---
product_id: 1365822
title: "1948 Big Bertha Rocket-Building Kit, Intermediate Flying-Rocket-Model Kit for Ages 10+"
brand: "estes"
price: "KSh10107"
currency: KES
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 8
category: "Estes"
url: https://www.desertcart.co.ke/products/1365822-1948-big-bertha-rocket-building-kit-intermediate-flying-rocket-model
store_origin: KE
region: Kenya
---

# 500 ft max altitude 18-inch recovery parachute Laser-cut balsa fins 1948 Big Bertha Rocket-Building Kit, Intermediate Flying-Rocket-Model Kit for Ages 10+

**Brand:** estes
**Price:** KSh10107
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Summary

> 🚀 Build. Launch. Belong. Own the sky with Big Bertha.

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** 1948 Big Bertha Rocket-Building Kit, Intermediate Flying-Rocket-Model Kit for Ages 10+ by estes
- **How much does it cost?** KSh10107 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.co.ke](https://www.desertcart.co.ke/products/1365822-1948-big-bertha-rocket-building-kit-intermediate-flying-rocket-model)

## Best For

- estes enthusiasts

## Why This Product

- Trusted estes brand quality
- Free international shipping included
- Worldwide delivery with tracking
- 15-day hassle-free returns

## Key Features

- • **Soars up to 500 feet 🚀:** Experience breathtaking altitude with every launch, perfect for thrill-seekers and STEM enthusiasts alike.
- • **Precision laser-cut balsa fins 🪵:** Crafted for aerodynamic stability and customizable sanding—build a rocket that’s truly your own.
- • **Interactive STEM learning in ~1 hour:** Engage your inner engineer with hands-on assembly, painting, and decals—ideal for mindful creativity.
- • **Classic 24-inch design with molded nose cone:** A timeless silhouette that commands attention on the launchpad and in the sky.
- • **Safe, NAR-compliant launches with parachute recovery 🪂:** Enjoy worry-free flights and smooth landings that keep your rocket ready for the next adventure.

## Overview

The Estes 1948 Big Bertha Model Rocket Kit is a classic intermediate-level STEM kit designed for ages 10 and up. Standing 24 inches tall, it features laser-cut balsa fins, a molded nose cone, and an 18-inch parachute for safe recovery. Compatible with multiple Estes engines, it soars up to 500 feet, offering a slow, realistic liftoff. With about an hour of assembly time, this kit combines hands-on learning with nostalgic, high-quality craftsmanship—perfect for aspiring rocketeers and professionals seeking a meaningful, creative escape.

## Description

Product Description The Estes Big Bertha Model Rocket Kit was one of Estes' first big builds and continues to deliver a powerful a hands-on educational experience. Designed for a slow, realistic liftoff using standard Estes engines (sold separately), this model travels to 500 ft. and comes back to Earth with its 18-inch parachute. This intermediate-level kit lets builders explore physics, aerodynamics, and propulsion through authentic model construction.Designed with size and flair, the 1948 Big Bertha rocket kit is a perfect companion for an afternoon of building enjoyment. It requires about an hour of assembly time (not including glue and paint drying time) and comes with Estes body tubes, laser-cut wood fins, a molded plastic nose cone, and easy-to-apply waterslide decals.To build and launch this rocket, you will need scissors, a pencil, a ruler, fine sandpaper, carpenter’s glue, a hobby knife, masking tape, primer (white), paint (black and yellow), an Estes Porta-Pad II Launch Pad, an Electron Beam Launch Controller, compatible Estes model-rocket engines, Starters, Recovery Wadding, and 4 AA batteries (sold separately). Always follow the NAR (National Association of Rocketry) model-rocket safety code during operation.Estes rocket kits are built from the highest-quality components and designed around the unforgettable experience of pressing “launch.” Our hobby and STEM educational products range across all skill levels, interests, and power levels. Unleash the space dreamer and science enthusiast in you with an Estes model rocket! From the Manufacturer Big Bertha is an Estes original. Big, burly, black and beautiful perfectly describes this classic. She’s an all around Estes favorite that has truly withstood the test of time. Over the decades, Big Bertha has been most modelers’ first big build. While standing on its massive fins, this big black rocket checks in at an impressive 2' (61 cm) tall. If you’ve never flown a Bertha, get one and launch it. Once you’ve flown it, you’ll take it to every launch. The Big Bertha gives you a slow, realistic liftoff. What a thrill it is to watch. Propelled by powerful standard Estes engines, this beauty travels to 500' (152 m) and comes back to earth with a decorated 18" (46 cm) parachute. Quality Estes body tubes, laser cut balsa fins, molded plastic nose cone and easy to apply self stick decals make for an afternoon of building enjoyment. In one afternoon your Bertha is ready for an exciting time at the launch field. Cutting, sanding and painting required. Building tools, finishing supplies, engines and launch supplies also needed - sold separately. Recommended for ages 10 an up with adult supervision for those under 12.

