Reviews : Aerotech Reloadable Motor System 29/40-120

This is the most versatile rocket motor casing in mid-power rocketry, period, spannng levels E to G with most every propellant formula in the Aerotech arsenal. With proper (and prompt) cleaning and preparation, it will last indefinitely. The aluminum threads on the closures and casing must be thoroughly cleaned of dirt and debris after every use, and I suggest a toothbrush and solvent as needed. Use a liberal application of the recommended synthetic grease on the threads after cleaning. I've only had one CATO with this motor, and that was with the extremely powerful G138 High Power reload, not the mainstream reloads. And the reason was that I didn't apply grease to the liner-less G138's propellant grain casting tube, only to the metal casing. Subsequent assemblies where I DID slather the grease to the G138 grain AND the aluminum casing resulted in perfect performance of the motor casing with no perforation or even scorch marks. I now do this with the outside surface of the liner for all Aerotech reloads, and have found that it helps ensure success. The grease acts as a heat barrier and coolant between the burning propellant and the aluminum skin. Also, assembly-wise, you MUST be sure the installed propellant grain liner can slide easily within the metal casing prior to installing the closures. If it can't, the fore or aft o-rings might not compress properly, giving the flame a direct pathway to the metal casing, which could result in a breach and some pretty spectacular (and disappointing) pyrotechnics bringing down your missile prematurely. If it's too tight a fit, simply peel off the outermost layer of spirally-wound paper from the liner, grease the new outer layer heavily, and retry the fit until the liner slides easily within the casing. This will ensure the o-rings do their job of exiting all that high-pressure propellant flame out the nozzle--NOT the nose cone. Good skies!

1) These should not cost anywhere near $45 retail. An equivalent Cesaroni Pro29 2-grain casing is $22 retail, including the rear closure. A 3-grain with spacer is roughly $12 more, and then you have 23 different 29mm motors to choose from. 2) In less than 2 years, I've been through two of these, along with two (separately sold) rear closures. The manufacturing tolerances seem to be... questionable, and heaven help you if you don't buy the extra $15 tool to help you screw the rear closure down all the way. 3) Every Aerotech reloadable motor requires 10 minutes of construction -- seal disks, rubber gaskets, grease, etc. In the winter with the wind blowing, there's absolutely zero fun in putting together motors on the field inside these casings. Contrast that with Cesaroni's Pro29/Pro38 series -- literally the hardest thing about the CTI motors is taking the staples out of the cardboard the reloadable motors are packaged in. After that, it's a matter of adjusting the delay and screwing it in. (To be fair, you pay more for this convenience, but the opportunity for failure is also lower.) Putting it in perspective: I _started_ my mid-power rocketry journey with the Aerotech 29/40-120 RMS system. I got one flight in (with supervision from those far more experienced than I) before there were issues that resulted in me having to purchase a second one. I chalked that up to stuff happens, and continued to use up the stockpile of AT motors I'd bought. At the last launch, I decided to use up some more of that stockpile, and the upper seal let go on a baby F53FJ, melting away the upper delay section (metal!) and burning the rocket to ashes on the pad. Net: I'm giving all my AT F/G/H motors and 29/40-120 casing away at the next launch.

This was my first 29mm case, and it is crazy versatile. It has a massive range of reloads in many different propellant varieties, red, green, blue, black, fast black and white. there is a motor for just about every mid power rocket and flight profile. I have flown mine at least seven times, and plan to fly it plenty more. I have never had a CATO with this motor; there have never been an explosion, blow by, ejection charge failure, or any other type of failure. the best part of this is by far the affordability. the reloads themselves are cheaper than the CTI variety, much less expensive than the single use motors, and this case is, in my opinion, a much better deal than muying the high power style casings. with this one case, you can fly reloads similar to those available with the high power system, but with only one case! Also, with the exception of the F size reloads, all the motors for this ship without Hazmat, as opposed to the CTI version, in which all require Hazmat. This is truly a great system that will save you money, and is the gateway to 29mm mid and high power.

These casings are close to the most fun you can have without an HPR certification. I've never had any kind of problem with these cases, but I AM very meticulous with my assembly and cleanliness. If the wind is blowing hard enough to make assembly difficult, It's probably too windy to fly anyway! Yes, the CTI reload system is easier and quicker, but for me, it's not JUST about saving money... I actually enjoy spending 10 minutes building the motor, because I feel more involved in the final outcome. It is of the utmost importance that the instructions be read and followed exactly. Even though I've assembled dozens of motors, I still keep the instruction sheet open in front of me. There is enough difference between different reloads that it really pays to keep the instructions! All it takes is a pinched O-Ring or loose threading or part misplaced or omitted to destroy your beautiful flying machine. This makes me feel more like I'm actually doing Rocket Science!

