Missing Instructions
 

I just found an old Estes 1406 Alpha III box in my closet I didn't know I had, it looked unopened but apparently it wasn't...I have directions for building the launching pad, but the actual rocket construction directions are missing...how I could go about getting another copy, or even better, is there anyone who has the directions who can scan in a copy?

EDIT: The Estes website has a bunch of instructions in pdfs, but not for the 1406 Alpha III...any thoughts?

Thanks!
Lumino

Does this Alpha have the plastic fin can or does it have balsa fins?

Plastic fins.

JimZ nor I have the Alpha III (plastic fin) plans available. It's a common kit, I'm sure someone here has a set they can scan up for us.

In the mean time, Estes has the plans for the Alpha IV online. That's basically the same rocket except for a different color tube and plastic.

http://www.estesrockets.com/instruc...0alpha%20IV.pdf

Ok, thanks! :)

So these instructions will work fine for the rocket I have? I don't want me or my family members getting hurt, need to be sure this is safe :)

Thanks again
Lumino

Yup, same rocket. The Alpha IV had a fancy colored body tube and black fins instead of red.

Ok, well I looked over the parts I have and thew parts the instructions say I should have, I do not have the "nose cone screw" depicted but I do have a small, pink plastic thing shaped a bit like a christmas tree that isn't in the instructions...could this be for any particular reason?

EDIT: Nevermind, I found the cone screw. But still no clue what this little pink thing is. :/ Also, (and sorry to be a newbie) if I don't have a hobby knife, will a scissor blade do? Also, will any glue work for this? The directions also mention "tube-type plastic cement". How do I get that, can glue be used instead?

The small pink plastic thing is more than likely an igniter plug used to hold the igniter in the motor.

You'll want to use the type of glue recommended. You can get it at Walmart in the toy department by the plastic models.

The plastic cement that you would want is in a red tube about 4.5in long. Be careful when using the cement for it does not work like regular glue. It is actually a solvent for the plastic, so you can't spread it with your finger, and you'll have to be real careful not to put on to much or else it will run and get on some area of the plastic that you do not want it to touch. I would like to suggest that you get some "liquid cement" as well. It does the same job as the plastic cement, but it is much thinner and well sooted for gluing things together like nosecones and other parts that have thin contact areas. That way you won't have solvent oozing out and touching the outside of the cone or whatever. Basically, "plastic cement" is better for large parts or things with large contact areas. "Liquid cement" is better for small parts or parts with small contact areas.

Contact Christine in the Estes customer service dept, give her the kit # , and she should be able to help you out.
1-800-525-7561 X - 216 8 am - 4 pm