame resistant wadding protects the plastic chute from the heat of the ejection charge. Forget the wadding and your chute may melt, or even burn; not a useful recovery strategy! In a pinch you can get away with just using a regular tissue; it might smoke a bit as it falls, but will extinguish before reaching the ground. As a responsible adult trying to set a good example for my child, I bought the flame resistant stuff. I used B4-2 engines in the Crossfire rocket, and C6-7 engines in the Amazon rocket. The B4-2s were perfect, but the C6-7s have too long a delay and gave us a heart attack as the Amazon rocket turned over and looked like it planned to become a lawn-dart - before the chute eventually deployed! C6-5s would be a better choice here. My son loved launching these rockets! He was ecstatic when he almost caught the Crossfire rocket in mid-air as it was returning to earth. A video of his very first launch is attached. This little father/son rocket set is most highly recommended. Edit: I changed my title to make it clear that this is NOT a boy's toy, it is not scary, and it is not rough and tough. Any kid with an interest in engineering, or science, or just going fast and high, would probably love this product. Edit2: Youtube video of my son showing his mom how to use the launch controller and launch her very first rocket. Very exciting for the whole family! https://youtu.be/YOO3cI2NWvM

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Not as shown, but who cares?
*by C***R on June 6, 2013*

You won't get the Porta-Pad II and Electron Beam controller as shown in the picture, you'll get the Astron II pad and controller, which, according to the Estes website, is the newest launch set in their line-up. Doesn't really matter one way or another, unless you're purchasing batteries specifically for this set prior to arrival. The Astron II controller uses a 9V battery instead of the 4AA batteries that the product description tells you that you need. Also, you don't really need "plastic model cement," I use Loctite Control Gel super glue and it works great. I got this kit getting back into rockets after about a 25 year break. Didn't see the point in getting one rocket with a launch set when I could get two rockets for a couple of dollars more. I was really expecting to like the Crossfire more than the Amazon, because faster and higher is always better with rockets, right? Wrong. I built the Amazon first, since I'm a crawl before you walk guy. Used the super glue for everything except the shock-cord-to-body-tube attachment. Used white glue for that. Total building/decorating time was about half an hour, checking the instructions constantly to see what I was supposed to be doing. This is my favorite of the two in the set. It's big, it's easy to follow as it accelerates, and it's easy to track on the way down. After the last launch, I decided that I need to cut a hole in the parachute to speed decent, because I have varying wind layers where I live. I recommend the C6-3 engines over the C6-5 just because I don't really like watching my rockets nose dive for several seconds before the recovery system deploys, shortly after apogee makes me much happier. The Crossfire is a fun rocket. It goes high, fast, which is super cool. However, I've found that trying to go too high, too fast is a pain in the feet. I won't launch this rocket with anything more powerful than a B engine, because on every C launch it goes about 100' in the air and then careens to the side at about a 35 degree angle and I end up hiking forever to get to it. Which indicates to me that maybe C engines are too powerful for the stability level of the rocket. Every A engine and B engine launch has been straight as an arrow in the vertical realm, and I haven't gone more than about 50 feet to recover it. As for the launch system, it's decent and does what it's supposed to do. I was hoping that the two-piece launch rod was a screw together contraption that I could take apart for transportation and storage. It's not. It's held together with a roll pin, so you hammer it together and it doesn't come apart with any sort of ease. Which wouldn't be so bad if the joint didn't leave an uneven surface for a launch lug to catch on. I replaced mine with a 1/8" x 36" music wire. When I get something that needs the "Maxi-Rod" I'll go to my nearest home center and get a 3/16" metal rod for 1/4 the price of the Estes Maxi-Rod and it won't have a lip on it. Update 9/9/13: So I'm thinking that I may have gotten a bum set of C6-5 engines the first time. I had purchased two 3-packs of them, seperately for the different rockets. After the second time of chasing down the Crossfire I stopped using the C6-5s, leaving me with a leftover. Went out to launch the Amazon and lose some mini rockets and used the leftover engine. The Amazon went about 50' up then careened off creating a long walk for me. Intrigued, I decided to launch the Crossfire on one again the next week. The Crossfire on a C6-5 is impressive, as long as it's a good engine. Flight was beautifully straight, nearly out of sight. Make sure there's no wind and it's fun on C engines, I still stick to B engines, though, as I find them more fun with the better chance of recovery. As for the launch pad, apparently it's not designed for 3\16" rods. I got one and tried to install it to no avail. I ended up drilling out the rod holder about half way through. That way I can secure a bigger rod in the top part of the holder, and still have enough to hold the smaller rod.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review
*by R***L on March 13, 2023*

Product was excellent but packing was not good

## Frequently Bought Together

- Estes Tandem-X Launch Set (Amazon and Crossfire ISX) Orange, 30 inches
- Estes 2274 Recovery Wadding
- MDL RCKT ENGNS 3PC C6-5

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*Product available on Desertcart Spain*
*Store origin: ES*
*Last updated: 2026-04-24*