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.

V2 Picture

From the LOC Precision / Public Missiles Facebook page, David Juckem posted:

"Hi all! I just wanted to introduce myself and share a photo I took."

Good looking V2, Dave!

Then I noticed the blast Deflector -

Girls Launch Rockets Too!

After years of seeing this guy in the instructions - 

The girls are represented counting down and launching a rocket!

At least she's looking at the rocket. In the older instructions, the guy above is looking away from the action.

From the new Great Goblin kit instructions: CLICK HERE

I'll be blog building a Great Goblin when Estes gets the next run of kits. The initial shipment sold out!

Estes Shipping Container

Some might find this interesting - 

In that box are three finished Black Brant XXII models. This is how built models are now sent back to Estes.

There is a LOT of bubble wrap surrounding the finished models.

Previously I sent the models back to Penrose in cardboard boxes. It made no difference how much padding was set around the builds, some models were broken up in transit. 

This container should stand up to some rough handling.

Estes Black Brant XII, Kit # 9723 Build, Finished

I didn't get a full length picture of the finished model. I tried, but it is simply too tall! 

You can see the finished look on the kit box or on the Estes website.

The first and second stage fins.

The first stage fins are thick!

Lots of color on this one - it takes a while to paint everything waiting for the different paints to dry.

No decal markings. There is an Estes logo decal included in the kit parts.

The third stage fins and adapter.

Notice the tunnel end overlapping onto the plastic fin can.

This was a "flight" version. 

The two show builds will have the upper ring painted brown.

The third stage with the silver and black paint. Notice the top of the hatches overhanging onto the silver paint areas.

This is an impressive model and a good challenge to build. 

Here's a link to the Estes video showing a launch of this build: CLICK HERE

I hope this blog build helps with any questions.

There might be a break in blog posts, until I get another vendor build. 

Orlando R.O.C.K. Monthly Launch, October 7, 2023

I haven't  launched a rocket all Summer - too hot for me!

This was going to be a quick stop, had other Saturday things and a Sea World reunion in the evening.

My DELTA WEDGE clone was first up with a B6-4.

Slow spin on boost. At ejection the shock cord broke, the nose cone came down on the 12" chute. The body fell flat and slow enough for no damage. 

The FRANKEN GOBLIN had its 18th flight with an Estes C6-5 to probably 750 feet. This model was made up of pieces and parts salvaged from retired models.

Ejection popped out a rip-stop nylon streamer. 

Goblins are famous for fin breaks but the grass was thick, no damage on recovery.

I did laugh at this one - 

I asked why Henry's Estes Ghost Chaser had a Chapstick in the payload.

Henry's answer: "It's Alan Chaperd". 

Very clever.

Last up for me was the ANGLED INVADER from  New Way.

A B6-4 got it up to 300 feet. 

The chute was snagged on a fin spike at ejection. I heard a thud when it landed, I knew there would be some damage.

It was a clean break at the wing tube joint and a spike was broken. 

Easy fixes, ready again.

Estes Black Brant XII, Kit # 9723 Build, Part 24, Some Additional Build Thoughts

On these adapters, the silver was painted first. The silver was masked off, the orange area got a white undercoat, followed by the orange paint.

Look close - 

On the left, there is some slight discoloration at the shoulder. This was where the the tape adhesive mask made contact with the silver paint.

TIP: Polish the slight discolor with polishing compound to remove any adhesive and even out the silver.

 

This picture is from the data on the Meatball Rocketry website: CLICK HERE 

Notice the brown ring around the body to the right of the silver.

It is visible on the kit face card, not shown in the kit instructions. I wanted to add it to the show models. 

There is also a gold color on the edge of the fin attachment plates. I didn't add the gold - I didn't want to risk a very difficult mask.

Here's the only spray brown I could find that was close. I don't normally use Rusto paints anymore, sometimes you are stuck.

This has a new "5 in 1" spray nozzle. The dial is rotated to different settings.

I did some tests using the High (setting 1), Medium (setting 2) and Low (setting 3) nozzle settings. 

Be aware - the High setting 1 is a VERY heavy flow. The Medium setting was still too thick. I ended on Setting 3, the low setting. 

On the left is a less detailed "flying" version. I also didn't smooth out the molding seams.

On the right is a "show" build. These two builds got the extra brown ring and smoothing of the mold marks.

The flying builds got tube seams filled with CWF, but not the extra filler/primer spray and sanding. The flying builds didn't get as much attention to the balsa grain on the fins, no filler/primer follow up.