Scissor Wing Transport

[guitarcapo]

Of all the Estes kits ever made, this rocket design was my favorite. As a kid I built several and they always worked flawlessly for me. I'd love to build one again after all these years. I heard there was a reissue, but can't seem to find the kit online. Occasionally one old kit pops up on Ebay but I hate paying hundreds. Should I just build one from scratch based on plans? Has anyone ever built one of these at a larger scale? What would be your advice?

 

[stickershock23]

Of all the Estes kits ever made, this rocket design was my favorite. As a kid I built several and they always worked flawlessly for me. I'd love to build one again after all these years. I heard there was a reissue, but can't seem to find the kit online. Occasionally one old kit pops up on Ebay but I hate paying hundreds. Should I just build one from scratch based on plans? Has anyone ever built one of these at a larger scale? What would be your advice?

I too love that rocket. I have built a couple from scratch. and MOST have worked out Good. Honestly better that my Reissued one with the plastic hinge.

If you decide to build one. I can hook you up with decals for it!! good luck!!

 

[SwingWing]

Yes, scratch built of the original is the way to go. See the plans and templates of the original here: https://www.spacemodeling.org/JimZ/estes/est1265.pdf
Get a balsa cone form Carl at Semroc or Bill at Balsa Machining Service.

The re-issue kit uses a plastic nose cone that makes it hard to balance for glide. The wing pivot on the re-issue is more fragile than the original plywood model.

I have built SWTs in 13mm, 18mm, 24mm and 29mm.

 

[judo]

I just paid $20 for one from a vendor in November of last year. Post a wanted ad over in the "Yard Sale" forum. I know there are members here with multiple SWT's still in the bag. Maybe one of them will make an offer you can't refuse.

 

[guitarcapo]

I just paid $20 for one from a vendor in November of last year. Post a wanted ad over in the "Yard Sale" forum. I know there are members here with multiple SWT's still in the bag. Maybe one of them will make an offer you can't refuse.

I just picked up a reissue for $30 from Amazon.
I've heard of balance problems with the reissue other places too.
At any rate maybe it's a good place to start.

I remember the original worked perfectly for me. I would typically set the glider so it made these huge lazy circles coming down. Hopefully this plastic hinge business isn't to awful.

 

[5x7]

The original flew perfectly for me with no trimming - I didn't know about trimming at the time!

 

[guitarcapo]

The original flew perfectly for me with no trimming - I didn't know about trimming at the time!

The new ones apparently need ballast in the tail...which surprises me becauce the old ones needed more in front.