Question 1

Engine size?

Accepted Answer

The manufacturer's Recommended Engines: A8-3 (First Flight), B6-4, C6-5

Question 2

Is the rocket already built?

Accepted Answer

Short answer is, it's built except for tying on the parachute which took me less time than opening the packaging.

The listing on Amazon claims "Ready To Fly", which is Estes old catchphrase for rockets that require no gluing.
They've changed that branding and now the packaging says "level 1". In any event, I ordered the Athena rocket and when I opened the package it was even more flight-ready than the old "ready to fly" rockets: the only thing I had to do was tie the parachute string on...about 30 seconds of assembly.

For anyone not familiar with estes model rockets, to launch you must have (separate from the rocket) a launch pad and 9v igniter device, and the complete the following steps:
(1) tie the parachute strings to the eyelet on the nose. (30 seconds)  The rocket is now complete.
(2) insert (all separate parts used for each launch) wadding, engine, igniter, plug (2 minutes)
(3) insert the parachute and put the nose on. (1 minute)

Question 3

Is it plastic

Accepted Answer

Yes, Item#2452 Athena is a plastic flying model rocket.
Estes Customer Service

Question 4

Can I get a list of additional items that are needed to launch this rocket? It seems like there are a lot of options and I'm not sure what to buy.

Accepted Answer

Item#2452 Athena Flying Model Rocket is a ready to fly rocket.  You will need item#2222 Porta-Pad II Launch Pad with Electron launch Beam Controller (reusable just like the rocket).  Next, you will need engines (comes with starters and starter plugs)*Please see recommended engine sizes for the rocket  you are launching. and Recovery wadding for each launch.  The Electron Launch Beam Controller does require 4 "AA" Alkaline batteries - sold separately. 
Estes Customer Service

ASIN	B002TWBY16
Additional Features	Ready to Fly (RTF)
Age Range Description	Kid
Art Craft Kit Type	Model Building
Brand Name	Estes
Color	Brown
Customer Reviews	4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars (1,587)
Global Trade Identification Number	00047776024526
Included Components	[Model rocket kit with necessary components for assembly and launch]
Item Dimensions	17 x 0.98 x 17 inches
Item Type Name	Model Rockets
Item Weight	1.44 ounces
Manufacturer	Estes
Manufacturer Part Number	EST2452
Material Type	Plastic
Model Name	Athena
Model Number	2452
Number of Packs	1
Number of Pieces	1
Product Style	Rocket
Seasons	All Seasons
Set Name	Athena
Size	Medium
Subject Character	Rocket
Theme	Space
UPC	792165983228 047776024526
Unit Count	1 Count
Warranty Description	Full One-Year Warranty

2452 Athena Rocket-Building Kit, Prebuilt Beginner Flying-Rocket Model Kit for Ages 10+, Blue

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