[From transcript] This oral history with Vern Estes and interviewer Bill Stine covers the early days of model rocketry. It is a chat as well as a reflection between friends and competitors about the trial and error that went into creating the model rocket industry.

Table of Contents: Introduction -- How Mr. Estes & Mr. Stine met -- Making a model rocket engine -- More on Mabel -- Some mechanical challenges -- Early mishaps -- Friendly competitor -- Reasons for selling -- A look at some old motors -- Introduction of the D motor -- Solar igniter -- Overcoming obstacles -- A test rocket motor -- Model rocket companies -- The crying towel story -- The first international competition -- Discussing some old model rockets -- Choosing direct mail order -- Making nose cones -- A great team -- "Dear Mr. Estes" letters.