Folks-

Didn't find a thread on this here on the forum, but thought some of you might be interested. Someone has an original Model Missiles, Inc. Aerobee starter set -- widely accepted as the FIRST ever model rocketry set -- listed on Ebay.

Go here: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...DME:L:DBS:US:11

Bidding ends late tonight and the Buy It Now price is $650 with bidding up to about $225.

I've bid just out of curiosity, but the reserve price has not yet been reached. Still, this appears to be a pretty nice set for its age and I have to admit that I have never even seen one for sale before. If someone is itching to add to their rocketry museum collection, this may be one of those rare chances to add a G. Harry Stine original to your 'holdings'.

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Earl L. Cagle, Jr.
NAR# 29523
TRA# 962
SAM# 73
Owner/Producer
Point 39 Productions

Rocket-Brained Since 1970

The eBay listing says "no engines" and is obviously the shorter No. 001-C kit box (with the two-piece launch rod). That dates the kit to 1959 or later.

Not like that's new or anything.

I'd love to have it, but the current bid is out of my price range, and the reserve isn't even met yet.

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NAR # 115523
Once upon a better day... SAM #0076
My site: http://rocketry.gonnerman.org

Yes, it's certainly not the 'first' version of this set with the one-piece launch rod (and, therefore, much longer box).

The 'no engine' statement I guess is in keeping with Ebay policy of not selling (or including) engines on Ebay listed items (which to me is stupid, but that's just me), and this person may in fact not have the engines at all. Still, the winning bidder would do well to ask the seller if in fact they might have the engines and could possibly get them in a separate, 'off-Ebay' transaction.

But speaking of the two-piece launch rod, I don't seem to see it shown in any of the photos either. It'll be interesting to see what the set eventually goes for. Not sure what the reserve is (I've bid out of curiosity, but don't plan to go any higher than it is now), but I imagine the reserve is probably up around $500 or so.

__________________
Earl L. Cagle, Jr.
NAR# 29523
TRA# 962
SAM# 73
Owner/Producer
Point 39 Productions

Rocket-Brained Since 1970

No, you misunderstand me. The 001-C set didn't come with engines, as per Stine's article in the December 1971 MRM.

__________________
NAR # 115523
Once upon a better day... SAM #0076
My site: http://rocketry.gonnerman.org

Ok, yes, I understand now. I didn't realize there was a 'no motors' set offered by MMI.

BTW, a week or so back a similar set WITH motors did sell on Ebay (I guess against their policies) for something over $650 I believe. Set was complete except all 'paperwork' with the set were xerox copies (instructions, manual, etc.). Appeared to be a nice set, but certainly pricey.

Earl

__________________
Earl L. Cagle, Jr.
NAR# 29523
TRA# 962
SAM# 73
Owner/Producer
Point 39 Productions

Rocket-Brained Since 1970

According to my Model Rocket Timeline there were 3 Aerobee-Hi "kits" by MMI :

4/58 First MMI "Aerobee-Hi" Model Rocket Kit 001-A becomes available to the public. This kit contained the Aerobee-Hi model rocket, a 36" 1/8" diameter launch rod, a blast deflector and 6 Type A Rock-A-Chute model rocket motors.

MID 1958 MMI releases Aerobee-Hi Kit 001-C which contains a 2-piece 36" launch rod with no motors.

LATE 1958 MMI Aerobee-Hi Kit 001-B which is identical to Kit 001-A except this kit contains 3 Rock-A-Chute motors.


Terry Dean
NAR 16158

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"Old Rocketeer's don't die; they just go OOP".....unless you 3D print them.