The Optima was a BIG model for Estes, available from 1990 - 1994.
2.6" diameter and almost four feet tall. D engine powered, it could reach 390 feet!
A good demonstration model it featured chrome and metallic orange trim.
The same design was re-released as The Shadow in 1994 - 1996. The paint decor and decals were different.
The engine mount was adapted to fit the new (and short lived) E15 engines. E engine altitude was advertised at 550 feet.
This newer black and silver model was trimmed with a goofy blue name decal. For me it didn't have the appeal of the earlier Optima paint and trim.
The Semroc Mini Optima kit reflects the first paint scheme.
Looks like the Semroc Mini Optima has yellow added to the paint scheme. I prefer the cleaner look of the original paint scheme with just black and white, with the chrome and orange trim.
ReplyDeleteHi BAR,
DeleteI agree - Mine will end up just the black and white and the decals. That yellow, black and white was one of the suggested options in the Estes instructions.
The font for The Shadow decal looks like, maybe, Estes was hoping Alec Baldwin’s 1994 movie version of “The Shadow” would be a hit? It wasn’t.
ReplyDeleteHi Openroad,
DeleteYou might be right, I didn't put the two together. There have been a few movie and TV inspired rockets. When the show or movie fails, vendors are probably stuck with some unpopular kits.
I'll be watching this with great interest. This is the rocket I bought when you suggested I try one of these kits.
ReplyDeleteHi Metal,
DeleteIt was really a clever kit with some things I've never seen before. Too bad Semroc ceased production on all of these.