New Estes Banshee Kit

I thought this one looked familiar!

It's (sort of) an upscale (ST-7 to BT-50) of the old Centuri wedge finned Bandito!

Here's the cardstock wedge fins assembly.

To see the instructions: CLICK HERE

"Cut out the eight holes as well?

New Estes Shock Cord Anchors

Estes has just released new Shock Cord Anchors 

for BT-50, 55 and 60 tubes: CLICK HERE

These are certainly an upgrade from the paper tri-fold anchors.

Still, no improvement for BT-5 and 20 sized tubes.

These are adhered with 3M peel and stick tape.

Centuri developed a self-adhesive shock cord mount in 1971.

Initially claimed to be "permanent", they did loosen and pull loose over time. Later kits would include an addendum to the instructions reminding you to burnish the fastener between launches.

The 3M tape in the new Estes mounts should hold better!

Estes Pro Series II Mega Red Max

Estes has released a 29mm three engine cluster model, the new 4" Mega Red Max. Checking the instructions: CLICK HERE 

It looks like it has laminated fins you'll actually have to cut out! Oh, the 1960s horrors!

To the younger (laser cut) builders: "It'll build character." You'll end up with thicker, stronger fins than the previous 3" diameter Big Red Max.

The "decals" are vinyl this time around.

I'm glad to see the fin decals are parallel with the table top like the original BT-60 Citation kit. On some recent versions the fin decals were set at an angle, parallel with the leading edge of the fins.

New 2025 Estes Catalog Is Posted

On Y.O.R.F., 

Turbofireball let us know and Earl posted this PDF link:

CLICK HERE

Look for the Red NEW 

bullet points to find the latest releases. 

Upcoming Estes Kits?

Yesterday on YORF,

Turbofireball found the Estes 2024 Summer-Fall New Products Catalog!

New kits and some bring-backs.

His post requested that the images not be copied, so -

Here's a link to his post: CLICK HERE

NRAM 65 Manufacturer Forum

The NARAM 65 Manufacturers Forum has been posted on YouTube.

To watch it: CLICK HERE

New Estes Saturn V Kit Available

The newest version of the Estes Saturn V kit is now available!

A few months back I built a pre-production, flight version of this kit for Estes. It just showed up in a promotional launch video, keep an eye out here for a link in a day or two.

On Facebook, Andy Northern mentioned that the kit now includes wrap around painting guides!

This is a MAJOR improvement over trying to mark a round tube with a ruler and pencil.

To see the kit instructions, they are posted on the Estes website: CLICK HERE

The kit also uses a Kevlar tie for the shock cord attachment.

The centering rings get a two layer cardstock reinforcement.

Here's the Kevlar loop tied into the adapter.

If you haven't built a Saturn V in a while, 

The kit now has a 29mm screw on retainer for the recommended E16-4 and F15-4 motors.

You are instructed to use a knife tip to drill holes in the command module tube for attachment of the thrusters.

TIP: Use a pin tip to make the holes. A knife blade will make a hole too large for the small pin on the back of the thrusters.

Estes ARCAS Now Available

The new Estes ARCAS kit is available!

BT-20 based, 14.5" tall with streamer recovery.

Mini engine powered, friction fit retention.

The model is small so the instructions suggest simply rounding the leading edge of the fins. A scale diamond taper is not shown.

The instructions include a mask pattern for the difficult red and white separations. 

The instructions have just been posted on the Estes website: CLICK HERE

New Estes 2024 Catalog Now Online

 

The new Estes 2024 Catalog is now online!

To see it: CLICK HERE

From YORF, Turbofireball did all the research on new products and discontinued items - 

Thanks Turbo!

New items:
Tri-Flyer Starter Set #0647
Roto Rocket Starter Set #0648
Olympus Mega Starter Set #0642 (available direct only, no hobby shops)
Green Eggs Starter Set #9990 (available direct only, no hobby shops)
Mini Alpha Launch Set #2458
Mini Bertha Launch Set #2469
Mini Max Launch Set #2445
Star Hopper Launch Set #2427
Long Ranger Kit #0814 (was Hobby Lobby exclusive)
Roto Rocket Kit #1322
Tri-Flyer Kit #1323
Saturn V Kit #1969
Mini Alpha Kit #2098
Mini Bertha Kit #2099
Mini Arcas Kit #2441
Power Patrol Kit#2481 (rerelease)
Vapor Kit #7294 (rerelease)
Space Shuttle RTF #9991
F15-4 Bulk Pack (available direct only, no hobby shops)
Launch Rail Launch Pad #2311 (available direct only, no hobby shops)
100 lb. Aramid Cord #3140 (available direct only, no hobby shops)
200 lb. Aramid Cord #3141 (available direct only, no hobby shops)
300 lb. Aramid Cord #3142 (available direct only, no hobby shops)
Pro Series Parts Assortment #9987 (available direct only, no hobby shops)
Cosmic Ray Bulk Pack #1112 (available direct only, no hobby shops)
Cosmic Cargo Bulk Pack #1752 (available direct only, no hobby shops)
D12-5 Bulk Pack #1786
Mini Launch Pad & Controller #2244 (rerelease)
Sanding Bar Sandpaper 180 Grit #2323
Sanding Bar Sandpaper 300 Grit #2324
Sanding Bar Sandpaper 400 Grit #2325

Discontinued items:
Gnome Kit #0886
Terra GLM Kit #7292
Xtreme Kit #7306
220 Swift Kit #0810
Mars Longship Kit #7296
Gnome Bulk Pack #1749

Catalog error:
MAV Rocket Kit incorrectly listed as #7297 (correct #7283)

Estes Selling Kevlar?

