Estes - (Astron) Ranger (K-6 or #1206) Gallery

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Seems to be a popular scheme. This one is built with interchangable 1x18, 2x18, and 1x24mm motor mounts.






Mount Wilson Observatories in the background.

 
My Astron Ranger clone lifting off. Brothers, OR, around 2003.

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This is a BT-80 based Ranger upgrade. The body and mount were built by the late Alex McLoughlin of Oregon Rocketry. I bought this from him at a "flea market." I added the payload section and fins.

Alex got to see the finished model before he died. He got a kick out of how an abandoned project of his evolved.

I've flown the model two or three times, on a cluster of 3 x C11-7 motors. I believe a D12-7 cluster would do fine as well.

big_ranger1.jpg
 
Thought I'd post this Youtube video of my unglamorous (I put on a white base coat, but never got around to putting on the rest of the paint) Ranger clone. It is made from a current Big Bertha, but instead of using a Balsa nose block for the payload section, I glued 1/2" foam core disks in the front and back of a CT-60 coupler tube. But the business end (cluster mount) was built using the Ranger's tissue and white glue filler.

The Ranger's flight is the second one in the video (the first is a saucer launched by the daughter of our club president who also shot the video). If I remember correctly, the Ranger was flown on three Quest A6-4 motors, hence the nice smoky launch. If you listen carefully, you can also hear the "pop-pop-pop" of the three ejection charges going off one right after the others.

https://www.youtube.com/user/s8ePilot#p/u/8/raLx8RCCpvs
 
Seems to be a popular scheme. This one is built with interchangable 1x18, 2x18, and 1x24mm motor mounts.

Mount Wilson Observatories in the background.

That turned out really nice! Love to see it on a cluster.
 
Thought I'd post this Youtube video of my unglamorous (I put on a white base coat, but never got around to putting on the rest of the paint) Ranger clone. It is made from a current Big Bertha, but instead of using a Balsa nose block for the payload section, I glued 1/2" foam core disks in the front and back of a CT-60 coupler tube. But the business end (cluster mount) was built using the Ranger's tissue and white glue filler.

The Ranger's flight is the second one in the video (the first is a saucer launched by the daughter of our club president who also shot the video). If I remember correctly, the Ranger was flown on three Quest A6-4 motors, hence the nice smoky launch. If you listen carefully, you can also hear the "pop-pop-pop" of the three ejection charges going off one right after the others.

Nice flight! I love the launch controller sitting on the chair. LOL
 
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Here are close-ups of the TK-1/0801 Mosquito, the TK-2/0802 Screamer and the TK-3/0803 Mini Bertha. These were the three debut kits introduced in the fall of 1971.

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......
Estes%252520Screamer%252520Mini%252520Brute.jpg



Estes%252520Mini%252520Bertha%252520-2.jpg


Copied to gallery with permission

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I've said this before, but never posted pictures. I have two Big Berthas. The black one is my stock Big Bertha. The yellow one is Big Bertha Lite, which is skinnier by a few mm, weighs less, has thinner balsa, an aluminum launch lug, and an 18" black nylon 'chute. Both have been successfully flown on B6-4 motors.

DSC00106.jpg
 
I've said this before, but never posted pictures. I have two Big Berthas. The black one is my stock Big Bertha. The yellow one is Big Bertha Lite, which is skinnier by a few mm, weighs less, has thinner balsa, an aluminum launch lug, and an 18" black nylon 'chute. Both have been successfully flown on B6-4 motors.

OK you got my attention with the BB lite. Can you give some more details on the parts used?
 
I used Quest 40mm body tube, a Quest Elliptical nose cone, Estes standard "E" shock chord:(, 1/16" balsa, a piece of 1/8" aluminum, and an 18" nylon 'chute from Rocket Chutes. This thing gets up there with a B6-4 and has really dramatic recoveries.
 
I used Quest 40mm body tube, a Quest Elliptical nose cone, Estes standard "E" shock chord:(, 1/16" balsa, a piece of 1/8" aluminum, and an 18" nylon 'chute from Rocket Chutes. This thing gets up there with a B6-4 and has really dramatic recoveries.

Ahh, Quest parts. I thought that might be the case. 1/16 Balsa is pretty brave for those fins. Very cool rockets, nice work man.
 
Ahh, Quest parts. I thought that might be the case. 1/16 Balsa is pretty brave for those fins. Very cool rockets, nice work man.

Yeah, 1/16 is pretty brave, so brave that it broke a fin in the rocket bag on the car trip back. It was easily repaired, but looks like crap... Arggg! Anyway, thanks for your interest.:D
 
Here are mine. The blue one is a more-or-less stock BB, while the red one is my infamous Double Barrel Baby Bertha, flying on 2x18mm engines.

doublebarrelbabybertha.jpg

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Here are mine. The blue one is a more-or-less stock BB, while the red one is my infamous Double Barrel Baby Bertha, flying on 2x18mm engines.

