While digging through my bottomless pit of a range box to prepare for an upcoming launch, I quickly realized that something had to change. I either had to bring less stuff with me to the launch site or I needed to get a more functional box. Honestly, probably both.
But what are the most essential items to have in a model rocket range box? The most important items to have in your range box are engines, igniters and plugs, wadding paper, and parachutes and streamers. There are several other items that are nice to have, but without these top four items, you aren’t launching.
For the full list of items, you might consider bringing and some tips on picking out a functional box to hold it all, continue reading.
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11 Essential Items For Your Model Rocket Range Box
What you decide to put in your range box is going to depend on the kind of model rockets you launch, the conditions you’re launching in, and your personal style. If you like to be prepared and ready to repair a rocket on the field, you’re going to need more than someone who doesn’t mind missing a launch because of a cracked nose cone.
The two things I don’t include on this list that you will need when you launch your rockets and a method of launching the rocket. In general, people don’t keep their rockets or the launch equipment in their range box.
So, here’s your warning: If you’re using this list as a checklist to prepare you for launch day, don’t forget the launch equipment if you need it or the rockets themselves.
1. Engines
You can’t launch without engines! Ideally your engines would be carefully stored in small containers and organized by impulse class to make finding them easier. Many of the boxes I suggest at the end of this post have small compartments that are perfect for storing engines.
If you keep your engines in your range box full time, make sure your range box is not in a location where it will freeze. This could cause cracks to form in the propellant and damage the motor. The result would be a CATO.
Reloadable Engines
Reloadable engines allow model rocket launchers to reload a reusable metal engine casing with a propellant kit. This takes extra time and skill, but it can save a lot of money if you launch frequently.
Many people who use reloadable engines like to keep all the items that they use to reload the casing in a separate case. This may include the propellant kits as well as petroleum jelly, hobby knife, scotch tape, and paper towels. Your exact needs may vary depending on the type of reloadable motor you purchase. A small toolbox like this one would be plenty of space for most people’s needs.
2. Igniters and Plugs
Igniters and plugs are both essential items, and you want to make sure that your range box is well stocked with both. These small items won’t take up much space, and they are very easy to lose track of if you drop them in the grass.
You can use a pocket sized tackle box like this one to carry your igniters and plugs so that you always have a spare when you set your model rocket up to launch. The small size of this container makes it convenient to carry, and the tiny compartments will still allow you to organize your igniters and plugs.
3 Wadding Paper
Wadding paper, or an alternative to wadding paper, is another item that you truly cannot launch without, not if you want to launch safely and not if you want to be able to retrieve your rocket.
If you’re using wadding paper, it can easily be stored in your range box any way you want that won’t get it ruined. You don’t need to be too careful with it. It’s not like you need to keep it in pristine condition as you’re just going to crumple it up any way.
If you use a wadding paper alternative like cellulose insulation, lovingly referred to as “dog barf,” then you may have to store it with more care. Dog barf can be stored in a sealable plastic bag or a plastic container and put into your range box or carried separately. It has a tendency to get everywhere if not properly contained.
4. Parachute and Streamers
A recovery system is another item that you simply cannot fly without, or at least not safely. You can store them folded up and ready to be put inside your rocket or you could prep the rockets you plan to launch by inserting wadding paper and the recovery method of your choice ahead of time.
You’ll need enough parachutes and/or streamers for your intended launches plus a few extra just in case you have one get damaged.
5. Notetaking
Most model rocket enthusiasts enjoy taking notes about each of their launches. This is especially important when tinkering with a design or working on a new project. You’ll want to write down all aspects of the flight and any relevant statistics.
I like this sleek model rocket logbook because it lies flat when open, and it says “model rockets” on the cover. Any notebook will do.
Any pen will not. Okay, any pen will do too, but these FriXion fine point pens are amazing. They write really nicely, and they are erasable.
6. Electronics
Not everyone uses electronics when they launch their model rockets, but they can give a wealth of information about the launch, and the data from them can be really fun to analyze after the launch.
Altimeter
The Jolly Logic AltimeterThree is by far one of the coolest altimeters around. It measures altitude, duration, burn time, max speed, peak acceleration, average acceleration, ejection delay, coast to apogee, apogee to eject, eject altitude, initial descent, and landing speed.
It sends all this data to your smartphone and shows an interactive graph of the altitude, or you can upload the raw data to an Excel spreadsheet.
If this seems like too much data for you and all you want is the altitude, you can go with the Estes Altimeter which works up to 9,999 feet.
Camera
Launching a model rocket with a camera attached to it is addictive. The footage is amazing. If you like to or want to launch a model rocket with a camera try a keychain camera like this one, which is light enough and small enough to attach to just about any model rocket.
For a better quality video, you could try the Mobius Mini which is a little bigger and heavier than the keychain camera, but still light enough to use with many rockets.
If you’re using a camera, don’t forget to bring a spare SD card or a way to transfer the video to your computer if you run out of video storage.
6. Tools
There are several basic tools that can come in handy when you are launching model rockets. While these aren’t absolutely necessary, they are nice to have if you need to make a quick repair.
- Needle nose pliers: Needle nose pliers can help bend or straighten an engine hook, but you’ll be surprised how often you’re reaching for them. These are almost an absolute necessity at launch. The Irwin Vise Grip needle nose pliers are sturdy and have a nice hand grip.
- Hobby knife: The X-Acto Knife offers a sharp blade and a small package. It won’t take up much space in your range kit. You may want a spare blade on hand.
- Scissors: A small pair of sharp scissors are great for cutting tape or unsalvageable parachute lines, but if you’re looking to lightening your load, you could get by with just the hobby knife.
