Question 1

How much engines does it have

Accepted Answer

No model rocket kit actually comes with engines.  The Alpha III flies on a single engine and the engine must replaced with each flight.

For small flying fields around 200 feet on the smallest side, a 1/2A6-2 or A8-3 would be the best choice.  For flying fields with a few hundred feet on the smallest side, a B6-4 is the most common choice although a B4-4 will work well in this rocket.  For large flying fields, a C6-5 or C6-7 will take it to its maximum altitude and very nearly out of sight.

By law, model rocket engines MUST be shipped by ground so shipping these by USPS Priority Mail or any other service that uses aircraft is against the law and would expose the vendor to hefty fines.  For this reason, even launch sets no longer include engines since including them would prevent shipping launch sets by faster means.  No kits include engines for the same reason.

Question 2

Does this rocket require separate purchase of a launch controller?

Accepted Answer

YES. You will need the launch pad hardware and controller. Have a nice day.

Question 3

does it come with an engine?

Accepted Answer

The Estes PN 1256 Alpha III Model Rocket Kit does not any engines. The Alpha III is an easy to assemble (E2X) kit that includes a molded nose cone and fin assembly, paper motor tube, green centering rings and a metal engine retainer hook. All of these parts are glued together to create the flying model rocket.  We recommend Testors PN 3501 Plastic Cement (red tube) and a small bottle of Titebond II wood glue for assembly. No sanding or painting is required for the Alpha III rocket kit. 
Then for launching, we recommend you purchase PN 2222 Estes Launch System which contains the Estes Porta Pad II Launch Pad, Electron Beam Launch Control, launch rod, blast plate and stand off stem. You will need to purchase four, 1.5V Alkaline batteries for the launch controller (Energizer Max work very well for this application) as well as at least 1 pack of Estes 1598 A8-3 Model Rocket Engines (recommended first for the first launch) and PN 2274 Recovery Wadding. You might also consider purchasing one pack of Estes 2302 Starters just in case you need an extra or two. 
You could get also get the Alpha III rocket and a complete Estes launch system in one package by ordering PN 1427, the Estes Alpha III Launch Set, but you will still be required to purchase the glue, engines, recovering wadding, extra starters and batteries to assemble and launch the rocket.

The Estes Team.

Question 4

I am looking for a rocket my kids can paint themselves ...any suggestions ?

Accepted Answer

The sister rocket to the Alpha III is the Estes 1225 Alpha.  This kit contains Balsa wood fins and an unpainted body tube.  The rocket can be painted as you desire.  There are also stickers that can make it look like to cover art.  You can also looks for a bulk pack kit that contains all the parts for the rocket and instructions but is missing all of the fancy pacckaging and is less costly to purchase.

Estes Alpha III,Orange, Black

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