Estes - Vagabond (#3217) Gallery

[JAL3]

Welcome to the Estes Vagabond (#3217) Gallery on TRF.

This gallery showcases the Estes Vagabond (#3217) and those rockets derived from it. Particularly appropriate in this thread are the following:


Estes: Vagabond: #3217



as well as any upscales, downscales, clones, kitbashes or other derivative works. Even Goonies qualify!

[JAL3]

Estes Vagabond (#3217) Basic Information.

http://www.rocketryforum.com/images/galleries/logos/estes.gif Estes Industries

MODEL NAME: Vagabond Also known as:

NUMBER: #3217

Introduced: 2011
Final Year:
Designer:

Type: Sport
Motor Mount: 1x24mm
Recovery: Parachute
Stages: 1
Length: 35.25 in. (89.5 cm)
Diameter: 1.64 in. (42 mm)
Span:
Weight: 4.1 oz. (116.2 g)

Mfg. Description: Standing almost 3 feet tall, this amazing rocket can reach heights of 1275 feet. Launched on D and *E engines, this rocket is sure to be a crowd pleaser. (Estes 2012 Web Ad)



Advertising Liveries

http://www.rocketryforum.com/images/galleries/liveries/estes-vagabond%203217-2011%20cat%20livery.jpg 2011 Catalog http://www.rocketryforum.com/images/galleries/liveries/estes-vagabond%203217-2012%20cat%20livery.jpg 2012 Catalog
http://www.rocketryforum.com/images/galleries/liveries/estes-vagabond%203217-2012%20web%20livery.jpg 2012 Web Ad



Face Card(s)




Instruction Header(s)

http://www.rocketryforum.com/images/galleries/liveries/estes-vagabond%203217-instr%201.jpg



First post in this thread featuring this rocket. (http://www.rocketryforum.com/showthread.php?23048-Estes-Vagabond-Gallery-%28-3217%29&p=204621#post204621)

See Also:
TRF Build Threads
Aero Antics (http://www.rocketryforum.com/showthread.php?45092-Vagabond-building-My-first-buid-thread)
Bubba02STi (http://www.rocketryforum.com/showthread.php?46581-29mm-Vagabond)

TRF Applicable Threads
Vagabond for Christmas (http://www.rocketryforum.com/showthread.php?48186-Estes-Vagabond)

LINKS

[url=http://www.rocketreviews.com/estes---vagabond-8883.html]RocketReviews (]EMRR[/url)
Mfg. Page (http://www.estesrockets.com/003217-vagabondtm)


If you have any additional information on this rocket and/or catalog photos please let us know.

[Initiator001]

I finished building one of the new Estes Vagabond kits (#3217). I like the size and appearance of this kit, it somewhat reminds me of the Renegade kit (#1271).

This is not the first kit named 'Vagabond' by Estes. Estes had a Vagabond Starter Set (#1423) several years ago with a completely different rocket (That rocket looked like a Centuri Astro-1 with a different paint scheme). The new Vagabond uses the same font for the decal name as the earlier Vagabond kit.

[Horaryelrod100]

Beautiful work. Simple lines and powerful appearance. I'm firm in my favoritism of good ol' 3FNC.:D

[Initiator001]

My new Estes Vagabond kit had it's first flight at the SCRA launch in Los Angeles on June 25th.

An Estes D12-5 propelled the model into the air.

[dugliss]

Beautiful! Cool rocket; great flight pics. I finished my Vagabond a week ago. Can't wait to see it fly. Just waiting for the opportunity to launch.

[Horaryelrod100]

In progress.......................

http://i743.photobucket.com/albums/xx71/Horaryelrod100/SamXSmooth6-28-2011020.jpg

[qquake2k]

Great looking rocket and a nice flight! Those rocket eating trees in the background look scary, though...

[Horaryelrod100]

.........completed 7-3......I'm content, but not happy with the result; may have to do another one....ahhh..what a shame:wink:

http://i743.photobucket.com/albums/xx71/Horaryelrod100/VAGABONDWHITEMISSILE7-3-2011014.jpg

[qquake2k]

Looks good to me! I like the lines of it. I may have to pick one up for myself.

[scoop55]

I finished building one of the new Estes Vagabond kits (#3217). I like the size and appearance of this kit, it somewhat reminds me of the Renegade kit (#1271).

