Model Rocket Hobby - To The Moon and Beyond!

Whether you are child or an adult, there is something very exciting about building and launching your own model rocket. Hobby enthusiasts all over the world enjoy this activity, and often meet for exhibitions and demonstrations of their ability to build and fly model rockets. Since the hobby is both challenging and detail oriented, it appeals to people that like to complete intricate projects but also those that enjoy the fun of watching their creations rocket into the sky.

Constructing Rockets

When making a model rocket (hobby or competitions in mind - it makes no difference), a model rocket hobby kit is usually the starting point for the model. Small children are often very excited about model rockets and will need adult assistance to complete most products.

A model rocket kit usually comes complete with all the parts that are needed to assemble and fire the rocket, as well as a detailed set of instructions, information on safety, and the actual firing mechanism. Some kits may not include the firing mechanism so it is important to read the materials included in the kit before you make the purchase.

For the first few rockets it is a good idea to stick closely with the instructions included in the kit, especially if you have no previous experience with making and firing a model rocket. Hobby stores and other model rocket enthusiasts are able to help with any problems or issues that may arise when building the model.

There are always safety issues with building a model rocket - hobby driven kids may need to be kept at bay! One of the big issues is making sure that small children are not allowed to work with the materials, especially the small parts and epoxy type glues without direct adult supervision. The small parts can be easily swallowed and pose a choking hazard, and the glue can both injure the skin as well as cause breathing difficulties with the fumes.

Model rocket kits can be purchased online, through hobby stores or even toy stores, or through organizations like the National Association of Rocketry magazine and website. In addition there are many exhibitions and demonstrations held in most countries, states and local areas that highlight rocketry both in competitions and just for fun.

Many of the larger centers have rocketry clubs and associations that meet and work on larger projects or just share ideas with each other. Books, CDs and DVDs are all available on rocketry and various types of model rocket. Hobby stores or libraries may carry the books or they can be ordered online.

Model Rocket Safety

With proper attention to safety issues model rockets are very safe. Children will need direct supervision and should never be allowed to fire rockets unsupervised or without an adult present.

The basic safety tips for model rocket hobby firing at home (or at demonstrations) are:

- Only use pre-made rocket engines. They are called solid engines because they are all one self-contained unit.

- Never re-use or attempt to re-pack a used rocket engine. Throw it away immediately and use a new pre-packaged rocket engine.

- Check to make sure that the nozzle and casing around the rocket engine have no cracks or defects. Never used a cracked or damaged rocket engine.

- Do not modify the nozzle in any fashion. Increasing the amount of fuel to the engine can cause explosions.

- Never attempt to make your own fuel or propellant. Mixing the various compounds can be dangerous and the mixture may ignite incorrectly leading to burns and explosions.

- Only use cardboard tubes and plastic or balsa fins, never metal.

- Only use the ignition device (electrical) that is supplied with the model rocket. Do not use matches or any other type of ignition device.

- Be sure the rocket is stable and all parts are fitting correctly. Loose fins or nose cones can cause the rocket to fly incorrectly.

- Only fly rockets in clear open areas in good weather conditions.

Following a few basic safety tips is essential with any form of model rocket. Hobby rocket enthusiasts can enjoy a safe and fun activity for the young and young at heart.

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