I would nominate the Alpha III given its continuous availability since 1971 both as an individual kit and as part of a starter set. It's also been available in educational bulk packs since those were first offered.
Add to that its regularly availability at major chain stores like Walmart and Hobby Lobby as well as its appeal to beginners and its hard to think of a rocket that would have sold more units.

Any thoughts?

Don Brent
San Tan Valley, AZ

This has come up a few times on YORF and I believe Mike Dorffler answered it, but I may be confusing that with the best selling motor. You might try a quick search.

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I love sanding.

I did some searching and saw a thread about best selling motor, but didn't see anything about best selling rocket kit...

Maybe I read it in an interview, maybe of Mr. Estes himself or another employee. I want to think the Big Bertha is the reigning queen, but I'm not sure.

The Alpha didn't show up until 1967. The Alpha III came in 1971 and probably split up the Alpha series sales a little. The Bertha has been around since 1966 and was/is a "big" rocket in comparison to most of the offerings for quite a while.

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I love sanding.

This isn't the interview, but Scott was playing with the original Bertha and probably got the info from Mr. Estes himself.

https://oldrocketforum.com/showpost...130&postcount=2



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I love sanding.

I can't argue because I'm only speculating... but the BB was never available in a starter set or bulk packs. BB is definitely the longest continuously available rocket kit of all time however. That is undisputed. Beats the Alpha by one year.

The Bertha has been available in bulk packaging.
https://bellevillehobby.com/product...k-pack-12-pack/

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I love sanding.

Heh, I haven't seen those pics in years. I don't have grey hair in those! Yes, Vern & Gleda were our main speakers at the NARCON. Vern told us that fact about the Big Bertha being the all time seller.

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Scott D. Hansen
Ye Olde Rocket Shoppe - Your One Stop BAR Shoppe!
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Ye Olde Rocket Forum
WOOSH NAR Section #558

I was referring to Estes bulk packs... but point taken.

It might be the Alpha III, or it might be the Big Bertha (I doubt Vern knew what the best seller was after he left the company), or you might consider the smaller Star Wars X-Wing fighter.

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turbofireball
NAR 25162
SAM 0278