Estes - (Astron) Alpha (K-25 or #1225) Gallery

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I am considering building a clone of my Astron Alpha, which was my first ever model rocket. It will need to have no sealer or filler on the fins or on the balsa nose cone, no filler in the body tube spirals, lopsided asymmetrical fin airfoiling, and a paint scheme consisting of white and red dope, brushed on, with no primer. No decals; the Alpha didn't have any back in 1967. It will be work, but I think I can pull it off.
 
The hard part will be finding the dope (unless you still have some:D)
No, butyrate dope paint is still being produced, and it isn't hard to find. No, the really hard part is going to be to regrow the brain cells that I used to have so that I can kill them off once again during the build.
 
I know it's still being produced, but at least around here seeing it on the shelf at the hobby shop is rather less likely than it was "back in the day".

Point taken on the brain cells. That might explain a few things about my behavior....:)
 
Great Alpha variations posted in the gallery so far; I've enjoyed them immensely and they've inspired me to finish a project I started a while back. Long story short, some time back I set out to build every variation of Alpha that Estes ever made. This project has been on and off again for a few years, but recently completed. Here are a few photos of the results.

The inner ring of rockets are Alpha I's and II's. Chronological sequencing (Alpha geneology?:)) goes from left to right (1967 to current). The outer ring of rockets are Alpha III's, IV's and Super Alphas....also chronological except that the Super Alpha #0717 (fades yellow to red) preceeds the orange Alpha III's and Black/Red Alpha IV to its left.
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Now we've added the bigger brothers: Maxi Alpha III and Maxi Alpha with a 4" upscale Alpha in the middle (okay, that's not really a member of the Estes Alpha family).
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The family relocated to a set of tracks.
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Along the tracks again with a different perspective...like the layout, don't like the poor lighting and shadows.
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-Eric-

..
 
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Who knew that the rocket that is the quintessential 3FNC would earn so much love and inspire so much creativity? :)
 
YT video of my "Super Charged" Alpha. It started as a super alpha with the stock 18mm MMT, and has 3 strap on 13mm A10-3T deployable boosters. The booster pods are 18mm tubes with an extra piece of tube glued around the outside, and 1/4 tubes glued onto the booster to act as thrust rings, so if one doesn't light it will hang on for the ride. There is a small port cut into the top of the booster tube so the ejection charge will deploy the booster. Boosters are light enough and tumble for recovery without worries, besides finding them.

[YOUTUBE]64S7OpQrS2o[/YOUTUBE]

PS. A special thanks to my buddy for getting the video on his iphone, pardon his grammarz.
 
Here is my Estes Maxi Alpha 3....kinda.

I gave it a 4" trim and added a 29mm mount. (thats what happens when you hang around Wildman too much- even an Alpha gets "juiced"

I wraped the body with monocote (easier than pant and stiffend up the body tube a bit) and left the nose unpainted. I built this in about 90 min. last night when I couldn't fall asleep. With the extra weight from the motor mount, wooden centering ring and the monocote, it's only an ounce and a half heavier than the stock weight.

The next question is "how much motor will those plastic fins take" I will report back with that answer.

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Maxi  Alpha 3 001.jpg
 
The DD with her Alpha. Its flown on everything from D12s to E30s. It rocks on the E30s!

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It sitting on the workbench awaiting paint now.
 
Here Is mine, complete with plywood centering rings, monocote covering and a 29mm mount with aeropack. Have flown on D's, E's and F's (4 inches shorter also)

Maxi  Alpha 3 001.jpg
 
I was inspired by ECayemberg's alpha collection, over on YORP, so I cloned the alpha's too. Clone, goony, and card model.

These are the old Alpha design, the new Alpha design, Alpha 2, Alpha3, and Alpha 4.

The new alpha design has an extra alpha meant to illustrate how not to build one - fins are wrong, decal is wrong, and second coat of paint was shot at the wrong time causing wrinkles.

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Now for the rest of the story of the Alpha clones, goonies, and cardmodels:
Super alpha (freaky BT-50 size), Super alpha (that we all know and love), Maxi Alpha, and Maxi Alpha 3.

The Maxi Alpha and Maxi Alpha 3 goonies are actually Maxi Goonies, being based on a BT80 tube and 80BB nose.

Don't look too close, but I screwed up the paint job on the Maxi Alpha 3 lower tube and painted it red. It wasn't until I was applying decals that I finally realized it should have been white. And, just for kicks, I made a Maxi Alpha 3 as a Skeletal Maxi Alpha 3, with no BT80 tube, but with a BT50 tube extending the full length.


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For your viewing pleasure. I completed the paint job on my Estes Alpha III upscale today. The rocket is completely scratch built, except for the motor mount and parachute. All up weight is 32 ounces. I designed it to fly on g61's and g67's, but can fly on 38mm small H's also.


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I was inspired by ECayemberg's alpha collection, over on YORP, so I cloned the alpha's too. Clone, goony, and card model.

These are the old Alpha design, the new Alpha design, Alpha 2, Alpha3, and Alpha 4.

The new alpha design has an extra alpha meant to illustrate how not to build one - fins are wrong, decal is wrong, and second coat of paint was shot at the wrong time causing wrinkles.