This is not the first kit named 'Vagabond' by Estes. Estes had a Vagabond Starter Set (#1423) several years ago with a completely different rocket (That rocket looked like a Centuri Astro-1 with a different paint scheme). The new Vagabond uses the same font for the decal name as the earlier Vagabond kit.Looks great! I just finished one about a month ago, but haven't had a chance to fly it yet.

[scoop55]

My new Estes Vagabond kit had it's first flight at the SCRA launch in Los Angeles on June 25th.

An Estes D12-5 propelled the model into the air.How did it fly on the D12? Did you try an E9 as well?

[Initiator001]

How did it fly on the D12? Did you try an E9 as well?

It was a good flight. :)

No, I have not tried an E9. I MIGHT try an E20 someday. :wink:

[jayarrG7]

Estes Vagabond - my first modified kit. Went with plywood centering rings, drilled for kevlar shock cord. Also added Top Flite Recovery X type parachute.
Yet to fly, but stocked up with D5's and E6's.

http://i902.photobucket.com/albums/ac225/jayarrG7/Model%20Rocketry/IMG_2478_edited-1.jpg

[Initiator001]

Estes Vagabond - my first modified kit. Went with plywood centering rings, drilled for kevlar shock cord. Also added Top Flite Recovery X type parachute.
Yet to fly, but stocked up with D5's and E6's.

http://i902.photobucket.com/albums/ac225/jayarrG7/Model%20Rocketry/IMG_2478_edited-1.jpg

Wow. Looks sharp!

I wouldn't use a (Quest?) D5 motor in this rocket. The Vagabond is too heavy for that motor.

An E6 would be a cool flight but a long walk. ;)

[GDJ]

God I wish I took pics of mine before the accident. AUGH!

Lets see....the bottom would be ford blue, rest high gloss snow white, and instead of the decals the official "http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQJQxjXGhdP0gOQbGVWA7mFAqL-nvdpoRPgluCNX1_WmqsJh8hRe7tIoHTx" on it.

The fins were tabbed in, and a finless booster stage added.

It was spectacular......:cry:

[Marc_G]

I liked the stock scheme but decided to add my own touch:

A fade to yellow fluorecent and overcoating with metallic clear before decals and a final clear coat.

69665

69666

69667

I miss her greatly. I plan to rebuild when my acrylic airbrushing skills get good enough to replicate the original lacquer/fluorescent result.

Marc

Post copied to gallery with permission

[DizWolf]

I also built one stock, and then immediately wanted to build more. I've got a few more ideas for this bird.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7033/6763327185_1d5b52d9b6_z.jpg


Post Copied to Gallery with Permission

[paul.nortness]

Here's my recently finished Vagabond....

http://skyhawks.combatace.com/images/rockets/vagabond_4.jpg

[Jiffycoil]

And here's mine with a twist.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7051/6871006363_414fc0b827_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/34488155@N03/6871006363/)
Vagabond (http://www.flickr.com/photos/34488155@N03/6871006363/) by jiffycoil (http://www.flickr.com/people/34488155@N03/), on Flickr

[Horaryelrod100]

Jiffy, that is AWESOME looking....love the missle-like appearance. And the small checkers really give it flavor..well done!

[Jiffycoil]

Thanks, and thank you for the inspiration.

[foamy]

People are having fun with these Vagabonds. They all look darn good. I like the variety.

Is this rocket the new Big Daddy or 'Bertha?

[Jiffycoil]

It was a fun laid back build too. I really enjoyed working on it.

[foamy]

It was a fun laid back build too. I really enjoyed working on it.

Excellent color combo Jiffy.

[Jiffycoil]

Thanks Foamy.

[SacEsq]

And here's mine with a twist.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7051/6871006363_414fc0b827_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/34488155@N03/6871006363/)
Vagabond (http://www.flickr.com/photos/34488155@N03/6871006363/) by jiffycoil (http://www.flickr.com/people/34488155@N03/), on Flickr

What is the blue metallic paint brand/type you used there? Looks GREAT!!!!

[Jiffycoil]

It's Dupli-Color Hampsted Green Metallic.

[Wayco]

I had the same idea as DizWolf, built one for my wife Sharon, then decided I had to have one too. Made a mistake though, it was NOT a good idea to use a 29mm MMT in this rocket. Here are the original versions of these two great rockets:
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y126/allands/IMG_5232.jpg

The one on the right was built with the 29mm MMT, and after several flights with different motors, and several rebuilds due to damage from those flights, I made a 24/29 adapter for it and fly it on E9-6's, which is a great motor for this rocket. The forth or fifth rebuild (can't remember now) decided me to rename this poor, patched up rocket:
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y126/allands/115.jpg

[Real Deal]

I asked my six year old what colors we should paint it. It looks like he has been on TRF and saw your kit Marc!

This was my first time papering fins. Happy the way it came out. I can not wait to reach up into the sky with it! 77700

[Fishhead]

http://i1122.photobucket.com/albums/l529/rmortis/EstesVagabondpre-flight.jpg

http://i1122.photobucket.com/albums/l529/rmortis/EstesVagabondlift-off.jpg

I just went with the stock look, but I love the paint variations the others have posted. Gets me thinkin'.:wink:

[Jiffycoil]

Hey Fishhead,
Beautiful build and nice photos. The Vagabond is just one sweet rocket.

[SacEsq]

Here is my Vagabond just completed. Stock except for the paint change you can see (didn't like a nekked nose cone) and a 24mm aluminium motor retainer from rocketarium that you cannot see. Of course I also used about 5 feet of fabric/elastic band for the shockcord opting out for the 18 inches of rubber band estes provided :p


826688266982670

[qquake2k]

That's such a good looking rocket. I really need to upscale one.

[pick1e]

Here's mine- stock finish with Testors Hugger Orange lacquer on Rustoleum White lacquer. The only mod is a Semroc baffle.

This has half a dozen flawless flights on Estes D12's and E9's (save for the first flight when the parachute was tangled up and it came in ballistic but somehow was magically unharmed).

83115

[SacEsq]

That's such a good looking rocket. I really need to upscale one.

That would be really cool.

[qquake2k]

That would be really cool.

I'm thinking a 3" version would be good.

[GDJ]

Here's my Vagabond. It's all kit parts, including the fins. I just did it differently:

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e216/Max_Payne_0001/Miscellaneous%20stuff/Vagabond2.jpg
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e216/Max_Payne_0001/Miscellaneous%20stuff/Vagabond1.jpg

I flipped the fins because I got sick and tired of fins getting dinged up and broken because they were the first thing to touch ground. The Motor mount and retainer is much stronger and able to withstand a bit of punishment on landing.

[Jiffycoil]

Very nice build.

[qquake2k]

Here's my Vagabond. It's all kit parts, including the fins. I just did it differently:

I flipped the fins because I got sick and tired of fins getting dinged up and broken because they were the first thing to touch ground. The Motor mount and retainer is much stronger and able to withstand a bit of punishment on landing.

Very clever! I like the upswept fin look!

[cjp]

Well I would like to add mine.Rustoleum Apple Red with Gloss black nose cone.Added a baffle switching tubes and made it zipperless.86227

[cjp]

Here's mine- stock finish with Testors Hugger Orange lacquer on Rustoleum White lacquer. The only mod is a Semroc baffle.

This has half a dozen flawless flights on Estes D12's and E9's (save for the first flight when the parachute was tangled up and it came in ballistic but somehow was magically unharmed).

83115Nice looking build pick1e.

[cjp]

Here's my Vagabond. It's all kit parts, including the fins. I just did it differently:

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e216/Max_Payne_0001/Miscellaneous%20stuff/Vagabond2.jpg
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e216/Max_Payne_0001/Miscellaneous%20stuff/Vagabond1.jpg

I flipped the fins because I got sick and tired of fins getting dinged up and broken because they were the first thing to touch ground. The Motor mount and retainer is much stronger and able to withstand a bit of punishment on landing.
I would also add that these are great looking builds,like the reverse fins,also SacEsq red looks great forward and aft.We need qqake2k to add his.How about it Jim?

[GDJ]

Thank you all for your kudo's! I also would like to add that all the rest of your Vagabonds are great examples of quality workmanship. :)

As for mine, the stability margin did drop slightly going upswept fins, but it still spec'd out at a 1.8 Cal off the launch rod (compared to my other two, conventional builds that had a 2.5 to 2.8 Cal), so the drop is not significant for flight. If anything, it will be slightly less prone to windcocking, but only by a minor amount.

