Download Handbook of Model Rocketry 7th Edition NAR Official Handbook G Harry Stine Bill Stine 9780471472421 Books

Product details Paperback 384 pages Publisher Wiley; 7th edition (April 22, 2004) Language English ISBN-10 9780471472421 ISBN-13 978-0471472421 ASIN 0471472425

Handbook of Model Rocketry 7th Edition NAR Official Handbook G Harry Stine Bill Stine 9780471472421 Books Reviews

• This book is the standard guide to the hobby. It is written in an instructional, accessible and engaging style that makes it a must for all model rocketeers from beginners to experts. The author is one of the co-founders of the National Association of Rocketry. His son, and co-author, is the founder and owner of Quest Aerospace. For those whose interest is engaged by this little sport, it doesn't get any better than this.
  
  Potential readers should know that this is a guide to the hobby of model rocketry (altitudes up to about 2,000 feet, motors up to G size), and not a manual to mid-power or high-power rocketry. The text appropriately emphasizes the topics one would expect to find - rocket kits, launch systems, recovery systems, field selection, simple aerodynamics. Engines get somewhat summary treatment. The author is quite clear that, at the hobby level, we are involved in building and recovering rockets and not in the business of designing and building rocket motors. From size 1/2A to size G, we buy our single-use rocket engines prefabricated.
  
  Remember that the first edition of this book appeared in 1964, and much of the text derives from that edition. That's not a bad thing, but just an observation. There is definitely an emphasis on the "garage-build," DIY methods of the golden age, and a relative lack of information on more modern RTF kits. The book assumes that you have an interest in building models as well as flying them. Recovery systems and rocket stability are also discussed at length, because it was these systems that presented the most challenging problems to rocketeers from the 1960s and 70s. So, in a way, think of this book as a reference to the hobby "pre-Estes."
  
  This book is so very good because it just oozes appreciation, nostalgia, and technical mastery. It's a real treat to learn from one of the true masters. Got an interest? This is the book you want.
• I bought a hardbound 2nd edition when I first got started in model rocketry back in the early 60's. In this 7th edition I expected seeing much of same with a lot of new things, new technology. I was just a little disappointed with the space given to the changes. I remember buying the first accelerometer which consisted of a spring, triangular weight, a roll of red waxed paper and a tube into which all the afore mentioned items were placed. You interpreted the scribed lines to derive the altitude. Maybe I missed it's mention in the book but they now have electronic altimeters, some smaller than your thumb that can fit into a BT-5 body tube! I was perhaps looking for more of what you might find in a monthly journal. I simply thought that some of the new techniques, new technology that has excited me more recently deserved space to help excite the next generation. Having said all that I still find this book the best all around source for those who want to get beyond the ready made rockets at most retailers!
• This book is very well organized and has all the information you need. We bought this and two model rockets for my 10 year old for Christmas.
  
  NOTE My son loves and reads everything science related, even if it's over his head (he skips those parts and moves on). This book would not be suited for the average 10 year old who just wants the excitement of firing off rockets...this is for those wanted to better understand the details about flying rockets.
  
  So there are formulas and details that are definitely above my son's understanding. That makes this book all the better. He read through it in a months time and plans to go through it again...picking up more details the next time. When he is older, he will have a better grasp of high math and be able to better understand those parts of this book. With that, I know this book will be used for years to come.
• This is probably the only handbook I've ever read cover to cover and enjoyed every page. The book takes you through some of the history of model rocketry as well as provides a LOT of design advice for people who are interested in building their own rockets from scratch. It covers a wide breadth of topics and has enough information to pique your interest in trying new things with rocketry. The best part of the book is the common sense approach to safety and doing something that is dangerous but a lot of fun. If you have any interest in model rocketry at all, this book can help you get started and is a great resource for anyone who is interested in rocketry from young children to adults who are looking to beat their co-workers at a rocket competition sponsored by work (especially if you can beat the actual rocket scientists!). The handbook is constantly encouraging the reader to try things out, to not be afraid to go out of their comfort zone, but at the same time provides practical experience based tips to keep you from doing something that might be classified as blatant stupidity.
• As a boy, I checked this book out of the library so often, that when I turned 12 my parents bought me my own, brand new forth edition, hardbound copy. Over the years I have read it cover to cover too often to count.
  
  The section on aerodynamics and drag was especially engrossing to me. By the time I was fifteen, I hit a stumbling block in my understanding. I couldn't figure out how to determine the coefficient of drag. Many years later as an undergrad engineering student, I finally realized that the coefficient of drag can only be determined experimentally (Unless you're an aeronautical engineer trained in using some very sophisticated fluid dynamic modeling software).
  
  I probably only flew my rockets once or twice a summer. But I dreamed about them all year long. The Handbook continued to captivate and inform me from the time I was a boy, until I was educated as an engineer. Moreover, it introduced and prepared me for many subjects. From physics to materials, to construction, to history, and much more.
  
  If you know a boy or girl (young in age or young at heart) interested in model rockets, I highly recommend this book. It will be valuable from the first day, and for the days that turn into months and years after that.