Estes is finally selling Aramid Cord! Aramid cord is Kevlar.

Kevlar is fire resistant, not fireproof. 100 to 150 lb. Kevlar will degrade from ejection charge exposure and eventually break through after 10 - 15 launches.

What's the advantage to using Kevlar?

In LPR smaller body tubes it is attached to the engine mount. There isn't a tri-fold shock cord mount to block the ejection of your parachute or streamer.

I prefer Kevlar tied to an elastic shock cord. That tie point should be below the lip of the body tube (unless you use a "bumper") or you can get a "Zipper" where the Kevlar can tear down and through the body tube.

Another Estes Re-release -

FROM THE VAULT 

"If you know what this rocket is, you have either been in the hobby for a long time or are hard core! This is a rocket that hasn't been produced or sold in decades. Keep an eye out for the release because it is a limited run!"

Hardcore? Not hardcore, just old.

I built a Starlight kit in the early 1970s. This model taught me to fill the balsa grain before gluing it together at the root edges.

It's nearly impossible to brush on and sand filler when assembled. Fill and paint the model before the rings are glued on. Even then, access is difficult with the fins and long strakes so close together.

Looks like the Starlight was first released around 1968. 

I remember going through the old Estes catalogs and wondering how they got the finishes so smooth. Later I worked in the print shop and  realized catalog models got touched up with an airbrush.

The kit instructions are now online: CLICK HERE

Looks like the Starlight has a balsa nose cone - but the instructions also mention an "optional" plastic nose cone.

To see the original K-32 kit instructions: CLICK HERE

The main fins were 3/32" thick balsa, strakes (inside the ring strips) were 1/16" thick balsa.

Estes 65th Anniversary Rocket Kit?

Seen in todays emails - 

"This year Estes is celebrating 65 years! To celebrate we have something special just on the horizon. It will be limited edition so stay tuned."

New Estes Catalog Sanding Block

On page 82 of the new 2023 Estes catalog - 

THE ULTIMATE SANDING BAR - $14.99

This is very similar to my favorite OOP Great Planes Easy Touch sanding block. It's the same price as the comparable Du-Bro Kwik Sand Block. Sure the price seems high, but these are the BEST sanding blocks. 

The Estes Sanding Bar comes with some 120 grit sandpaper. That's pretty rough for sanding balsa. I have two Great Planes blocks. One has 220 grit for shaping, the other has 400 grit for smoothing.

The great thing about these blocks are the raised hand grip running down the back. The self adhesive sandpaper holds strong to the flat bottom face. You can concentrate on shaping a fin without having to grip the sandpaper at the same time.  

For more information and TIPS for this style sanding block: 

CLICK HERE and CLICK HERE

New 2023 Estes Catalog (Page)

EDIT: The 2023 Estes Catalog is online for viewing at Jim Z's: CLICK HERE

On TRF, 

DMEhalko posted a page from the upcoming 2023 Estes catalog.

I knew about the SO LONG design but hadn't seen the two on the facing page.

BLACK BRANT XII

Length 54.6", Diameter 2.22"

Nylon Chute 

Single Stage E16-6 and F15-6

GREAT GOBLIN

Length 33.5", Diameter 3.0"

Nylon Chute 

Single Stage E16-4 and F15-6

We should see a catalog announcement from Estes soon!

Estes Super Orbital Transport Coming July 27!

Oh Boy! Seen on Facebook and an Email - 

The blog build starts with a "Background" post on Tuesday, July 26.

Until then, some interesting filler posts.

I've already built three display models for Estes. 

Some Tips along the way -

NARCON 2022 Manufacturers Presentation Highlights

Here I'm listing some of the new products from the manufacturers. I finally got to listen to the presentation Sunday afternoon.

This blog is LPR based so most of my comments from the Manufacturers Forum will reflect that.

Click on the NAMES to go to their websites.

IMPLS (IMPULSE) LAUNCH SYSTEMS

Central Storage - Everything needed stores in PVC tube built into launcher. Field tough controllers and launchers for LPR, Sport, MPR, HPR, TARC and STEM Education.

12 volt LiPo Battery

New PA-Zazz Public Address System. 8 ft. tall Horn Speaker stands. 150w RMS, 2 Channels

LOC/PUBLIC MISSILES

Working to combine both LOC and PML into a single website.

Integrating both LOC and PML parts and systems.