[qquake2k]

Here is my Vagabond. I just got the decals put on today. Inspired by Carl's red Vagabond (http://www.rocketryforum.com/showthread.php?36379-Red-Vagabond&), I made mine zipperless with a baffle in the middle (http://www.rocketryforum.com/showthread.php?36670-Vagabond-build&). I also made TTW birch plywood fins for it. I kept the 24mm motor mount.

[GDJ]

I like. :)

[cjp]

Here is my Vagabond. I just got the decals put on today. Inspired by Carl's red Vagabond (http://www.rocketryforum.com/showthread.php?36379-Red-Vagabond&), I made mine zipperless with a baffle in the middle (http://www.rocketryforum.com/showthread.php?36670-Vagabond-build&). I also made TTW birch plywood fins for it. I kept the 24mm motor mount.
SUPER looking build Jim,I really like what you did.

[BLT50568]

My finished Vagabond and the first one I've built. 86524 Sorry it's sideways. oops

[GDJ]

I like the orange fade into white. Nice touch!

[BLT50568]

Thank you GDJ. I think my next paint scheme will be rusted. It's kind of a new trend in Rat Rods, so I thought a rocket would look cool that way too.

[Squatchy]

My husband is just getting back into rockets and I'm joining him. This was one of my very first builds and I loved it! I really like this rocket- I have already purchased a second Vagabond kit. She has already had a few successful flights so far.

87170

[GDJ]

My husband is just getting back into rockets and I'm joining him. This was one of my very first builds and I loved it! I really like this rocket- I have already purchased a second Vagabond kit. She has already had a few successful flights so far.

87170

That's a damn nice looking rocket! Glad you've had a better track record than me. I'm on my 3rd after 2 not-so-good maiden launches. :(

[BLT50568]

My husband is just getting back into rockets and I'm joining him. This was one of my very first builds and I loved it! I really like this rocket- I have already purchased a second Vagabond kit. She has already had a few successful flights so far.

87170Like the little punk rockness of it.

[BLT50568]

So I'm seeing a lot of mods to this rockets. Is there a big zipper effect problem with this particular rocket? I haven't launched mine yet and just wanted to know.

[Initiator001]

So I'm seeing a lot of mods to this rockets. Is there a big zipper effect problem with this particular rocket? I haven't launched mine yet and just wanted to know.

Not for me. :)

However, I did add three feet of small diameter kevlar line to the kit shock cord. :wink:

[Wayco]

I had so many zipper issues with mine, I renamed it Rag-a-bond. Mostly because I modified mine to fly 29mm motors and it took me a while to find the right motor/delay combination. I'm building another Vagabond now and using the zipperless design where the rocket splits in the middle at the coupler. I build mine with the longer body tube as the fin can and the coupler built into a baffle. After building several of these great kits, I think I'm getting all the bugs worked out.....

[GDJ]

Well, Vagabond #3 is now a sacrifice to the rocket gods. Caught a updraft at apogee and it disappeared without a trace. Searched a entire section of land, and nothing.

I still have another nose cone........deciding how much of a glutton for punishment I am.......*groan* :(

[Wayco]

Only three? I'm building number four now, and that doesn't include all the rebuilds of my now deceased Rag-a-bond. The nose cone was all I salvaged from it's melt down, and I'm resurrecting it AGAIN! Even building it stock, it's a great rocket, but if you really want to be a glutton for punishment, put a 29mm MMT in it!

[pick1e]

So I'm seeing a lot of mods to this rockets. Is there a big zipper effect problem with this particular rocket? I haven't launched mine yet and just wanted to know.

I had no zipper issues with mine, flew perfectly on Estes D12-5 and E9-6 half a dozen times with no zippers. Mine was built per instructions with squared fins and low weight.

[BLT50568]

I had so many zipper issues with mine, I renamed it Rag-a-bond. Mostly because I modified mine to fly 29mm motors and it took me a while to find the right motor/delay combination. I'm building another Vagabond now and using the zipperless design where the rocket splits in the middle at the coupler. I build mine with the longer body tube as the fin can and the coupler built into a baffle. After building several of these great kits, I think I'm getting all the bugs worked out..... So then do you glue the nose cone to the upper half of the body? Then add that baffle to the coupler? Are there places that sell pre-made couplers?

