Estes Maxi X-Wing

[scigs30]

This is the third kit I am working on during my 2 week vacation... I built this kit as a kid and it was challenging. I remember it flying but not too high. The two parachutes were neat and it sure looked good. I will build this slow and will have it done in a month. I normally only build one rocket at time so I don't end up with incomplete builds. But since I am on vacation I will break this rule......Also I am going to try and build my "plastic vintage" rockets while I am building the regular rockets. These plastic jobs take a while to build and I don't want to impede progress on my standard rockets.

Sure is a lot of parts.
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k211/scigs30/DSC_0014.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k211/scigs30/DSC_0015-1.jpg

[Leo]

You're going to love this puppy when it's done :)

[scigs30]

Leo, did you build this bird? If so did you use plastic cement like the plans call for when gluing the wings to the plastic? I remember as a kid I used plastic cement and it worked fine. Was strong enough to hold during launch and landings.

[Leo]

I strongly recommend using plastic cement glue. Use a nice amount and the joint will hold very well.

[ghrocketman]

I hope you plan to fly this one one reasonable engines that are LARGER than the SU BP Estes D12.
A flight of a Maxi X-Wing on a D12-3 is what could be described as barely above a "dud" at best.
A flight of one of these on an Aerotech SU E15 or an RMS24 E18 or F24 is a NICE flight. :D
For the plastic parts that are in the airstream subjected to flight loads, I would use Tenax 7R liquid plastic welder to glue the plastic-to-plastic joints. For gluing dis-similar parts such as plastic to cardboard or balsa, I would use 5-minute epoxy.

[scigs30]

I hope you plan to fly this one one reasonable engines that are LARGER than the SU BP Estes D12.
A flight of a Maxi X-Wing on a D12-3 is what could be described as barely above a "dud" at best.
A flight of one of these on an Aerotech SU E15 or an RMS24 E18 or F24 is a NICE flight. :D
For the plastic parts that are in the airstream subjected to flight loads, I would use Tenax 7R liquid plastic welder to glue the plastic-to-plastic joints. For gluing dis-similar parts such as plastic to cardboard or balsa, I would use 5-minute epoxy.

Thanks for the advise, but I am trying to keep this bird as close to vintage as possible. My pops and I flew this bird when I was a kid and it flew nice, just slow. I have 3 of these kits so the next one I build will be more powerful. On the next build I will add motor mounts to the 4 engines.

Leo, thanks for the advise.

[dwmzmm]

Thanks for the advise, but I am trying to keep this bird as close to vintage as possible. My pops and I flew this bird when I was a kid and it flew nice, just slow. I have 3 of these kits so the next one I build will be more powerful. On the next build I will add motor mounts to the 4 engines.

Leo, thanks for the advise.

Good luck; if you need more advice, I'm more than capable of providing it..... ;)

[scigs30]

This build is going slow, but that was to be expected. The balsa required some minor repairs and filler for some dents and minor damage. I began applying the balsa sealer to the balsa wood. The plastic took some sanding to get a tight fit and I still need to apply putty. This is a fun build and nothing like the smell of an old Estes kit, balsa sealer and Testors plastic glue. I will keep the pictures going as the build comes along. I think after this one I will being on the Tie fighter. I hope to start my Vintage Estes Big Bertha build next week.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k211/scigs30/100_3894.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k211/scigs30/100_3895.jpg

[scigs30]

I have the plastic filled and sanded smooth. I also finished applying sealer to the balsa parts. I will let the fillets dry tonight, glue the wings to the fuselage and prime in the am. I am sure that I will have to apply more filler to some of the plastic pieces.


http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k211/scigs30/1.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k211/scigs30/2.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k211/scigs30/3.jpg

[scigs30]

I think I finally have the nose where I want it. I used Testors filler and grey primer to cover the unsightly seam. I have one grey coat and will sand it down today. I will then apply white and call it a day. I will try to have this bird done this week.
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k211/scigs30/DSC_0074-1.jpg

[scigs30]

I have the X Wing painted minus the blue canopy and silver R2. Should have it done tomorrow. So far the wt. is at 13.1 oz.

[scigs30]

Here she is all painted, should have the rest of the details done by tomorrow. Still have to paint the blue canopy , paint the grey under the wings and add decals. I made some decals with my Alps for R2 D2.


http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k211/scigs30/DSC_0082.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k211/scigs30/DSC_0083.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k211/scigs30/DSC_0084.jpg

[scigs30]

I finished my X-Wing today. The original decals were in good shape, except I did have one small decal tear. I used my Alps and made the R2 D2 decal. This was a fun build and one could go crazy with details. I kept it simple. The hardest part was holding the rocket while putting on the decals. I brought my vise clamp in to assist.
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k211/scigs30/DSC_0076-1.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k211/scigs30/DSC_0078.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k211/scigs30/DSC_0081.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k211/scigs30/DSC_0082-1.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k211/scigs30/DSC_0083-1.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k211/scigs30/DSC_0084-1.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k211/scigs30/DSC_0085.jpg

[moonzero2]

WOW!
It looks FANTASTIC!

[Leo]

Solid clean build :)

[jetlag]

What, no weathering? ;)

[Race58]

Now that's nice!!! :)

[scigs30]

What, no weathering? ;)
No, not this one. I built it as a vintage Estes Kit, minus the R2 D2 decal. If I ever build another I will definitely do weathering and make my own decals.

[Leo]

What, no weathering? ;)

What, in space? ;)

[Shreadvector]

What, in space? ;)

Two words: "solar wind".....:D

I prefer "battle damage".

[cas2047]

Very nice job!

Now I want one. I'm going to have to keep an eye on ebay! :)

[dwmzmm]

If you ever decide to fly it, it'll get "weathered" naturally very quickly. Trust me, I know from personal experience.....

[cas2047]

Hmmm I won't be looking here: http://cgi.ebay.com/STAR-WARS-VINTAGE-1977-X-WING-FIGHTER-MODEL-ROCKET-RARE_W0QQitemZ200239660074QQihZ010QQcategoryZ154QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem :eek: :eek: :eek:

[scigs30]

If I ever get brave and launch this rocket, I am sure it will have plenty of battle markings.

[barone]

Hmmm I won't be looking here: http://cgi.ebay.com/STAR-WARS-VINTAGE-1977-X-WING-FIGHTER-MODEL-ROCKET-RARE_W0QQitemZ200239660074QQihZ010QQcategoryZ154QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem :eek: :eek: :eek:
Yeah....collector's price for an opened item, that looks like it might even be partially assembled. :rolleyes:

[scigs30]

I must say I got a good deal on my Maxi X-Wing.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200224426064&ru=http%3A%2F%2Fsearch.ebay.com%3A80%2Fsearch%2Fsearch.dll%3Ffrom%3DR40%26_trksid%3Dm37%26satitle%3D200224426064%26category0%3D%26fvi%3D1

[Ltvscout]

I must say I got a good deal on my Maxi X-Wing.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200224426064&ru=http%3A%2F%2Fsearch.ebay.com%3A80%2Fsearch%2Fsearch.dll%3Ffrom%3DR40%26_trksid%3Dm37%26satitle%3D200224426064%26category0%3D%26fvi%3D1
Heh, you always manage to find those great deals, Dave.

[Race58]

He sure did!!
Look at this. :eek:

http://cgi.ebay.com/STAR-WARS-VINTAGE-1977-X-WING-FIGHTER-MODEL-ROCKET-RARE_W0QQitemZ200239660074QQihZ010QQcategoryZ154QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem