#1
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Estes Deep Space Transport build
Lately I've built a lot of pretty but relatively easy birds, so it's time to challenge myself with a vintage skill level 3 build and one I've never built before: the Estes Deep Space Transport #2034.
Should be fun! 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 |
#2
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The contents are in very good shape desite the kit's age. Just some balsa separation--no big deal.
All tubes are perfectly round and the HoJo PNC is flawless. THEREFORE, I'm going to swap it with my gnarly Sirius HoJo PNC that has poorly molded spin nozzle cavities--since I'm going to be filling the spin nozzle cavities with Squadron Green on the Deep Space Transport anyway. So now I'll have a perfect PNC for my next HoJo clone! (blah, blah, blah) 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 |
#3
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First, I won't be needing the PNC for a very long time, so I've pressed Squadron Green into both of the spin nozzle cavities of the Sirius HoJo cone and I'll let it cure for a long time. I've read forward in the DST instructions and I'm surprised there's no provision for filling or covering the cavities. TBC
__________________
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 |
#4
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Quote:
I like the Estes kits from this era a lot. I have the National Aerospace Plane, Solar Probe, S.W.A.T. and Explorer Aquarius (Thanks, Chas,) but I've never been able to score one of these. I have a mini version 3/4 of the way finished. I started the build using a Mini Hojo cone, but ordered a balsa one from Semroc just to avoid having to fill all the details.
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Bill Eichelberger NAR 79563 http://wallyum.blogspot.com/ I miss being SAM 0058 Build floor: Centuri Mini Dactyl Estes - Low Boom SST Semroc - Marauder, Shrike, SST Shuttle In paint: Canaroc Starfighter Scorpion Estes F-22 Air Superiority Fighter, Multi-Roc, Solar Sailer II, Xarconian Cruiser Semroc Cyber III Ready to fly: Estes - Solar Sailer II Semroc - Earmark, Groonie Der V 1/2 |
#5
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Unless keeping the build light in weight is of dire importance (in this case it isn't) I'm a strong believer in over-engineering the parts that won't be seen again--except under extreme circumstances. In this case: the engine mount.
I've assembled the mount with epoxy as the only adhesive. I've also added a Semroc mylar engine hook retainer, an engine block, and I've attached a 100# Kevlar shock cord leader to the engine mount. Oh goody! "The Vixen" is finished watching Idle American so I get to watch Family Guy! Time for a Scotch and an IPA and some educational programming. Good night. TBC
__________________
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 |
#6
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Enjoying this so far. We've got 2 of those in the bag and I've been toying with the idea of turning it into a look alike 6 engine XB 70 Valkyrie.
Randy www.vernarockets.com |
#7
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Now the balsa work begins.
To achieve complete flatness of the fins and wings, I use the Corian slab that's covered with waxed paper. After scraping the joining edges to register to each other I glue the wing extensions to the wings with TiteBond red. I have a steel ruler taped to the slab for a "fence". If there's any mismatch of the root edges between the two joined parts (and as you can see, there are,) I'll sand the root edges to eveness after the adhesive is dry. The assemblies are weighed down gently as the adhesive dries. TBC
__________________
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 |
#8
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I then give the same treatment to the single vertical stabilizer--which joined MUCH better. TBC
__________________
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 |
#9
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LADIES, PREPARE TO SWOON!
Now for the faux SRB nozzles. After cutting out the cardstock nozzles, I use the handle of a paintbrush to precurl the strip against my Herculean thigh. After inserting the nozzle's disk, I apply epoxy to the INSIDE joint. This makes for a much cleaner finish on the outside. TBC
__________________
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 |
#10
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The canted, faux SRB nozzles are now mounted onto the SRB BT-50's. I'll let the adhesive dry before I even THINK about touching these again. TBC
__________________
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 |
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