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  #1  
Old 02-08-2020, 08:25 PM
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Default Alpha III 60th Anniversary is longer than usual

This may have been discussed before, but I just noticed it a few days ago. The Alpha III 60th Anniversary edition has a longer body tube than usual.


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Old 02-08-2020, 09:25 PM
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Yes, the Alpha VI is half an inch longer than the earlier models (body tube is six inches vs. 5.5 inches for Alpha III/IV).

The model in the Rocket Science Starter Set (which has no name of its own) is also an Alpha III that’s half an inch longer.
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Old 02-09-2020, 08:41 AM
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I'm so dumb. I didn't even notice that the package said "Alpha VI". Thanks for the info, BEC.
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Old 02-09-2020, 08:56 AM
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This kit is really dumb... Let's call it the Anniversary Alpha and make it the WRONG LENGTH... DUMBBBBBBB.
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Old 02-09-2020, 11:48 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Quasar
I'm so dumb. I didn't even notice that the package said "Alpha VI". Thanks for the info, BEC.
So, was there ever an Alpha V?
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Old 02-09-2020, 02:42 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PaulK
So, was there ever an Alpha V?

Never.
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Old 02-10-2020, 02:02 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ghrocketman
This kit is really dumb... Let's call it the Anniversary Alpha and make it the WRONG LENGTH... DUMBBBBBBB.


It's called Alpha VI. I see the added length as an improvement in this new edition. Getting enough wadding and a 'chute into an Alpha has always been a bit of a challenge, especially for new rocketeers. The added half-inch makes a noticeable difference.
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Old 02-10-2020, 02:31 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ghrocketman
This kit is really dumb... Let's call it the Anniversary Alpha and make it the WRONG LENGTH... DUMBBBBBBB.


It’s not an anniversary Alpha, it’s a rocket for the 60th anniversary of Estes, 1958-2018. The Alpha is from 1966 and Alpha III from 1971.
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Old 02-10-2020, 07:28 PM
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I have never had the fascination for the Alpha/Alpha III that some have.
To me, it IS the definitive BORING 3FNC rocket.
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Old 02-10-2020, 11:23 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ghrocketman
I have never had the fascination for the Alpha/Alpha III that some have.
To me, it IS the definitive BORING 3FNC rocket.


Yeah, I've gathered that. You're not really the target demographic for it in any of its incarnations, of course.

But they have, over the past 54 years (for the original Alpha - if first appeared in MRN in late 1965) been a great way to enter the hobby....and that endears to many.
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