---
product_id: 1365822
title: "Estes Big Bertha, Yellow"
brand: "estes"
price: "R920"
currency: ZAR
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 6
category: "Estes"
url: https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/1365822-estes-big-bertha-yellow
store_origin: ZA
region: South Africa
---

# 500 ft max altitude 18 in parachute recovery Laser-cut balsa fins Estes Big Bertha, Yellow

**Brand:** estes
**Price:** R920
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Summary

> 🚀 Own the sky with the iconic Big Bertha – where nostalgia meets next-level launch thrills!

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** Estes Big Bertha, Yellow by estes
- **How much does it cost?** R920 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.co.za](https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/1365822-estes-big-bertha-yellow)

## 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

- • **Classic Estes Original:** Timeless design that’s launched generations of modelers into the hobby.
- • **Slow, Realistic Liftoff:** Experience a dramatic, scale-like ascent that turns heads at every launch.
- • **Precision Laser-Cut Fins:** Crafted from balsa wood for easy sanding and custom shaping—build it your way.
- • **Reliable Parachute Recovery:** 18-inch chute ensures a smooth, safe descent for repeated flights.
- • **Impressive 2-Foot Tall Build:** Stands out on the launch pad with a commanding 61 cm height.

## Overview

The Estes Big Bertha is a skill level 1 model rocket kit featuring laser-cut balsa fins, a molded plastic nose cone, and an 18-inch parachute for smooth recovery. Standing 2 feet tall, it launches up to 500 feet on standard Estes engines, delivering a slow, realistic liftoff perfect for beginners and seasoned hobbyists alike. This classic kit offers hands-on building with self-stick decals and quality materials, making it a timeless favorite for ages 10 and up.

## Description

Product Description An Estes original laser cut balsa finsstandard engine poweredparachute recoveryflies over 500'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.&Nba; product measures: 6.5 x 2.5 x 23.5Recommended ages: 10 - 100 years 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: Revisiting the rocket of my youth! - 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.
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

- Skill level 1
- Laser cut wood fins, self-stick decals, 18 in. (46 cm) parachute recovery
- Projected max altitude: 500 ft. (152 m)
- An Estes original
- Laser cut balsa fins
- Standard engine powered
- Parachute recovery
- Flies over 500'

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| ASIN | B0006NAMUO |
| Age Range (Description) | Adult |
| Art Craft Kit Type | model rocket kit |
| Brand | Estes |
| Color | Yellow |
| Customer Reviews | 4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars (589) |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00047776019485, 00534262068558 |
| Included Components | Estes Rockets 1948 Big Bertha Model Rocket Kit, Skill Level 1 |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Item Weight | 1.6 ounces |
| Item dimensions L x W x H | 6.5 x 2.5 x 12 inches |
| Item model number | 1948 |
| Manufacturer | Estes |
| Manufacturer recommended age | 10 years and up |
| Material | Wood |
| Model Name | 1948 Big Bertha Model Rocket Kit, Skill Level 1 |
| Number of Pieces | 1 |
| Product Dimensions | 6.5 x 2.5 x 12 inches |
| Release date | January 1, 2018 |
| Seasons | All Seasons |
| Set Name | Estes |
| Size | Standard |
| Style | Classic |
| Theme | Vehicle |
| UPC | 534262068558 047776019485 |

## Product Details

- **Age Range (Description):** Adult
- **Brand:** Estes
- **Color:** Yellow
- **Item dimensions L x W x H:** 6.5 x 2.5 x 12 inches
- **Theme:** Vehicle

## Images

![Estes Big Bertha, Yellow - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61N7RuhbFFL.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

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 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.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 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.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Works great and was such fun to launch.
*by J***L on September 3, 2020*

I purchased this rocket kit for my grandson's 10th birthday. It was a hit! He put it together with some adult supervision. The first launch was so exciting and the rocket was impressive. My grandson was able to get it set up on the launch pad for his first launches by himself and exicuted the launch without any problems. It flew very high so I advise that you have a large field to launch your rocket as any wind will cause it to drift quite a ways when it is floating down. Other boys playing in the field came running when they saw it launch. Such excitement! The only issue was that the parachute tore from two of it's strings after the second launch. All in all it worked great and gave this grandma high credit as giving the best gift ever. :)

## 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 South Africa*
*Store origin: ZA*
*Last updated: 2026-02-03*