The retro looks on those two are almost impossible to beat.:D
 
This is one I built my wife. We launched it and apparently there was a very slight breeze above us. It got about 100 feet, up, tipped into the wind and took off like a cruise missle, lol. The chute deployed and it floated back to within about 100 yards of where we launched.

A couple weeks later I was playing with some 13mm body tube and a 1/4" cardboard launch lug and came up with the downscales. The next time we were out to launch, I pulled the 13mm out and asked if she had washed and dried her rocket. She laughed, then I pulled out the MMX version and she rolled her eyes and called me a dork.

Connie's Baby Bertha.jpg

Connie's Bertha Family.jpg
 
Sorry, I couldn't help but edit the photo. The background was so bland! Here's my average Baby Bertha... It has been flown once on an A8-3.

DSC00136.jpg
 
I ended up with a Super Big Bertha nose cone in a box of junk. So I built one.

sbb.jpg

sbb2.jpg
 
I think this thread needs to be broken up into threads specific to the Ranger, Big Bertha, Baby Bertha, Mini-Bertha, Super Big Bertha, etc.
 
I think this thread needs to be broken up into threads specific to the Ranger, Big Bertha, Baby Bertha, Mini-Bertha, Super Big Bertha, etc.


The galleries are undergoing some modifications. According to the initial concept, rockets are grouped together in families. That is a pretty broad definition, I'll grant, and subject to some degree of subjective interpretation.

The Ranger family was just completed 2 days ago and is in a holding pattern until all the proper files get uploaded (I'm not competent to do that myself...yet). I ask you to reserve judgement until it all gets posted.
 
Welcome to the Estes - (Astron) Ranger (K-6 or #1206) Gallery on TRF.

This gallery showcases the Estes - (Astron) Ranger (K-6 or #1206) and those rockets derived from it. Particularly appropriate in this thread are the following:


Estes: Baby Bertha: #1261
Estes: (Astron) Big Bertha: K-23 or #1223
Estes: Big Bertha: #1948
Estes: Mini Bertha: TK-03 or #0803
Estes: (Astron) Ranger: K-6 or #1206
Estes: Super Big Bertha: #2018
Estes: Super Big Bertha: #2165
McCoy's Micro Wonder Works (MMWW): Micro Big Bertha: #297
McCoy's Micro Wonder Works (MMWW): MMX Ranger: #226
(Estes) Model Rocket News: Big Bertha: #13
Thrustline: Ranger: TACL-026



as well as any upscales, downscales, clones, kitbashes or other derivative works. Even Goonies qualify!



 
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Estes (Astron) Ranger (K-6 or #1206) Basic Information.

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Estes Industries

MODEL NAME: Astron Ranger Also known as: Ranger

NUMBER: K-6 or #1206

Introduced: 1962
Final Year: 1972
Designer: Vern Estes

Type: Sport, Payload, Cluster
Motor Mount: 3x18mm
Recovery: Parachute
Stages: 1
Length: 24"
Diameter: 1.6"
Span:
Weight: 3.35 oz

Mfg. Description: Now at last a complete kit for a rocket to lift large payloads! The Astron Ranger will lift payloads as large as three ounces to extremely high altitudes. A full 24" long. Features Two-Chute recovery -- one chute returns the payload gently, the other brings the rocket body down to a soft landing. You can demonstrate your skill by launching and recovering an egg with this rocket! The ideal vehicle to carry a small camera aloft. The Astron Ranger kit comes complete with all necessary parts, assembly and flight instructions. This rocket is a "must" for the experienced rocketeer! (Estes 1963 Catalog)

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Specially designed for big payloads -- you can demonstrate your skill by launching and recovering an egg with this rocket! Carries payloads up to 3-1/2 ounces to high altitudes. The perfect vehicle for your special instruments and specimens. The Astron Ranger kit comes complete with all necessary parts, assembly and flight instructions, plus a copy of TR-6 on cluster techniques. (Engines not included.) (Estes 1964 Catalog)

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1966 Catalog text identical to 1964 Catalog
1967 Catalog text identical to 1964 Catalog
1968 Catalog text identical to 1964 Catalog

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Lift those BIG payloads off the pad with the powerful Astron RANGER. Perfect for launching and recovering those special instruments and specimens. The RANGER comes with all parts and instructions, plus TR-6 report on clustering (less engines). (Estes 1969 Catalog)


Advertising Liveries

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Estes 1963 Catalog
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Estes 1964 Catalog First Image
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Estes 1964 Catalog Second Image

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Estes 1966 Catalog
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Estes 1967 Catalog
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Estes 1968 Catalog

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Estes 1969 Catalog
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Estes 1970 Catalog
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Estes 1971 Catalog



Face Card(s)

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estes-ranger%20k6-facecard%202.jpg




First post in this thread featuring this rocket.

See Also: LINKS
EMRR
RocketReviews
Mfg. Page


If you have any additional information on this rocket and/or catalog photos please let us know.
 
