Flying the rocket is even more fun than building it. Since it is a relatively large rocket, it is easy to load the rocket motor and the large plastic parachute.

When you push the launch button though, be ready for this rocket to leave the pad with noise and authority. It won't hesitate on the pad like other big rockets, it jumps into the air quite quickly. The reason is that it is a low-mass rocket that has a very clean shape. That makes it ultra-efficient for it's size.

Like the other kits from "DynaStar Mid-Power Rockets", the Stonebreaker is designed to fly on the less expensive "D" size black-powder rocket motors. You can even fly it on Estes C11 motors, and still get a very impressive flight.

How do you get the same performance using smaller motors? Simple: the DynaStar brand of rocket kits use thin-wall body tubes, which are significantly lighter. So the rocket doesn't need a big motor just to get it off the launch pad. You'll save money, because you don't necessarily need to buy larger rocket motors!

Assembly is easy - Just watch the video! - We've created a series of FREE quicktime videos that you can watch right now to see how easy this type of kit is to put together. By watching these videos, you'll learn some of the basic techniques you can use on other rockets too. You'll find these videos at our "getting started" page. Check it out!

The model also comes with a high-strength, Kevlar® Shock cord. Kevlar® is six times stronger than steel, and is also fire proof. It can easily withstand the high heat of ejection, ensuring the rocket descends as a single piece. This makes for a very durable rocket that can be launched again and again.

Large 1/4 inch Launch Lug - Because this is a bigger model, you'll have a larger lug on the side of the rocket. This is used with mid-power size launch rods, to stabilize the rocket so it doesn't sway in the wind prior to launch.

The large 32" diameter plastic parachute that comes with the kit, brings the rocket down slowly for a nice soft touchdown. The canopy on the parachute is a colorful black and yellow, which is easy to see in the sky, and when it lands on the grass. You'll also find that the chute has tear-proof adhesive rings that reinforce the points on the canopy where the shroud lines attach. These greatly strengthen the parachute canopy, making it practically impossible to damage the parachute. Becuase this is a big rocket, the parachute is an octagon shape, instead of being a hexigon. Therefore, it has two more suspension lines, meaning it can carry a heavier rocket down to the ground.

Tools needed to assemble this rocket kit:

• Pencil
• Ruler
• Masking Tape
• Hobby Knife
• Razor Saw
• Finishing Supplies like paint and sandpaper.

To Launch This Rocket Kit, You'll Also Need:

• Rocket Motors (Not included with this kit)
• Launch Pad & Launch Controller (Not included with this kit)

To see how the rocket looks and performs with in each motor configuration, download the FREE demo version of RockSim
(click here). This kit is included as one of the sample designs that comes with the demo software. Both Windows and Macintosh versions are available.

What is a RockSim Design file? The RockSim software gives you a lot of information about the flight characteristics of this rocket: how high, how fast, where it will land, how will it react to wind, etc. The "design file" is intended to save you time. All the parameters (size, shape, weight, fin design, etc.) of this rocket have already been entered into the RockSim program, and saved as an electronic database file. You can just open it up in your copy of RockSim and start loading different rocket motors to run launch simulations. It's fun and educational to see the rocket zoom skyward, even before you built it. You can open this design using the FREE demo version of RockSim, which can be downloaded by clicking here.

Are you new to rocketry? Do you think you know what happens when you launch your rocket? Now you can learn about the events that occur as your rocket is launched into the air. So when you launch your rocket, you'll be prepared and you'll be able to show off your knowledge to observers watching your rocket. This article also gives you links to other references that will give you even more background information about rocketry, so you can become a true rocket scientist and expert.

"It (the Saturn 1B) is a great kit and everyone raved about it. One boy about seven came running up and asked:

"Is that a Saturn?" -- "Yup".

"Is it a Saturn 1B?" -- "It is, very good"

"Is it the Apogee kit?" -- "It is!"

"I've only seen them in pictures - it's beautiful!"

The launch folks were impressed too." -- Johnny Klonaris