Vintage Estes Pathfinder Build

[SCIGS30]

Here are some pictures of the simple Estes Pathfinder build OOB with all the included parts. As always the build is KISS and there were no issues. After she was all built I brushed on 3 coats of Brodak Balsa sealer for smooth finish followed by Krylon Acryli Quik white, orange and Testors Silver. The old decals went on with no issues. This is a large rocket as you can see next to my Der Red Max. I really like the look, but I think I really like my short version with the Estes PNC-60RL nose cone.

 

[GlenP]

Estes definitely captured the sounding rocket appearance with that one. Nice build of another classic design.

 

[Theory]

Really like that rocket

was my first “D” powered one. Picked it up with my father in the late 80’s

would absolutely buy another if they were re-released

 

[Moldie]

would absolutely buy another if they were re-released

I contacted Estes and suggested the Pathfinder be re-released.
Maybe if they get enough interest they will?

https://estesrockets.com/contact-us/
The build looks great, by the way, SCIGS30.

 

[MALBAR 70]

Another fantastic build SCIGS30, and another favorite of mine. I had one I picked up at a LHS in the early 90's and flew it to death. Recently, I found one one on ebay for cheap money. I plan to fly this one to death too.

 

[mo2872]

I've been waxing nostalgic today, and seeking out info on the venerable Pathfinder. Had one in the late 80's that unfortunately some nimrod sent it on a D11-9.........guess what the delay was before it hit the ground? About 7.5 seconds. Lawn dart that crumpled the whole upper tube, followed by the eject charge. RIP.

 

[K'Tesh]

Looks good...
Just checked JimZ... No dice on the fins, no scale on the decals either. Rats!!!

 

[Buzzard]

Don't know if these will help. The decal sheet is 4"x12", so I don't know if I can scan it accurately. I don't plan on using them anyway, so I could send them to someone.

Chas

 

[Buzzard]

My decades old Pathfinder has at least 3 dozen flights on it. Mostly D12s and E9s. Cloth flare parachute.

Chas

 

[K'Tesh]

Don't know if these will help. The decal sheet is 4"x12", so I don't know if I can scan it accurately. I don't plan on using them anyway, so I could send them to someone.

Chas

Hi Chas,

Thanks for the images... That 2nd one was very useful... I was under the impression that the fin jutted out 90 degrees from the body tube... Nope...

When it comes to my sims, all I really need is a scan of one of each type of fin a kit uses, and a ruler for scale. So it doesn't need to be in the matrix. As to the offer of sending the fins to someone, you could forward them to me if you want. I have a friend who can get it added to a box being sent to me soon. PM me for the address. Unfortunately eRockets is no longer able to forward things to me. So, please don't send anything for me to them, as they will return them to you.

Thanks! And All The Best!!!
Jim

 

[Buzzard]

Jim,

I apologize if my post was not clear - it is the decals that I am willing to part with and not the fins.

Would help if I take one of the fins out and put it with a ruler or two? I don't know if I have any graph paper any more, but maybe a partitioned cutting board would do.

Chas

 

[mo2872]

Hi Chas,

Thanks for the images... That 2nd one was very useful... I was under the impression that the fin jutted out 90 degrees from the body tube... Nope...

When it comes to my sims, all I really need is a scan of one of each type of fin a kit uses, and a ruler for scale. So it doesn't need to be in the matrix. As to the offer of sending the fins to someone, you could forward them to me if you want. I have a friend who can get it added to a box being sent to me soon. PM me for the address. Unfortunately eRockets is no longer able to forward things to me. So, please don't send anything for me to them, as they will return them to you.

Thanks! And All The Best!!!
Jim

I think you're on the right track here for the bottom edge. IIRC from mine, and from looking at the photos in the OP, the top edge is slightly angled, but the bottom is 90*.

 

[K'Tesh]

IF the root edge has a 90º edge then with the supplied lengths would be sufficient.

 

[K'Tesh]

Jim,

I apologize if my post was not clear - it is the decals that I am willing to part with and not the fins.

Would help if I take one of the fins out and put it with a ruler or two? I don't know if I have any graph paper any more, but maybe a partitioned cutting board would do.

Chas

Ah... I see. I'd be willing to take the decals if you're not going to use them. If you confirm a 90º angle on one edge, that will give me what I need with the measurements you supplied. A scan would be preferable (as they are unimpeachable when a ruler is included for scale). I am now sharing everything (save proprietary info supplied by manufacturers) with JimZ.

All The Best!!!
Jim

BTW Neat trick for doing the degree ° symbol... Alt+176 gives you "º"

 

[icyclops]

Here are some pictures of the simple Estes Pathfinder build OOB with all the included parts. As always the build is KISS and there were no issues. After she was all built I brushed on 3 coats of Brodak Balsa sealer for smooth finish followed by Krylon Acryli Quik white, orange and Testors Silver. The old decals went on with no issues. This is a large rocket as you can see next to my Der Red Max. I really like the look, but I think I really like my short version with the Estes PNC-60RL nose cone.

I love the pathfinder also. I have built and flown 2 of them and have 2 kits in my collection just in case my other two are lost….doesn’t seem to happen with that one though….love the dual chute design and has always flown straight…never had any problems with it….great rocket. My go to dependable launcher.

 

[mo2872]

Woot-woot!! Just received an unopened Pathfinder!!!