Thread: rocket names
View Single Post
  #3  
Old 05-01-2009, 03:25 PM
Rocket Doctor Rocket Doctor is offline
Master Modeler
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,400
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by motley16
How does estes go about naming its new kits?


Sorry for the delay, but, I will give you my take on names.

I have a list of over 250 potential names, I went through many books for potential names that would fit a rocket.

Also, you need to look at the rocket itself and see if the potential name fits the rocket. Usually, it takes many attempts to name a rocket, you have to "brainstorm" a name, before it is accepted.

I was told that the Rattler 7, took seven name potentials before the name Rattler 7 was chosen, hence the "7" in the name. This was named by Matt Steele.

You also must keep in mind, if you choose a name, that, it doesn't infringe on other companies names and products, such as trademark/copyrights.

You must look up any potential name to see if it has been taken by someone else. Knowadays, it is very difficult to find names for rockets. Sometimes, vintage names are used for new designs.

As far as the Baby Bertha goes, this was my first choice for a name, and, it was approved. But, my original concept was to have an elephant as a decal in a diaper and bonnet, this would nave been "Baby Bertha'. That idea was shot down. Then I came up with the idea of having an elephant in running shoes, shorts and a bandana and t-shirt, that was also shot down.

So, estes decided to make it a carbon copy of the Big Bertha, I really don't like the black paint scheme with the white pin stripes though.

I think both the Big Bertha and the Baby Bertha should have a make over, going back to vintage paint schemes from the 60's.

I must say, the Baby Bertha is very popular, being in the top 5 of kits.

The name of the 36 D Squared was origninally called the Double D's because it has twin "D" motors (cluster)

The Deluxe Super Shot Screw Machine, now the Converter, my original name was Kwik Knect, not used , I don't like the first name though, much too negative for me.

The Skywriter, I called just the" Pencil Rocket", but, I think SkyWriter was a good substitute.

The Screamin MiMi was another name that wasn't mine, I called it the " Whistler".

As Mike has pointed out, he has made numberous prototypes, I have done the same thing, certainly, not every design make the cut, and, some of the ones that do, aren't around that long due to lack of sales.

It hard to come up with a winning design and name that sticks around like in the olden days.

I hope that this you a little insight into naming rockets.
Reply With Quote