Review: classic - a pleasure to build and fly
Review: Perfection That Stands the Test of Time - Once I was 7 years old ... (Apologies to Lukas Graham.) That was a long, long time ago. And I built Big Bertha, and I launched her a few times. Until one time, she landed high in a tree. But I wasn't too sad. I built another one. (And also I duct taped rocket engines to my cousin's Barbie dolls when my rockets were stuck in trees or on rooftops. Sorry, cuz, if you're out there.) And so kicked off a hobby that I continued for several years of my childhood, until such time as I discovered the opposite sex and various other pastimes that took me away from my rocket fun. But I digress. Fast forward to 2018. I have a lot of fond memories of rocket building, and I've never forgotten that first Big Bertha. My son is now of the right age to play with fun flying objects. I came to desertcart, placed my order, and I am beyond pleased to report that, effectively, nothing has changed in all of this time! Big Bertha is exactly as I remember her--and my son and I had a great time putting her together, walking her over to the local park, and breaking out the Porta-Pad II (also the same model I used to have). 3...2...1 and the couple of hours we spent building and painting was well worth it when I saw the look in his eyes. This is the perfect starter rocket. Forget those pre-painted ones with plastic fins that snap into place. That's not what the rocket hobby is all about. You want to feel like you've actually built something. You want to sand some balsa, and glue some stuff together. You want to learn a few lessons about precision when it comes to lining up the fins, and some more lessons about patience while waiting for that glue to dry. You want to paint your rocket yourself so that when it's high above your head you can smile and know that this is something YOU created. Trust me on this. I've gotten a little bit preachy and gone off on all kinds of tangents. But that stands to illustrate exactly the kind of value this rocket brought to my life. $20 worth of character building and indelible memories? That's money very well spent. Do I recommend that you purchase Big Bertha? I recommend that you don't wait another moment. This is a classic in my mind and it will be in yours too. Enjoy. And word to the wise: Barbie dolls are totally un-aerodynamic and don't fly nearly as well as this thing.

## Features

- INTERMEDIATE MODEL-ROCKET-BUILDING KIT: The Big Bertha rocket-building kit offers kids ages 10+ and rocketeer enthusiasts an exciting hands-on STEM experience. It includes a durable body tube, a molded nose cone, laser-cut balsa fins, decals, and an 18-inch recovery parachute. It requires Estes rocket engines, Starters, Recovery Wadding, a launch pad system, and 4 high-quality 1.5-volt AA alkaline batteries for launch use (sold separately).
- SOARS UP TO 500 FT.: Our 1948 Big Bertha rocket model blasts off with a powerful standard engine and has a slow, realistic liftoff. It soars with a projected altitude of up to 500 ft. (152 m) using a C6-5 Estes rocket engines (sold separately). This flying model rocket is compatible with B4-2, B4-4, B6-2, and B6-4 rocket engines.
- READY TO ASSEMBLE: This intermediate model kit requires about 1 hour of assembly time, offering a rewarding build-and-launch project for young learners. Then pair it with an Estes Porta-Pad II Pad and Electron Beam Controller (sold separately) for liftoff.
- SAFETY FIRST, FUN ALWAYS: Our rockets and rocket launch accessories are designed to be used with the NAR (National Association of Rocketry) model-rocket safety code. Always ensure you have an appropriate launch site, stand back at least 15 ft., insert the safety key, issue a countdown, and then you can let your rocket fly!
- WE IGNITE IMAGINATIONS: Since 1958, Estes has created educational rocket kits and displays designed for an unforgettable aerospace experience. As a family-owned company, we have grown to offer exciting STEM products that engage aspiring rocketeers and the future minds of aerospace.
- An Estes original
- Laser cut balsa fins
- Standard engine powered
- Parachute recovery
- Flies over 500'

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| ASIN | B0006NAMUO |
| Additional Features | Recommended Engines: B4-2, B4-4, B6-2, B6-4, C6-5 |
| Age Range Description | Kid |
| Art Craft Kit Type | model rocket kit |
| Brand Name | Estes |
| Color | Yellow |
| Customer Reviews | 4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars (596) |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00047776019485, 00534262068558 |
| Included Components | Estes Rockets 1948 Big Bertha Model Rocket Kit, Skill Level 1 |
| Item Dimensions | 6.5 x 2.5 x 12 inches |
| Item Type Name | Model Rockets |
| Item Weight | 2.5 Ounces |
| Manufacturer | Estes |
| Material Type | Laser Cut Wood |
| Model Name | Estes 1948 Big Bertha Model Rocket Kit |
| Number of Pieces | 1 |
| Paint Type | Water-based |
| Product Style | Classic |
| Scale | life-size |
| Seasons | All Seasons |
| Size | Standard |
| Subject Character | Rocketry |
| Theme | Model Rocket Kit |
| UPC | 534262068558 047776019485 |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| Warranty Description | 1 Year Warranty Against Manufacturer Defects |

## Product Details

- **Age Range (Description):** Kid
- **Brand:** Estes
- **Color:** Yellow
- **Item dimensions L x W x H:** 6.5 x 2.5 x 12 inches
- **Theme:** Model Rocket Kit

## Images

![1948 Big Bertha Rocket-Building Kit, Intermediate Flying-Rocket-Model Kit for Ages 10+ - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/615nM+moFbL.jpg)

## Questions & Answers

**Q: Hi, I'm beginner so what do I need to buy beside "Estes 1948 Big Bertha Flying Model Rocket Kit" ?**
A: 1) A launch pad with controller.  Batteries for the controller.2) Wadding to keep the parachute from burning.3) Engines with ignitors.  B4-4 for smaller areas in town, but it won't go very high.  C6-5's for larger areas and good height.4) Glue for the construction.  Regular Elmer's is probably too weak, so I'd go with Wood Glue.5) Paint - your choice, obviously.  I painted mine in the colors of my favorite NFL team.  That paint cost more than the rocket, though!