[Wayco]

So then do you glue the nose cone to the upper half of the body? Then add that baffle to the coupler? Are there places that sell pre-made couplers?

You can glue the N/C to the body tube, I usually use small nylon pins to hold mine in place. Plenty of sources for couplers, Balsa machining would be my first choice, but if you do a little research, you will find more..... You can also make your own by cutting down a piece of body tube but that can be a challenge if you haven't done it before.
There are several threads on this design:
http://www.rocketryforum.com/showthread.php?36379-Red-Vagabond&
http://www.rocketryforum.com/showthread.php?36670-Vagabond-build
Including mine where I muffed the original coupler and bought spare BT-60 tube and couplers from BMS:
http://www.rocketryforum.com/showthread.php?26226-Estes-Vagabond-rebuild-kit-bash

[qquake2k]

Here is my 3" upscale. I'm very happy with how it turned out.

[GDJ]

That realy turned out really nice! Wish I lived closer to you to see it fly.

[pick1e]

Here is my 3" upscale. I'm very happy with how it turned out.

Very nice!

[Barracuda]

Here's my first Vagabond..I'm really liking it.Flies good on D12's just waiting for the day I can put it up on a E28 reload9645496455It has a baffle and it's zipperless w/pay load bay

[Bubba02STi]

I cant wait to finish mine and share it with you guys. I got a lot of insperation with this thread.

[Tarasdad]

Krylon Pumpkin Orange, Walmart Gloss Black, Walmart Gloss White (base coat). Kevlar tied to motor mount to just inside end of BT, tied to 2.5x BT length of 1/4 flat elastic.

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i144/cofrbooboo/Model%20Rocketry/100_0048_zps4793f3ac.jpg
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i144/cofrbooboo/Model%20Rocketry/100_0050_zpse86baf53.jpg

[Bubba02STi]

Rusto floressant green rusto 2x flat black and rusto clear coat... completely stock

http://i806.photobucket.com/albums/yy345/Rally_Subie/Model%20Rockets/Vagabond/20120912_011130.jpg
http://i806.photobucket.com/albums/yy345/Rally_Subie/Model%20Rockets/Vagabond/Vagabondlaunch_zps48e84da4.jpg

[Boosterdude]

Just finished, nice kit as usual from Estes.

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd96/BoosterDude/DSC00481.jpg

[GDJ]

Ooh! I love that purple! Just like the purple on my Quest High-Q. Very nice! :)

[GDJ]

Krylon Pumpkin Orange, Walmart Gloss Black, Walmart Gloss White (base coat). Kevlar tied to motor mount to just inside end of BT, tied to 2.5x BT length of 1/4 flat elastic.


http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i144/cofrbooboo/Model%20Rocketry/100_0050_zpse86baf53.jpg

Love the paint job on the fins! Pretty trick! :)

[Initiator001]

My original Vagabond model was lost at NARAM-54 when the wind carried it off to land in the 'Big Icky'. :(

I had original bought two of these kits and I have just finished building the replacement. :)

The only changes I made between this build and my original is a Semroc baffle instead of my 'custom' method and ST-9 tubing for the motor mount instead of the kit supplied BT-50.

I must be getting better at building this model, the new one weighs 4/10ths ounce less than the first one I built. :wink:
102315

[pick1e]

My original Vagabond model was lost at NARAM-54 when the wind carried it off to land in the 'Big Icky'. :(

I had original bought two of these kits and I have just finished building the replacement. :)

The only changes I made between this build and my original is a Semroc baffle instead of my 'custom' method and ST-9 tubing for the motor mount instead of the kit supplied BT-50.

I must be getting better at building this model, the new one weighs 4/10ths ounce less than the first one I built. :wink:

That's funny, I just finished my second one as well! Too bad about the Big Icky. I thought is was the Big Stink?

Anyway, mine is also considerably lighter than my first one at 132g (4.6oz). This was my first experience with Hobbylite balsa filler, it did a nice job.

My first one was lost to an E9 CATO.

102347

[rrlc]

All stock except painted the fins blue instead of orange.

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m263/rrlc/171899_168791569927056_1799468460_o.jpg

[Tarasdad]

Blue looks great!