NORTH COAST ROCKETRY

Now available:

Scorch - Vinyl décor

Corporal

Coming soon:

Artemis SLS - quite a lot of 3D printed parts, 29mm

Star Launch - Shrox design, 3 gliders on the low end.

USMX 2100 - 2.6" tube, sport flyer

Bring backs - First two of six NCR models before next December

4" diameter Phantom

4" diameter A14 Archer XL

GALACTIC MANUFACTURING

Scale upgrade kit for Estes Doorknob

Durable 1/100 scale Apollo escape tower lattice

3D printed, tougher resin print

1/70 Apollo tower in the works

Upscale parts to convert a Big Red Max to a Citation Patriot

(Wraps from Sticker Shock)

First kit to be released this year:

FAI Tube Competition Kit (Parachute, Streamer & Helicopter Duration competitions)

FAI Fin Jig

     

ESTES

Fun to see a few of my builds. That's my Super Mars Snooper and Vesta Intruder.

Super Orbital Transport - upscale of the classic kit.

Coming:

B.O.S.S. Bill Simon Designer’s Series kit

Blue Origin Builder’s Kit, 18mm engine

Blue Origin New Glenn, for 2023

Space x 1/100 Falcon 9, clear plastic fin unit, display nozzles

Only available from the Estes and Space X websites

A3-2t and A3-6t engines, shipping in May

24mm “long” engine, “Somewhere between an E57 and an E65 A deep-core burning, black powder engine.” USPS shippable.

* Estes gets it’s balsa from Malaysia.

* Estes owns the MicroMaxx engine making machines, purchased from Quest. Possible MMX products in the future.

* Estes did purchase Goex Black Powder 

FLISKITS

60 kits are back in production

24mm Tres upscale

Gigabucks (Buckshot upscale) 24mm, different decors available

Coming:

Upscale Deuces Wild 3" diameter, two 29mm engines

Radial Velocity, 29mm, ring fin model with many strakes.

Smaller tri-motor version possible

Upscale Mudwasp, 24mm

Two possible models inspired by the Thunderbirds

EROCKETS/SEMROC

New Scissor Wing Transport - Clone kit of the classic Estes kit.

40% off Excel Knives, blades and accessories for one month.

Upscale Super Blue Bird Zero in development. 

Even larger Mars Snooper and Orbital Transport in development.

* Some balsa shortages. More 3D parts to be developed.

* Heavier walled Centuri style tubing used in larger kits.

ASP Aerospace Specialty Products

New 13mm Astrobee D kit, BT-5 based, wire antennas $12.95 introductory price

A few large Wac Corporal 2.6" diameter kits are available

AEROTECH / QUEST

Again, this blog deals with LPR,

New 24mm x 95mm Q-Jets. White Lighting propellant E35 and F41 motors with 5, 8 or 11 second delays. Can ship using USPS with no hazmat fee. Available Spring 2022.

* A new 15,000 sq. ft. production facility

* New website combining Aerotech and Quest to be unveiled soon.

New Odd'l Rockets F-18 Hornet Kit

 

Now at (or coming in a few days) to a vendor near you -

After a year of tweaks and test flights,

The third in the Odd'l Rockets Fighter Fleet series is the new

F-18 HORNET!

The kit features a very different fin and faux engine placement, 3D printed missiles, 

water slide decals and a vacu-form canopy.

JonRocket got the first lot of kits and sold out in two days! More on the way -

Sirius Rocketry, Apogee and ERockets should have or be getting their F-18s soon. 

New Quest Q-Pic Initiator Holder, Coming Soon -

Gary Rosenfield post from Facebook:

"We are in the process of upgrading our Q-Jet™ motor retail packages to include a NEW initiator holder...the "Q-Pic™"! The first Q-Pics to be produced will fit all 18mm Q-Jets from 'A' to 'D' size. A larger version of the Q-Pic is being designed to fit the 24mm Q-jets. The colors of the two Q-Pics will be different to allow for easy identification. Q-Pics will be sold in a 6-pack for those customers who would like to use them in previously-manufactured Q-Jets, or with other composite propellant motors with small nozzles. More information will be released in the near future."

These Q-Pics look to be a improvement over the small rubber tube supplied with the Q-Jets.

The picture on the right might be a prototype. You can see the plastic ridges from the 3D print process.

Estes Super Mars Snooper is available!

Before I get emails - 

I got a notice that the new Estes Super Mars Snooper is now available.

CLICK HERE

When the Aerotech Mantis Launcher posts are complete in another day or two, I'll be starting the Super Mars Snooper build. I have assembled three of the Snoopers so there will be some tips along the way!

NARAM 62, Manufacturer's Forum Videos

The NARAM 62 Manufacturer's Forum videos are on YouTube.

Estes: CLICK HERE

Erockets: CLICK HERE

Peter Alway: CLICK HERE

Aerotech/Quest: CLICK HERE

ARA Press: CLICK HERE

ASP: CLICK HERE

Of special interest to me were the new Estes Blue Origin. 

Estes hinted at a future Fly or Display Space X model.