If you would like to get started into Mid Power Rocketry, you need to get one of these cases. Buying this will allow you to fly E-G reloads out of a single case. Reloads are very easy to assemble if you follow the instructions the first couple of times. After that, you will be able to do it from memory. In my 10 years in rocketry, I have owned three of these cases. One was lost in a tree some years ago, but the other two are going strong. The G64W reload is one of the better deals in rocketry when purchased from Hobbylinc. This motor will also lift a considerable sized rocket. This is a must have!

For anyone considering the move to mid-power, you need one of these versatile reload casings from Aerotech! E16, F22, G79 and many other propellant kits and thrust curves are available for this one case! The instructions are very well illustrated and easy to follow and once you've put or three of the propellant kits together it becomes a piece of cake! I use mine at least once at every launch and if you have a flat surface (my car truck) and a pack of Clorox wipes, you can clean and reload your case between launches in about 5 minutes! Good stuff!

Likely thousands of people have used this case. As for the claim that a cesaroni 2 grain case is $22 with rear closure.... it's not. the closure is another $18. Then the reloads are around $20, whereas the aerotech reloads are 10-15. I'm not bashing CTI here, I own full sets for 29 and 38mm. But the comment bashing the AT 29 40-120 is just out of line. Take your time, put it together properly, clean it well after use, and it's a great investment with many great motors. I own two and am planning to buy more just to save on loading time.

This motor casing allows a wide range of propellant types and motor classifications to be used for mid power rocketry. The case is reuseable for an unlimited number of flights. Just unscrew the forward and rear closures, remove the spent propellant kit, clean and grease the casing and reload. The directions do need to be followed closely, if a part is put in the wrong place it could cause the motor to CATO. The casing pays for itself in 3-4 flights when you compare the cost of single use motors to the reload kits that are available.

I bought my first Hobbyline RMS 29/40-120 case in 2003 and have been flying it ever since. A conservative estimate is 120 flights so far and I just ordered another dozen reloads for it. The Yellow silk screen label might be a little worse for wear, but the case itself is just as good as the day I got it. Considering the low cost of the reloads, you can't fly any cheaper than this case. I haven't met any adult rocket hobbyists that don't own at least one of these cases and many of them have two or more.

this product has been taking by aerotech because it will go CATO in your rocket only TWO THREADS on forward and aft R&D was at springfest tripoli las vagas 3/21/15 motor went CATO along with aerotech G FORCE rocket head of R&D said there is a problem with 29MM case and 24mm case they took my case 29MM said for research and would get me a new one I PROMISE you to replace it NOPE not yet liars wait for new case with 4threads as said by HEAD OF R&D SAID dont wast your money or your ROCKET

If you're interest in mid power rocketry, this case is just what you need. Will give you a huge range of motors, from the E16 to the G138(HP-not carried here). To save on hazmat costs, fly your G motors in this, and your E and F motors in the 24/40 case. Biggest piece of advice - FOLLOW the assembly directions or seek help from an experienced flyer familiar with these till you get the hang of them. Before you know it you might end up with 7 of them like me !

I've used this case for five launches now, and every time I have the most difficulty unthreading the forward closure. Even when you assemble the motor properly with lubrication and all, grit and grime gets in the threads somehow. The threads are also very difficult to clean. I don't have similar problems with 38, 54, or 75mm motors. Otherwise, this is a fantastic part and is definitely worth the investment for saving over disposable motors.

This is a great way to fly more with less money. There is a wide range of motors and propellants available, making it one of the most versatile reloadable systems available. Get one.

I am super stoked that mine finally came! I can't wait to try it out on some of my larger rockets. This is definitely the cheapest way to fly!

Ordered the 29/40-120 hobbylinc case from Aerotech for the discounted price of $69 and within a week of ordering it was delivered to my door!

must have for people getting into mid power rocketry. cuts down on the cost of motors and after a couple times reloading it gets easy

I have been using Aerotech hobby line cases for years - fantastic set up for recreational launching - highly recommended

Easy to assemble, and with the G138T you can even do some high power that's great for a local field with no waiver.

Arrived on time and in good condition. All threads were good and gold and black anodized looked fantastic.

Very good products can't fly without it ! Don't forget the wrench 🙂

great price for the product, will order again. can't wait to try it.

This worked amazing. The shipping fast. My daughter is super happy.