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Estes Big Bertha (#1948) Basic Information.

estes.gif
Estes Industries

MODEL NAME: Big Bertha Also known as:

NUMBER: #1948

Introduced: 1986
Final Year:
Designer: Vern Estes

Type: Sport
Motor Mount: 1x18mm
Recovery: Parachute
Stages: 1
Length: 24 in. (61 cm)
Diameter: 1.64 in. (42 mm)
Span:
Weight: 2.5 oz. (71 g)

Mfg. Description: 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 feet 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 feet and comes back to earth with a decorated 18 inch parachute. Quality Estes body tubes, laser cut wood 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! (Estes 2011 Web Ad)


Advertising Liveries

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Estes 1986 Catalog
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Estes 1992 Catalog
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Estes 1993 Catalog
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Estes 1995 Catalog

estes-big%20bertha%201948-1998%20cat%20livery.jpg
Estes 1998 Catalog
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Estes 2002 Catalog
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Estes 2003 Catalog
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Estes 2004 Catalog

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Estes 2005 Catalog
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Estes 2006 Catalog
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Estes 2007 Catalog
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Estes 2008 Catalog

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Estes 2010 Catalog




Face Card(s)

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estes-big%20bertha%201948-facecard%202.jpg




First post in this thread featuring this rocket.

See Also:
TRF Build Threads

TRF Applicable Threads
Why Big Bertha?

LINKS
EMRR
RocketReviews
Mfg. Page


If you have any additional information on this rocket and/or catalog photos please let us know.
 
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Estes Super Big Bertha (#2018) Basic Information.

estes.gif
Estes Industries

MODEL NAME: Super Big Bertha Also known as:

NUMBER: #2018

Introduced: 1989
Final Year: 1993
Designer:

Type: Sport, Upscale
Motor Mount: 1x24mm
Recovery: Parachute
Stages: 1
Length: 36.5"
Diameter: 2.56"
Span:
Weight: 6 oz

Mfg. Description: A really big Big Bertha! Over 3 feet tall and 8 inches around, you'll need a "D" engine to lift it. An 18" parachute brings it back to the ground gently. You'll love to fly this model over and over! (Estes 1989 Catalog)


Advertising Liveries

estes-super%20big%20bertha%202018-1989%20cat%20livery.jpg
Estes 1989 Catalog
estes-super%20big%20bertha%202018-1993%20cat%20livery.jpg
Estes 1993 Catalog


Face Card(s)






First post in this thread featuring this rocket.

See Also: LINKS
EMRR
RocketReviews
Mfg. Page


If you have any additional information on this rocket and/or catalog photos please let us know.
 
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Estes (Astron) Big Bertha (K-23 or #1223) Basic Information.

estes.gif
Estes Industries

MODEL NAME: Big Bertha Also known as: Astron Big Bertha

NUMBER: K-23 or #1223

Introduced: 1965
Final Year: 1985
Designer: Vern Estes

Type: Sport
Motor Mount: 1x18mm
Recovery: Parachute
Stages: 1
Length: 24"
Diameter: 1.6"
Span:
Weight: 2.25 oz

Mfg. Description: Easy-to-build, reliable and impressive in flight, Big Bertha is an ideal model for demonstration flights. Features a slow, realistic takeoff that fascinates spectators. This is the model shown in action on the inside front and back covers. Big 18" chute gives slow descent and gentle landings. Kit comes complete with all parts and easy to follow instructions (but no engines). (Estes 1966 Catalog)

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1967 Catalog text identical to 1966 Catalog

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Easy-to-build, reliable and impressive in flight, Big Bertha is an ideal model for demonstration flights. Features a slow, realistic takeoff that fascinates spectators. Big 18" chute gives slow descent and gentle landings. Kit comes complete with all parts and easy to follow instructions (but no engines). (Estes 1968 Catalog)

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1969 Catalog text identical to 1968 Catalog
1970 Catalog text identical to 1968 Catalog

Advertising Liveries

estes-big%20bertha%20k23-1966%20cat%20livery.jpg
Estes 1966 Catalog
estes-big%20bertha%20k23-1967%20cat%20livery.jpg
Estes 1967 Catalog
estes-big%20bertha%20k23-1968%20cat%20livery.jpg
Estes 1968 Catalog

estes-big%20bertha%20k23-1969%20cat%20livery.jpg
Estes 1969 Catalog
estes-big%20bertha%20k23-1970%20cat%20livery.jpg
Estes 1970 Catalog
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Estes 1971 Catalog

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Estes 1973 Catalog
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Estes 1975 Catalog
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Estes 1978 Catalog

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Estes 1981 Catalog
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Estes 1983 Catalog
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Estes 1985 Catalog




Face Card(s)

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Instruction Header(s)

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estes-big%20bertha%20k23-instr%202.jpg




First post in this thread featuring this rocket.

See Also: LINKS
EMRR
RocketReviews
Mfg. Page


If you have any additional information on this rocket and/or catalog photos please let us know.
 
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