Another one I've had around for a long time. It was part of a starter set that I won from an Ebay auction as the only bidder. It had been started and the paint was done badly, so I sanded and reprimed it, then hit it with a coat of fluorescent orange. I ran off some decals at the end of an ink cartridge, but I was able to cut off the part where the ink failed on the lower wrap.

__________________
Bill Eichelberger
NAR 79563

http://wallyum.blogspot.com/

I miss being SAM 0058

Build floor: Estes - Low Boom SST Semroc - Marauder, Shrike, SST Shuttle

In paint: Canaroc Starfighter Scorpion Centuri Mini Dactyl 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

Awesome looking builds. I love them all. I have a special place in my heart for the Red and White Alpha III. That was my first rocket way back in 1982 I think.

I need to get back to building and finishing. I've taken about a month off. The last one I built was an Estes Starchaser Thunderstar. I have a Spaceship One started. I haven't been impressed with the quality of these two. I think Estes fumbled on these kits.

David

__________________
I used to have super powers, but then one day, my Therapist took them away from me.

NAR #96285

SoAR #503

My Low Power Rocket Fleet

Level 1 (2-22-2014) GRITS Winternationals
Level 2 TBD
Level 3 TBD

The Thunderstar isn't terrible. I've had one ready to go at about three straight trips to the field and just haven't felt the urge to try it. I think the cluster worried me at first, but I launched my ill-fated El Gato a few months back and had no trouble lighting both engines. I scanned the sticker decals, cleaned then up, and printed out a set, which really made a huge difference in the finishing process and how it looks. The stickers were just junk. As for the Spaceship One, I've yet to see one of these fly worth a ****, so I think you may be right on that count.

__________________
Bill Eichelberger
NAR 79563

http://wallyum.blogspot.com/

I miss being SAM 0058

Build floor: Estes - Low Boom SST Semroc - Marauder, Shrike, SST Shuttle

In paint: Canaroc Starfighter Scorpion Centuri Mini Dactyl 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

I thought the motor mount was extremely flimsy on the Thunderstar, and the plastic doesn't bond well with plastic cement, I had to use medium CA to bond the plastic. Just saying...

I bought the kit for the two engine cluster. I thought it was cool. It does seem like over kill given the size and weight of the finished rocket. You're right about the stickers. not very impressed with them.

David

__________________
I used to have super powers, but then one day, my Therapist took them away from me.

NAR #96285

SoAR #503

My Low Power Rocket Fleet

Level 1 (2-22-2014) GRITS Winternationals
Level 2 TBD
Level 3 TBD

Now that you mention it, I do remember being disappointed in the cluster mount. I think my rings tore and had to be finagled into place. The plastic is never good, but I got mine to turn out ok using CA. I plan to fly mine on a 2xA8-3 cluster for the first flight. Small field, you know.

__________________
Bill Eichelberger
NAR 79563

http://wallyum.blogspot.com/

I miss being SAM 0058

Build floor: Estes - Low Boom SST Semroc - Marauder, Shrike, SST Shuttle

In paint: Canaroc Starfighter Scorpion Centuri Mini Dactyl 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

Yep. My engine mount did the same thing.

David

__________________
I used to have super powers, but then one day, my Therapist took them away from me.

NAR #96285

SoAR #503

My Low Power Rocket Fleet

Level 1 (2-22-2014) GRITS Winternationals
Level 2 TBD
Level 3 TBD

My Thunderstar has about 17 flights, and it is a favorite. 2 A8-3s keep it nice and visible throughout the flight. The B flights get surprisingly high, and the C flights need a sod farm. Yes, the stickers are junk. My plastic tower has been replaced. Only once did both motors fail to light.

I have copies of this kit so another can be built when this one is forced into retirement.

John

Well that's good news. Thanks.

David

__________________
I used to have super powers, but then one day, my Therapist took them away from me.

NAR #96285

SoAR #503

My Low Power Rocket Fleet

Level 1 (2-22-2014) GRITS Winternationals
Level 2 TBD
Level 3 TBD

Bill, We really liked your Zepher 7.95 @ NARAM last Summer. I think Debbie's Zepher 5 is still in that pond :-)

Bob

__________________
illegitimi non carborundum

NAR# 54643 L-1

SAM# 043

AMA# 157091

VRCS# 154

A&P# 42x xx xxxx.

I was trying to remember who it belonged to. I just posted a picture of it on TRF in the galleries last night.

__________________
Bill Eichelberger
NAR 79563

http://wallyum.blogspot.com/

I miss being SAM 0058

Build floor: Estes - Low Boom SST Semroc - Marauder, Shrike, SST Shuttle

In paint: Canaroc Starfighter Scorpion Centuri Mini Dactyl 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