Transition and adapter leading up to the capsule. I used a BNC-60AK from Semroc, same cone as the Estes K-41 Mercury Redstone. I sanded the Redstone adapter ring off to make it match up to the Atlas. The paper capsule wrap in the picture is just a mock-up. I used 1/12 dowels Continue Reading
Rocketeer
Mercury Atlas Part 2
I used the same method for the fairing shrouds that I used on my BT-80 Saturn V using body tube. Semroc’s BT-58 turned out to have the perfect radius. And I started adding some of the corrugated details using corrugated plastic sheet material.
Mercury Atlas Part 1
For a second time, I’m reviving a project I started some time ago. I’ve wanted a Mercury Atlas, so I decided to scratch build one around a BT-80. It seems like the perfect size and I’ve configured the motor mount for a 24mm D engine. I started by cutting the two specialized Continue Reading
No Good Rocket Should Go Unpainted
I have too many rockets that I’ve built and just never painted. So I’m trying to rectify that.
BSG 1.6x Colonial Viper
I still have a little more to do. This is about a 1.6X upscale of the Estes Colonial Viper. Main tubes are BT-60. I offset the 24mm motor mount, I remember the the original I had as a kid tended to arch over and my research supports that memory, so Continue Reading
Centuri KB-7 Arrow 300
This was a really quick build, the Estes Fin Alignment Guide helped make quick work of the 12 fins. I bought this as an open kit, it was missing the fin sheets, but Semroc to the rescue! The long ST-8 was a little roughed up on one end, but the Continue Reading
PERSHING 1A ESTES MAXI-BRUTE CLONE Launch!
Launched it this past Sunday afternoon on a 29mm Econojet F42-4T. Perfect flight and recovery! 4 second delay was just right. Used two 24 inch chutes.
Pershing 1A Estes Maxi-Brute Clone Part 9
As I got further into the assembly it became apparent it was going to be significantly heavier than I expected as it approached 500 grams, so I did switch gears on the engine mount. Luckily I was able to cut out the 24 mm mount without too much trouble and Continue Reading
KC-25 Centuri Honest John Clone
Several years ago I assembled the parts I needed to clone the Centuri KC-25 Honest John. While an older build I decided to share the build here, especially since I just finally got around to painting it almost 12 years later! I’ve always liked the Honest John, the Estes Maxi Continue Reading
Pershing 1A Estes Maxi-Brute Clone Part 8
I finished it last night. I used vinyl stickers from Stickershock. Of course after I got all the stickers on I realized I forgot to paint the top of the nose white. Doh! But that’s okay. I might spray it with some dull coat to make the decals not so Continue Reading