Estes Sandpiper build
 

Since I am home for one day, I decided to get started on my Estes Sandpiper build. I should have it built today and hope to get around to sealing and priming next week.

Interesting engine engine wrap.



Like building a paper plane.


Have to make sure everything is straight. I have a bunch of these little wood right angle triangles from building model airplanes.

That was a quick build, should begin sealing the balsa next week.

Very cool. You sure wouldn't see that paper shroud in a modern Estes kit.

Very cool. I've got an original Centuri kit, but it was eaten alive by a hot ejection charge.
Can you send the face card, templates and decal scans to Scott? I'd like to give this one a try. I think I have one of those cones.
BTW, the bulk of these builds wind up on both my work and home screen savers, so keep them coming. ;)

Ditto Bill's comments about the patterns. We don't have any of those posted here.

The nose cone is identical to the PNC-50Y. Estes no longer makes these but you can buy balsa versions from BMS or Semroc. The fins would have to be added and they are the same size as and location as the 71005, the nose cone used in the Nemesis. I still see this cone a lot with the Estes NC-50 nose packs. It is the exact same as the Sandpiper nose except the canopy

I sealed the fins today with 6 coats of balsa sealer and primed 2 coats of Krylon grey. I will sand the grey smooth and apply one coat of flat Krylon white tonight. I work tomorrow so Wed. I will paint the rocket Orange. I practiced with Duplicolor white sandable primer, and had bad results. I will stick with Krylon grey primer, I have much better luck with Krylon grey vs Krylon white primer.

This is the sanded 2nd coat of grey primer, off to the garage for flat white.

One coat of flat white, ready for Gloss Orange.

Looks awesome! What type of sealer did you use? I have some areogloss sealer enroute from Hobbylinc I am going to try out..Man you cant see neary a grain line in those wings! :)