In the good old days, you could nip down to your local model shop and buy a real rocket engine. Not your Estes sort of safe version, but one made of metal, that you assembled yourself.
My Dad had a Jetex engine. I don't recall us firing it up, but the idea fascinated me. He always planned to put it in an aeroplane, but this car looks pretty cool. There was a boat too, but I fear it would plough into the bank if I tried it out on the KMBC lake!
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That brought back some long forgotten memories. I had a Jetex motor back in the late 60's it must have been destined for a model aircraft which was never finished. As well, as producing a lot of smoke they created a bit of a stink. Can't imagine letting a thirteen year old loose with one of those these days, although I never managed to burn myself.
I think I still have the paper plans (in the original box) that I used to build a “Keilcraft Cub” glider in the early 1970s. I was intrigued by the option to build it for a Jetex (50?) engine, but such a thing was beyond my finances in those days!
Is aeromodelling using balsa wood and tissue paper still practised in the 21st century?
You wouldn't plough into the bank. They barely had enough thrust for long enough to do much. As kids we always had the problem that the fuse, which entered the motor via the rocket exhaust vent, often stayed in place and reduced the thrust even more. We had a yellow speed!!??!! boat and regraded it as a failure.
Clearly ideal for a Gauge 1 GWR Gas Turbine: noisy, smokey and didn't move very far :)
I think it tends to be more plastic sheet covering, but it's still out there. You can also buy stuff made that way RTF.
I do remember firing my Da's one up once, and they don't run for very long. Pushing against water resistance, I can imagine that the sailing duration isn't impressive.
Hmmmm. Jetex Turbo Car....
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