Cloning the K-32 Estes Starlight will be much easier (and far less expensive) than finding the elusive kit.

With 3/32" balsa I had on hand and a nose cone and BT-70 rings from Semroc (HOW they can get my parts to me by regular mail in less than 48 hours from the time I order them STILL baffles me), I got to work.

Cutting out, joining, and mounting the fins and heat sinks to the BT-50 was rather easy (though crowded).

After the 16 fillets hardened overnight, I checked the fit of the BT-70 rings. They don't even come close to sliding over the heat sinks.

I broke out the beloved mahogany block and sanded the heat sinks methodically until I had a good fit with the top and bottom rings.

And, Voila! TBC

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SAM# 0078

Keep in mind, it's easier to sand the fins to fit than it is to grow them larger

Given that they're hand cut, from a template that has been thru enough electronic handling that it may no longer be perfect, that you got them that close and on the slightly larger side...I'd say that's a pretty good outcome

It looks like it's coming along nicely.

Doug

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Thanks. Yes, it's the second rule of carpentry: "it's easier to make wood shorted than longer."

Anyway, now for the 4 miserable little wedges that register the top ring to the angle of the vanes. I cut and shaped shims from the same balsa I used for the fins and made them purposely too long. After the adhesive sets I'll cut them to length with the razor saw. TBC

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__________________
Never trust an atom. They make up everything.

4 out of 3 people struggle with math.

Chemically, alcohol IS a solution.

NAR# 94042
SAM# 0078

I've now trimmed the shims to length and removed the ring. Now I can stop using bad words--for now. TBC

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__________________
Never trust an atom. They make up everything.

4 out of 3 people struggle with math.

Chemically, alcohol IS a solution.

NAR# 94042
SAM# 0078

The sharp tips on the fins look like they have potential to break off on a hard (or maybe not so hard) landing. Do you see that as a potential issue? If so, how do you plan to address it?

- Rich

Easy! Make sure it lands in water.

But seriously.....

I originally wanted to construct the fins from basswood or plywood, but the person I'm making it for wanted it constructed as the original. If he is indeed going to fly it, then I may saturate the last 1/3 of the fins in thin CA.

__________________
Never trust an atom. They make up everything.

4 out of 3 people struggle with math.

Chemically, alcohol IS a solution.

NAR# 94042
SAM# 0078

The clone looks like it is coming along nicely.

If I ever built a Starlight, I'd fill or paper the fins before they glued on.

Maybe even not glue the ring on until the rest of the model is painted. Just scrape away a bit of paint from the surfaces to be glued.

Right. The rings will be painted separately and won't be attached until the rest of the model is painted.

__________________
Never trust an atom. They make up everything.

4 out of 3 people struggle with math.

Chemically, alcohol IS a solution.

NAR# 94042
SAM# 0078

Implant dowels along the trailing edge of those fins?


Bill

I came across this thread on the Starlight and though I’d share a few shots of one of my all time favorite rockets! I’ve built several clones and the one pictured is one that came together this past October. The fins and “heat sinks” look like they are covered in paper but in fact they are the result of a “happy accident”. I filled the balsa with my normal routine of a spray coat of Zinzer Shellac (cuts down on warping on large surfaces) and 2 coats of fill n finish. I primed the bird with Rustolium grey auto primer and to make a long story short, the primer was still tacky 2 days later …bad batch ? In any case, I removed the primer with lacquer thinner and that’s when the odd chemistry took place. As I wiped the primer off I assume the thinner reacted with the combination of shellac & filler and it tightened and stiffened the balsa to the point it felt like plastic. I primed again ( no issue this time ) and WYSIWYG !

Anyway, you’ll really enjoy flying this bird…makes a cool turbo sort of noise if conditions are just right !

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