Vintage Estes U.S.S Pleiades Build

I think this is a real neat looking kit and should make for nice rocket. Remember going to hobby store and looking on the backside of the Estes package? Wondering how will all these cardboard and balsa pieces in this flat package produce the rocket on the front?

Cool looking rocket. Should be a cool build thread.

One of my favorite Estes 2-stage rockets. I have one in my build pile as well.

Looking forward to seeing your finished model.

I Love your work SCIGS!

One of these day's, Lord Willing, I'll be able to pick a catalog, and build 'em all (like I've heard you've done).

As always, please scan instructions, decals, and fin templates (along with a ruler for scale and fin thicknesses)... You never know when I'll want to create a .ork for 'em

Thanks!
Jim

Here the instruction.

https://www.spacemodeling.org/JimZ/estes/est1910.pdf

Saluki said:

Here the instruction.

https://www.spacemodeling.org/JimZ/estes/est1910.pdf

Click to expand...

I know about those, but I've seen times that I haven't been able to access JimZ's site, yet still access YORF and TRF.

What I do on these old builds is to compare my parts with online plans and scans. Pretty much every time they are dead on. I have a thumb dive that I download these files to.

Problem is, too often, the thickness of the balsa is missing, or the files are from a different variant of the paint/decal scheme. Take this example JimZ's Alpha (#1225)). I want to sim the version I have from the 1980's, but the only images he has are from the 1970's.

Well this build went together pretty quick I thought it would be a little slower build. Sorry I don't post my step by step builds but I am building straight from the plans with no modifications or fancy tricks. Also if you are looking for tips then look at Chris Model Rocket blog, he offers tips and advice on building rockets. For me I keep everything simple using the same techniques I used back in the day and the same supplies. Estes instructions are pretty detailed and the kit comes with nice guides to keep everything angled correctly. The only thing with these old builds is the die cut parts can be a challenge. They are sometimes chipped or warped and I just do my best to work around this. Also matching fins are not always matching, so I stack them together and sand the same size trying to keep the same shape. Laser cutting kits makes building much easier IMO. The booster has a 3/8 gap and this will be painted black as per the instructions. After the glue dries I will apply 2 passes of fillets with white glue and allow to dry 24 hours and begin brushing on Aerogloss balsa sealer for a smooth balsa surface. The Interceptor nose is pretty big when compared to the body tube, I really like this futuristic design.

Looking good!

I sprayed a couple coats of primer followed by Rustoleum Gloss White and flat black on the booster ends. I hope to have time on Sunday to sand some of the fuzz on the end of the BT and apply the old decals. This is a busy week for me so looks like Sun morning is my next day available.

I was off today and was able to apply the old decals. The decals went on with no real issues and she is ready for flight. All and all another great old kit from Estes. Don't get me wrong the new Estes kits are also really nice and the laser cutting makes for a easier build.

I like it

Beautiful, as usual for your builds.