24mm X2 Cluster SR-71
 

Does anyone remember an Estes SR-71 (maybe it was a Centuri but I doubt it) that utilized a cluster of two 24mm motors?

I had this kit in the early 80's, I know it was produced, I can't seem to find any info or details on it.

If I remember correctly, I think both Estes and Centuri kits were single 18 mm powered; however, I know the Estes kit can be converted for three engine cluster (18 mm core; two
A10-PT's outboards). This conversion is what I plan to do to my other unassembled SR-71.

Nope, I'm not talking about the current kit that's been in production for several years now. I had this kit as a young kid, in 1981-82. I distinctly remember it having 2 (two) "D" engines. I remember thinking to myself. "Wow, I might lose this thing. I better make sure to launch it at a huge field."
I have the current 18mm kit, and the one I had as a kid was much larger.

The original Centuri SR-71 used a single 24mm D, the Estes kit used a single 18mm engine.
The huge "hobbylabs" SR-71 used a single 24 or 29mm engine.
I do not know of any SR71 (or at least widely avaialble) that used any sort of cluster power.

I've found it!!!
It only appeared once in the Estes 1982 "summer catalog" (actual pics appear @ ninfinger)

It is product #5349 SR-71 Blackbird. It used a single 24mm engine mount & two 24" parachutes.

I would have been 11-12 years old at the time & probably got the two chutes & motor confused. However I remember thinking to myself, "Man how high will this thing go?"
I built it, painted it, and never got to fly it.

Where is it now?! :confused:

Yeah, I can name that tune in two notes. It played a lot for me in the late 70's. :( Satellite Interceptor, Andromeda, Alien Invader, Wolverine, etc....... ;)
Any idea what happened to yours?

I don't know what ever became of my (that) SR-71. I may have taken it to school, or a friends house, and left it there. We moved when I was 13, & I don't recall having it after we moved.

I'm curious why that kit only made an appearance in that one catalog.

Here's a link:
http://www.ninfinger.org/~sven/rock...2/82sest14.html

I have a feeling it had stability and weight issues so it quietly disappeared. A smaller SR-71 was back a couple of years later...probably the Centuri one in Estes clothing.

That SR71 did not use a cluster and was the Centuri Magnum-D SR71.
It is even listed as a Centuri kit in that Estes catalog.
The only time Centuri kits appeared in Estes catalogs was in the "seasonal special" catalogs.