I don't have my caliper handy, but the upper tube is nearly exact to the 15/31 ratio from the bottom tube. This is the only kit it is used in, as far as I can tell - that's some commitment!

__________________
Paul
If we weren't all crazy, we would go insane - Jimmy Buffett
NAR #87246 www.wooshrocketry.org

Well, I need to go back to work tomorrow, so progress will be slowed. I have most of the Trailblazer assembly done, it's straight-forward as shown in JJ's thread. I did do some filling of the plastic fin mount ring, as it's a slightly smaller OD than the 1.75" bottom tube. I also installed antennae on the payload section, using what I think is 3/64" brass rod - I would've preferred 1/32", but didn't have a drill bit that small.

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__________________
Paul
If we weren't all crazy, we would go insane - Jimmy Buffett
NAR #87246 www.wooshrocketry.org

The final coats of Dupli-Color Lacquer white went on yesterday - I spent way too much effort trying to fill the tiny divots in the balsa, after coats of Dupli-Color white primer. Finally had to say good enough!

I was going to put on the decals today, after 2 coats of liquid decal film, but decided they were just too yellowed (they look worse in person), so I'm trying the hang-them-in-the-window-for-a-few-days trick. If this doesn't work, I think I also have some decals printed from Kurt's redrawn ones, just need to find them - they're leftovers from a vintage SkyDart restoration a few years ago: https://www.oldrocketforum.com/showthread.php?t=4768 Of course, I'd prefer to use the vintage decals, as almost everything else is in this build.

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Paul
If we weren't all crazy, we would go insane - Jimmy Buffett
NAR #87246 www.wooshrocketry.org

Looks like you have a really nice Astron Nighthawk in the back ground there too.
The Sky Dart and Nighthawk are two of my all-time favorite Estes kits.
I have vintage green skill level NIB ones in my collection also.

__________________
When in doubt, WHACK the GAS and DITCH the brake !!!

Yes, there is such a thing as NORMAL, if you have to ask what is "NORMAL" , you probably aren't !
Failure may not be an OPTION, but it is ALWAYS a POSSIBILITY.
ALL systems are GO for MAYHEM, CHAOS, TURMOIL, FIASCOS, and HAVOC !

Paul,

If you have not started your Scamp, or at least have not applied the stickers, I’ll offer up a set of cut vinyl to you. Interestingly, I have been working on an upscaled set for a friend. I am awaiting word from him on exactly what he needs, but I started adding extras of name and critters. PM me if your interested. Here’s a picture of the decal layout, which can be modified, such as adding more decals.

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Lee Reep
NAR 55948

Projects: Semroc Saturn 1B, Ken Foss Designs Mini Satellite Interceptor
In the Paint Shop: Nothing! Too cold!
Launch-Ready: Farside-X, Maxi Honest John, Super Scamp

Thanks Lee, I appreciate the offer! I finished the Scamp, with decals from Jeffy, see post 40: https://www.oldrocketforum.com/show...06&postcount=40

Those would be great for an upscale, I hope your friend posts his build here.

__________________
Paul
If we weren't all crazy, we would go insane - Jimmy Buffett
NAR #87246 www.wooshrocketry.org

Thanks - The masking & painting to match the suggested paint scheme is the hardest part on the Nighthawk. This one (an xKit build) looks muh better than the one I built as a kid, and glides better too! I finally acquired 2 of the skill-level Nighthawk kits, both sealed, and have 2 of the Semroc xKits. I'll build at least one more of each, some day. Once the SkyDart is done, I'll have a contest between them, both on B4-2 or B6-2 motors, I don't recall for sure which one is better for these.

__________________
Paul
If we weren't all crazy, we would go insane - Jimmy Buffett
NAR #87246 www.wooshrocketry.org

The quick launch kick and tapered sustaining thrust of the B4-2 is best for both.
The B6-2 sucks.
I wish Estes would discontinue the B6 line except the B6-4, keep the B4 line, and bring back all the B8 or B14 variants.

__________________
When in doubt, WHACK the GAS and DITCH the brake !!!

Yes, there is such a thing as NORMAL, if you have to ask what is "NORMAL" , you probably aren't !
Failure may not be an OPTION, but it is ALWAYS a POSSIBILITY.
ALL systems are GO for MAYHEM, CHAOS, TURMOIL, FIASCOS, and HAVOC !

Paul, your Scamp looks great! I somehow missed a page of posts, I think.

My friend doesn’t post on YORF, but maybe I’ll post a picture of his build. I have vinyl for another upscale, and another yellow and black rocket — the Hornet. The vinyl is old, it’s from Stickershock. I bought it before I had a Cricut. I need to build that before doing a Scamp of my own.

__________________
Lee Reep
NAR 55948

Projects: Semroc Saturn 1B, Ken Foss Designs Mini Satellite Interceptor
In the Paint Shop: Nothing! Too cold!
Launch-Ready: Farside-X, Maxi Honest John, Super Scamp

Had to go back to work 4/4. Between work & cardiac rehab 3x/week, there's been no time to build, though I did get out to fly a couple times.

So back to the SkyDart. The decals were significantly more clear after sitting in the window for 7 weeks. They came off the backer nicely, and I was able to lay them down, but then they started coming apart when I tried smoothing them out using Micro-Set - they were curling the wrong way quite a bit. So, I found my second set Kurt's decals, and switched to those. The only originals I was able to salvage were the N3003, and the little logo below "SkyDart" on the NC (this was not on the re-drawn sheet). I can't tell what this logo is supposed to be, but it's on the header card, so it's on my model.

I kind of miss being on disability, but I don't miss recovery!

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__________________
Paul
If we weren't all crazy, we would go insane - Jimmy Buffett
NAR #87246 www.wooshrocketry.org