I am currently trying to gather the rest of the pieces I need to build an ancient Estes Saturn V. I cannot, however, find the BT-58 or Bt-63 body tubes. The -63 is to slide ones choice of engine tube(s) into. I could live without that and scratchbuild something siutable, but that darn BT-58 fits the little plastic Command Module perfectly. Totally Tubular lists nothing close, and BMS has nothing either. The various kit manu's don't seem to, but I could be wrong. I can't get Estes to pick up the phone on the Customer Service side to ask them. Any help would be appreciated!
Allen

That's one of those tubes that's entirely superfluous. While a triple 18 MMT looks kewl with an outer (BT-60) wrapper thus creating the need for the 63, you can, as you've surmised, just use a 60 in place of the 63 and then leave the 60 off the 3x18s. The trio of 18's slides easily into and out of the 60 without needing extra parts.

I think this was a classic example of excess engineering (on the original design). Musta been some of that German engineering on that one

Doug

I second Sandman's idea....you gotta call x216 at Estes...That will get you directly in contact with Christine. Their "Generic" Customer Service line NEVER picks up.

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WOW! According to the forum, you seconded his idea before he even had it! You're, like, psychotic or something.

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Thank-You very Much! I've called Christine, but I had to leave a message. That Gauchito tube won't be long enough...course I guess I could scratch a coupler... I'll see what C. has to say. Think they have 101-size couplers, too?
Allen

The BT-58 in the original Saturn V was a little over 12" long, so you would need more than one Gauchito tube. I was going to suggest extending the more common BT-50 motor tube up higher to meet the shorter current size BT-58. The problem is that all three parachutes won't fit in the shorter BT-58! The original Estes Sat V separated at the capsule.

Drew Tomko

There's been problems with the time server keeping the correct time on the system. It jumps ahead 12hrs from time to time.

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Scott D. Hansen
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WOOSH NAR Section #558

Let's do the time warp again ...

.

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It's just a jump to the left...

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Scott D. Hansen
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WOOSH NAR Section #558

Regarding the BT63 tube .... one size of flourescent light cover tube I have is an exact fit over a BT60 , although the plastic might not be best for the heat.
another choice would be some paper towel roll tubes are also a perfect fit over a BT60, and could be substituted, since the exterior finish would not show . ( might want to reinforce the tube with a soaking of ca, or coat the exterior with titebond,etc. ).

The original BT63 tube was only 2.75" long, so towel roll should hold up ok.

I'll have to dig, but I did have an original ( used/crashed) BT63 and the D engine adapter 'insert' from an original Saturn, drop me a note and I'll see if it's still kickin around.

~ AL