Estes 1948 Big Bertha Rocket-Building Kit
- 500 ft (152 m) projected on a C6-5 engine
- B4-2, B4-4, B6-2, B6-4 engines also compatible
- 18 inch recovery parachute included
- About 1 hour to assemble, intermediate kit
- Ages 10 and up
- 4 AA batteries needed for launch use, sold separately
Last refreshed Sep 7, 2026 · Based on the Amazon listing and published specifications, not hands-on testing.
A classic-style rocket with a slow, realistic liftoff and a large parachute. Engines, launch pad, controller, wadding and batteries are separate purchases.
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ASIN: B0006NAMUOCategory: Model Rockets
Overview
A durable body tube, a molded nose cone and laser-cut balsa fins make up the Big Bertha, with decals and a recovery parachute in the box. The model is described as lifting off slowly and realistically on a standard engine. It is rated intermediate for kids and enthusiasts.
A big parachute and a gentle liftoff suit a field with limited room, and the build takes about an hour.
Who it's for
Kids and STEM-minded families who like a hands-on build and a slow launch will get a project they can finish in a sitting. Anyone chasing maximum altitude, or wanting launch gear in the box, should look elsewhere.
Pros and cons
- Slow, realistic liftoff
- Large preassembled recovery parachute
- Laser-cut balsa fins
- Designed for the NAR safety code
- Engines sold separately
- Launch pad and controller sold separately
- Body length not listed
- Modest altitude compared with the engine range
Performance notes
A standard engine pushes the model up slowly, and the stated altitude applies to the engine named in the specs. The large parachute slows the descent, so the model lands softly. Balsa fins and a rigid tube keep the flight path stable as the rocket climbs.
Where it stands among model rockets
- #1 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 |
|---|---|
| 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 | C6-5, B4-2, B4-4, B6-2, B6-4 |
| Included components | |
| Included Components | Body tube, molded nose cone, laser-cut balsa fins, decals, 18 inch recovery parachute |
| Other details | |
| Skill level | Intermediate |
| Assembly time | About 1 hour |
| Projected altitude | 500 feet (152 m) on a C6-5 |
Frequently asked questions
How big is the Estes Big Bertha?
The listing does not give the rocket's length or diameter. It does state an 18 inch recovery parachute and a projected altitude of 500 ft.
Which engines fit the Estes 1948 Big Bertha?
The listing names the C6-5 for the quoted altitude, with B4-2, B4-4, B6-2 and B6-4 also compatible. All are sold separately.
What else do I need to launch the Estes Big Bertha?
Starters, recovery wadding, a launch pad system such as the Porta-Pad II, an Electron Beam Controller and four AA alkaline batteries, all sold separately.
Is the Estes Big Bertha a beginner kit?
It is listed as an intermediate kit, with about an hour of assembly.