The original Centuri kit had an ST-13 tube, larger diameter than the BT-55 tube in the kit. The Centuri Phoenix Bird was 26.3", this reissue kit is 24" tall.
The fins are based on the old Enerjet 1340 plastic fin can, still used on the Estes Eliminator.
I can't figure why Estes didn't use that Enerjet fin can molded in black. It could then use the BT-56 (ST-13) tubing and the plastic cone from the Eliminator. That would make this "Classic" closer to the original.
The fins are based on the old Enerjet 1340 plastic fin can, still used on the Estes Eliminator.
I can't figure why Estes didn't use that Enerjet fin can molded in black. It could then use the BT-56 (ST-13) tubing and the plastic cone from the Eliminator. That would make this "Classic" closer to the original.
The balsa fins are laser cut from tung wood or a very stiff balsa.
The nose cone shoulder is 1" long.
The screw eye threads seem small, I'll probably change it out for a larger eye.
The screw eye threads seem small, I'll probably change it out for a larger eye.
The blue instruction sheet was stapled to the back of the bag.
It's an addendum to the instructions. The instructions had you glue on thru - the - wall fins, then slide the engine mount in from the back! It couldn't be built correctly using just the instructions in the bag.
The Classic kits have the longest nose blocks I've ever seen in a kit at 2" long.
That pressure sensitive silver and red decal sheet was a big feature of the original Centuri kit.
All the parts are of good quality, except for that blue engine tube. I'll be switching out to a stronger ST-7 for the engine mount. The engine hook will be replaced.
All the parts are of good quality, except for that blue engine tube. I'll be switching out to a stronger ST-7 for the engine mount. The engine hook will be replaced.
Just curious; would you be able to buy an Eliminator kit and use the Phoenix decals on it, or are the decals too small?
ReplyDeleteBTW, welcome home. Hope to see you at TTRA.
Hi Lonnie,
ReplyDeleteI think the Phoenix Bird kit decals would be a little small. There's not a lot of difference between the BT-55 and BT-56 (Centuri equivalent was the ST-13) but I'd hate to wrap the decal on the larger tube and have it not match up on the other side!
I just checked the prices and the Eliminator is 31" tall and almost $32.00 retail. The Phoenix Bird is 24" tall and sells at $23.99 retail. It seems the price point is $1.00 and inch.
Orlando R.O.C.K. launch was cancelled for May because of a burn ban. I hope to be at the May TTRA launch!