**Q: Will this rocket launch with the launch pad in the 1403 Riptide Launch Set?**
A: Yes it will, I have both and use that launcher.

**Q: the size engine**
A: If built as instructed, it can use 18 mm B (B4, B6) and C engines (C6). "A" engines are too underpowered.

**Q: does this kit include the launching frame, or does it need to be purchased separately?**
A: Launch equipment is purchased separately.

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ classic
*by K***S on March 25, 2026*

a pleasure to build and fly

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Perfection That Stands the Test of Time
*by A***C on November 1, 2018*

Once I was 7 years old ... (Apologies to Lukas Graham.) That was a long, long time ago. And I built Big Bertha, and I launched her a few times. Until one time, she landed high in a tree. But I wasn't too sad. I built another one. (And also I duct taped rocket engines to my cousin's Barbie dolls when my rockets were stuck in trees or on rooftops. Sorry, cuz, if you're out there.) And so kicked off a hobby that I continued for several years of my childhood, until such time as I discovered the opposite sex and various other pastimes that took me away from my rocket fun. But I digress. Fast forward to 2018. I have a lot of fond memories of rocket building, and I've never forgotten that first Big Bertha. My son is now of the right age to play with fun flying objects. I came to Amazon, placed my order, and I am beyond pleased to report that, effectively, nothing has changed in all of this time! Big Bertha is exactly as I remember her--and my son and I had a great time putting her together, walking her over to the local park, and breaking out the Porta-Pad II (also the same model I used to have). 3...2...1 and the couple of hours we spent building and painting was well worth it when I saw the look in his eyes. This is the perfect starter rocket. Forget those pre-painted ones with plastic fins that snap into place. That's not what the rocket hobby is all about. You want to feel like you've actually built something. You want to sand some balsa, and glue some stuff together. You want to learn a few lessons about precision when it comes to lining up the fins, and some more lessons about patience while waiting for that glue to dry. You want to paint your rocket yourself so that when it's high above your head you can smile and know that this is something YOU created. Trust me on this. I've gotten a little bit preachy and gone off on all kinds of tangents. But that stands to illustrate exactly the kind of value this rocket brought to my life. $20 worth of character building and indelible memories? That's money very well spent. Do I recommend that you purchase Big Bertha? I recommend that you don't wait another moment. This is a classic in my mind and it will be in yours too. Enjoy. And word to the wise: Barbie dolls are totally un-aerodynamic and don't fly nearly as well as this thing.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Revisiting the rocket of my youth!
*by M***T on January 17, 2015*

So here I am, 51 years young, and I've just ordered another Big Bertha... the first rocket I built by myself as a pre-teen Estes nut. I haven't built it yet, because I'm going to take my time and enjoy every aspect of construction and finishing. I'm likely to use more paint than normal, and allow the weight to creep up a bit, to accentuate Big Bertha's already slightly slow, scale looking liftoff. I'm not looking for altitude with this one, just a nice looking, interesting to fly rocket. This is one that's a great build if you have a little patience and don't mind sanding the fins, as they are thick enough that you can shape the edges any number of ways, or even put a slight airfoil shape to the entire fin. Unlike most of my rockets, as this one won't get a lot of altitude, I'll stuff in a big, nylon parachute for slow, dramatic descents. I can feel the immaturity sinking in to me just THINKING about building the rocket! UPDATE 12-23-17: I actually built TWO Berthas - I modified the white one (Bigger Bertha) by installing a twin rocket motor mount. Due to an ignition failure, only one motor lit, and the rocket arced into the ground at full speed - the fun of experimentation! I had so much fun building it that I bought another, and built the red one (Re-Bertha). Re-Bertha flies with a single motor (I'm using a reloadable Aerotech 18/20 motor casing, which has D-equivalent power but is the same size as a C engine) and have installed an aftermarket parachute charge baffle so I don't need recovery wadding. I also use a Jolly Logic Chute Release system, so my parachute doesn't unfurl until the rocket descends to a preset altitude. This allows me to use a larger chute for slower landing speeds, without having her drift all over the place.

## Frequently Bought Together

- Estes Big Bertha, Yellow
- Estes 2274 Recovery Wadding
- MDL RCKT ENGNS 3PC C6-5

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*Product available on Desertcart Kenya*
*Store origin: KE*
*Last updated: 2026-04-23*