Estes 1225 Alpha Rocket-Building Kit
- 12.3 inch tall rocket
- 1,000 ft (305 m) projected on a C6-7 engine
- Ages 10 and up, intermediate kit
- About 1 hour to assemble
- 4 AA batteries needed for launch controller, sold separately
- Stand back 15 ft at launch, NAR safety code
Last refreshed Sep 7, 2026 · Based on the Amazon listing and published specifications, not hands-on testing.
A straightforward building kit for kids and hobbyists, with the rocket parts, decals, parachute and instructions in the box. Engines, a launch pad and controller are sold separately.
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ASIN: B0006N73ZQCategory: Model Rockets
Overview
Not a ready-to-fly set, this Estes 1225 Alpha is a model rocket building kit with an aerodynamic body. The box includes the engine mount tube, engine hook, laser cut fins, nose cone, parachute and instructions. Decals add the finishing touch.
A clear parts list and a one-hour assembly make the build approachable for kids and STEM-minded hobbyists. The launch side needs separate purchases, plus a set of common building supplies such as glue, sandpaper and paint.
Who it's for
Families and STEM learners who enjoy building the model themselves will find a manageable intermediate project here. Anyone who wants to launch the same day without buying extra gear, or skip the build, should look elsewhere.
Pros and cons
- Detailed parts list included
- Parachute recovery included
- Laser cut fins
- Instructions in the box
- Engines sold separately
- Launch pad and controller sold separately
- Building supplies needed
- Batteries needed for the controller
Performance notes
Altitude depends on the engine fitted, with a stated figure for the largest listed engine. The aerodynamic body and fins steer the flight, and the parachute handles recovery. Launch control uses a separate pad system and a controller powered by batteries.
Where it stands among model rockets
- #3 most-searched brand and model of the 5 model rockets lines we track (by search demand, not sales).
From the specs of the 15 model rockets we list; not a test result.
Specifications
| Brand | Estes |
|---|---|
| Dimensions & fit | |
| Size | 12.3 inches |
| Capacity & performance | |
| Age Range Description | 10 and up |
| Power & efficiency | |
| Launch controller power | 4 AA 1.5-volt alkaline batteries (sold separately) |
| Compatibility & installation | |
| Compatible engines | 1/2A6-2, A8-3, A8-5, B4-4, B6-4, B6-6, C6-5, C6-7 |
| Included components | |
| Included Components | Engine mount tube, engine hook, adapter ring, parachute, body tube, laser cut fins, nose cone, shock cord, shock cord mount, tube marking guide, launch lug, self-stick decal, instructions |
| Other details | |
| Skill level | Intermediate |
| Assembly time | About 1 hour |
| Projected altitude | 1,000 feet (305 m) on a C6-7 |
Frequently asked questions
What is included with the Estes 1225 Alpha kit?
An engine mount tube, engine hook, adapter ring, parachute, body tube, laser cut fins, nose cone, shock cord, shock cord mount, tube marking guide, launch lug, self-stick decal and instructions.
What do I need to build the Estes 1225 Alpha?
Scissors, pencil, ruler, fine sandpaper, carpenter's glue, hobby knife, masking tape, white primer and red and white paint.
What do I need to launch the Estes 1225 Alpha?
An Estes Porta-Pad II launch pad, an Electron Beam launch controller, Estes engines, starters, recovery wadding and four AA alkaline batteries, all sold separately.
Is the Estes 1225 Alpha ready to launch out of the box?
No. It is a building kit that requires assembly and separate launch gear.