The kit comes in one of the new style boxes.
All the parts:
On the left are the cardstock assembly jigs. The main body is two BT-55 tubes joined by the red coupler. This time around the Glider (Orbiter) tube is a larger BT-50.
The decals are on two sheets in the traditional red, black and yellow.
The narrow, long sheet at the bottom are the stripes that run down the body of the booster.
The narrow, long sheet at the bottom are the stripes that run down the body of the booster.
I do like that the "Astron Aerospace Lines" markings as were used in the original release of the Orbital Transport (the change to "Estes Aerospace Lines" was mildly annoying in the reissue version).
ReplyDeleteI rather like the inclusion of the assembly jigs as well as the tab-and-slot joints -- these should make it easier to get proper alignment.
Must admit that I'm sort of on the fence on these "Super" versions of the kits. Larger size means they take up more space (which could be problematic if you're living in a small apartment), and would usually require bigger engine (which could increase the cost of flying). However the upscale is somewhat moderate, so those problems aren't as acute as they would be with 2x, 3x or larger upscale.
Hi Naoto,
DeleteOn my Semroc O.T. clone I made up an "Astron Aerospace Lines" decal to replace the Semroc name.
The jigs certainly helped, the built up wing is heave for a single, long glued root edge.
I still prefer the smaller models as there is not much space left in the "Rocket Room".
I do wonder if there may be folks tempted to build model with alternate markings -- for example with PanAm markings (in reference to the spaceplane seen in the movie "2001: A Space Odyssey"), or perhaps TWA (in reference to the Disney Moonliner).
ReplyDeleteHi Naoto,
DeleteI'm sure we'll see some variations. These were Estes builds so they were finished like the face card picture.
If it is not too late, would it be possible to post a .tif or .png of the balsa fin stock pieces with a ruler for scale? (Like Jimz does on his site)
ReplyDeleteSorry -
DeleteThe design and part patterns are the property of Estes. I don't think they would want me to distribute them.
i would have thought so myself but JimZ and others have been posting this Estes IP since 1990 and Estes has never taken down their sites ... maybe they only care about current production items - thanks anyway.
ReplyDeleteHi Anonymous,
DeleteEstes didn't Copyright older designs. All the recent Estes kits have Copyrights probably because of all the clone kits out there.