- Dowel rod: This is used to push out anything, like the engine casing or parachute, that may have gotten stuck in the model rocket tube. A ½ inch dowel that is 12 inches like this one long will work in many model rockets, but if you have longer rockets, then you will want a longer rod.
- Sandpaper: Sandpaper can be used to clean a launch rod or help make a nose cone fit a little looser. It is lightweight, doesn’t take up much space.
7. Tape and Glue
Tape and glue are some of the more important items to have in your range box. So many problems can be fixed by adding a little adhesive. You might not wish to bring every variety I list, but many people do.
- Masking tape
- Electrical tape
- Duct tape
- Scotch tape
- Wood glue
- Crazy glue
If you have to choose just one type of tape and one type of glue, I would go with masking tape and crazy glue as they are the most versatile.
8. Spare Parts
If you plan to fix any damage to your rocket at the launch site, you’ll need to have some spare parts. Many people do not care to fix damaged rockets on site, so if that isn’t your thing, you won’t need many of these.
- Launch Lugs: If your launch lug is damaged, you aren’t going to be able to fly your rocket, and repairing is easy. Keep a few in your range box so you can make the repair and continue with your launch plan.
- Shock cord: If your shock cord snaps, you’re also not going to be able to launch your rocket. Keep a spool of Kevlar line in your range box, for a quick and easy fix. Kevlar line is commonly used because it is highly durable and can withstand high temperatures.
- Batteries: If you must bring your own launch equipment to the launch site, then you will also want to bring spare batteries for the launch controller.
- Eye hooks, swivels, quick links: These pieces of hardware are all used to attach parachutes and streamers to the rocket in the most ideal way. They are small and light, so they won’t take up much space in your range box.
- Nose Cones: If you’re nose cone gets damaged or just isn’t fitting right in your rocket, it might be nice to have a spare nose cone. It is an easy swap.
- Fins: Replacing a damaged fin is time consuming and difficult to do on the fly, especially if you are bringing a large quantity of rockets to the launch site.
If you only have a couple, you could bring a couple of spare fins of the right shape, but otherwise you would need to bring a few sheets of balsa wood and make your own. Not always worth it on launch day.
10. Tracking Powder
Model rocket tracking powder like this bright orange variety is typically only used with high altitude launches, but if you have trouble keeping track of your rocket, it can help. You put a scoop of tracking powder on top of your parachute, and when the parachute opens, the tracking powder creates an orange cloud in the sky behind it.
11. Items for You
So far, this list has talked all about the items you need to launch your rocket and keep it in good condition, but there are some things you will want to keep in your range box that are meant to help you.
Water: You might not keep it in your range box, but seriously, don’t forget to bring water, especially if you are headed toward a remote location on a hot day.
A gallon freezer bag: I like to use gallon freezer bags to store any garbage I produce at a launch, especially empty cardboard engine casings. It keeps them contained, and I can seal off any smells.
Sunscreen: If you’re launching in a safe location, you’re probably going to be spending a lot of time in the sun. If you don’t want to get sunburned, bring some sunscreen along.
Bug spray: If you’re launch site is swarming with mosquitos, you will be grateful you brought bug spray.
First Aid Kit: This goes double if your launch involves children. They just seem to find the most ingenious ways of hurting themselves. Having some alcohol pads and a few band aids handy can keep you launching.
Alternatively, you can get a first aid kit like this and keep it in your car. You’ll always have what you need in your car, and you won’t need to carry it in your range box.
Hand wipes: After handling your rocket and your rocket’s engines, you’ll probably want to be able to clean up. You can keep a small pack like this in your range box.
The Best Range Boxes
No one seems to make a box that is meant specifically for model rocketry, but that is probably because the tackle and toolboxes available are perfect for use as a range box. The ideal range box must have a lot of various sized compartments, it must be portable, and it must be customizable.
Husky Connect Tool Storage System
My top choice for a range box is line of Husky Connect tool storage system. This system has a number of small parts organization options including customizable cups, and they snap together so you can have one box for your reloadable engine stuff, but you could connect it to the rest of your range kit.
Both the tool box and the small parts organizer would be great to use for model rocketry, but if you have to choose one go with the small parts organizer. It has a ton of small compartments to organize engines, igniters, plug, and all the other small bits that you need to launch of a model rocket.
The Husky Connect tool storage system is also great if you go to different kinds of launches. If you’re going to a competition launch, you’ll likely want to bring some extra items. You can connect a spare box for these extra items. When you’re going to a casual launch, you can detach the box with those extra items.
This is the most expensive option on this list if you intend to buy both the small parts organizer and the toolbox, but it is also by far the most versatile solution. The small parts organizer costs and the toolbox cost about $30 each at Home Depot.
Plano 4 Drawer Tackle Box
The Plano 4 Drawer Tackle Box has a large top compartment, but beneath it has four drawers with a variety of different compartments.
This tackle box would be a simple solution and easy to lug around on launch day. The only drawback is that the compartments are not customizable, which means some of those compartments might not fit your needs, and there isn’t much you can do about it.
The Plano 4 Drawer Tackle Box should serve most of your range box storage needs, and it costs less than $40.
Stanley Sort Master Light Organizer
The Stanley Sort Master Light Organizer has several customizable compartments, and if you buy two, they can latch together. This will allow you to keep your reloadable equipment separate from the rest of your equipment, while still being convenient for lugging across your launch site.
This is a great option if you’re looking for something with several compartments that is inexpensive. Each of these boxes cost about $10.
Build Your Own Launch Controller
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