On TRF, Astronwolf made the observation HERE:
"Not a bad match IMO. This just shows the early roots for this newer kit - Estes' nod to the Centuri Mini Max line of the 60's . . . The Reflector looks to me like a down-rated L'il Hustler with Jaguar fins."
Comparing some Lil' Hustlers -
Centuri Lil' Hustler (From 1971 Centuri Catalog)
Body Diameter 1.83", Length 29", Net Weight 6.5 oz.
$15.95 (with three engines, 1971 price)
On the right, the Semroc SLS Lil' Hustler is just slightly taller-
Body Diameter 1.84", Length 29.8", Net Weight 6.0 oz.
$45 list price
On the left, the smaller Estes Reflector -
Body Diameter 1.33" Length 20.25" Net Weight 2.1 oz.
$23.99 retail price
I didn't understand the name "Reflector" at first. There's no reflective surface on the model.
I guess it "reflects" Centuri styling combining the swept back Jaguar fins and Lil' Hustler payload section.
From the 1971 catalog, here's the Centuri "family" picture.To the left side of Lee Piester is the Hustler with the only example of how the catalog model was painted - black, white and (what looks like) orange on the payload tube.
On the right side is the Jaguar with the same fin shape, color and white trim as the Estes Reflector.
TRIVIA: From the Hustler intructions HERE
Centuri's unique shock cord secure cable has been installed for you. One end of the the fine steel cable has been firmly anchored to the forward engine mount.
On the Mini Max line of models a steel shock cord leader was pre-installed to the engine mount. This was an early version of today's Kevlar tie to the engine mount.
Nice write up, Chris. A few comments....
ReplyDeleteThe rocket to Mr. Piester's left (right side of photo) is an Aerodart. Look how big it is compared to the Hustler. The Jaguar appears "off camera," cropped out from the larger photo. It's way on the right side of the photo, painted orange.
The Estes Reflector was probably named that way because the kit instructions specify bright silver or chrome paint for the payload section. The catalog and kit face card artwork all show a black payload section. I am building one right now.
For the fun of it, I'm cloning a Jaguar too for the "new mini-Max motors" that we have today - the Estes E9, E12, E16, and F15. I'll probably loose it on the first flight.
The Reflector is about 72% scale down of a L'il Hustler. The nose cone is certainly different. It's not perfect, but who cares? The L'il Hustler is not a perfect scale down of a Hustler. They just look alike, and so does the Reflector. I replaced the payload section tubing on the Reflector with a 4-inch piece of BT-55 to make it more proportionate to a L'il Hustler, and give me more room to fly the rocket with an altimeter.
-Wolf (aka astronwolf)
Hi Astronwolf,
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting how you compare the new Estes BP E and F engines to the old MiniMax engines.
You, Bradycros and I have all (independently) added longer pieces of BT-55 so there's enough room for an altimeter. The Reflector payload section just wasn't long enough.
I didn't even read through the finishing section with the suggested paint colors. To me, silver paint never comes out reflective. Chrome is tho -
ReplyDeleteYes, the silver paint doesn't do a lot of reflecting....looks nice though... I just glanced over at an IRIS and Aerobee 300 model rockets standing near the light on my workbench and they are sort of reflect-y.
ReplyDeleteEstes doesn't have core burners (yet?), but the E-F end burners are similar in performance to what I've learned about the mini-Max motors. People even get an occasional ka-boom to simulate the 60's rocketry experience.
The saga continues.... I just now happened to find and examine plans for an obscure Centuri kit - the Centaur. The Reflector, but for the nose cone, a 2-inch longer airframe, and a 0.25-inch longer transition is a dead ringer for the Centaur sustainer second stage. The fins are almost identical. And then I see that Semroc as a retro-repro kit of the Centaur. Guess what I'm building soon...