Post copied with permission

David, that rocks!:D I concede to your madness. Well executed collection and fantastic goonies! Congrats on a fine collection!

Let me see if I have this right: the goonies you built are all BT-60 (except the MA, MA3); the originals are all BT-50 (except SA, MA, MA3), and the downscales are BT-5?

Again, awesome job!

-Eric-
 
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Welcome to the Estes - (Astron) Alpha (K-25 or #1225) Gallery on TRF.

This gallery showcases the Estes - (Astron) Alpha (K-25 or #1225) and those rockets derived from it. Particularly appropriate in this thread are the following:


Estes: (Astron) Alpha: K-25 or #1225
Estes: (Astron) Alpha II: EK-25 or #1421
Estes: (Astron) Alpha III: K-56 or #1256
Estes: (Astron) Alpha IV: #1258
Estes: Maxi Alpha: #1291
Estes: Maxi Alpha 3: #1321
Estes: Maxi Alpha 3: #1903
Estes: Super Alpha: #3216
Semroc: Start: KA-25



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





.
 
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Estes (Astron) Alpha II (EK-25 or #1421) Basic Information.

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Estes Industries

MODEL NAME: Astron Alpha II Also known as: Alpha II

NUMBER: EK-25 or #1421

Introduced:
Final Year:
Designer:

Type: Sport, Educational
Motor Mount: 1x18mm
Recovery: Parachute
Stages:
Length:
Diameter:
Span:
Weight:

Mfg. Description: DESC


Advertising Liveries




Face Card

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First post in this thread featuring this rocket.

See Also: LINKS
EMRR
RocketReviews
Mfg. Page


If you have any additional information on this rocket and/or catalog photos please let us know.
 
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Estes (Astron) Alpha III (K-56 or #1256) Basic Information.

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Estes Industries

MODEL NAME: Astron Alpha III Also known as: Alpha III, Alpha 3

NUMBER: K-56 or #1256

Introduced: 1971
Final Year:
Designer: Mike Dorffler

Type: Sport
Motor Mount: 1x18mm
Recovery: Parachute
Stages: 1
Length: 12.25"
Diameter: 0.976"
Span:
Weight: 1.2 oz

Mfg. Description: Just like the Alpha except it's easier to assemble and fly! Plastic nose cone and fins. (Estes 1971 Catalog)


Advertising Liveries

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Estes 1971 Catalog
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Estes 1973 Catalog
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Estes 1975 Catalog

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Estes 1978 Catalog
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Estes 1981 Catalog
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Estes 1982 Catalog

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Estes 1983 Catalog
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Estes 1985 Catalog
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Estes 1986 Catalog

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Estes 1989 Catalog
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Estes 1992 Catalog
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Estes 1993 Catalog

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Estes 1995 Catalog
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Estes 1998 Catalog
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Estes 2002 Catalog

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Estes 2003 Catalog
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Estes 2004 Catalog
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Estes 2005 Catalog

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Estes 2006 Catalog
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Estes 2007 Catalog
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Estes 2008 Catalog

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Estes 2010 Catalog
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Estes 2011 Web Ad


Continued...
 
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Estes (Astron) Alpha IV (#1258) Basic Information.

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Estes Industries

MODEL NAME: Astron Alpha IV Also known as: Alpha IV

NUMBER: #1258

Introduced: 1998
Final Year: 1998
Designer:

Type: Sport, Commemorative
Motor Mount: 1x18mm
Recovery: Parachute
Stages: 1
Length:
Diameter:
Span:
Weight:

Mfg. Description: DESC


Advertising Liveries

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RocketReviews Photo


Face Card





First post in this thread featuring this rocket.

See Also: LINKS
EMRR
RocketReviews
Mfg. Page


If you have any additional information on this rocket and/or catalog photos please let us know.
 
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Estes (Astron) Alpha (K-25 or #1225) Basic Information.

estes.gif
Estes Industries

MODEL NAME: Astron Alpha Also known as: Alpha

NUMBER: K-25 or #1225

Introduced: 1966
Final Year:
Designer: Bill Simon

Type: Sport
Motor Mount: 1x18mm
Recovery: Parachute
Stages: 1
Length: 12.3 in. (31.2 cm)
Diameter: 0.98 in. (25 mm)
Span:
Weight: 0.8 oz. (23 g)

Mfg. Description: An exciting rocket to fly. From "Lift-off" to recovery, it demonstrates superior flight characteristics. The easiest parachute model to "prep" and fly. With its low weight and streamlined design, the Alpha will reach high altitudes consistently. An excellent model to have in your rocket fleet. The choice of experienced modelers because of its high performance and dependability. (Estes 1967 Catalog)

=====
1968 Catalog text identical to 1967 Catalog
1969 Catalog text identical to 1967 Catalog

=====

"OUT OF THIS WORLD" performance from an easy to build model! First choice for beginning and experienced rocketeers, the ALPHA offers dependable high performance from lift-off through parachute recovery. Easy to prep, easy to fly, this "bird" will be one of your favorites as your rocket fleet grows. (Engines not included.) (Estes 1970 Catalog)

=====​

When a rocket has been sold to millions of model rocketeers for over three decades, there has to be a reason. With its high quality components, easy assembly and reliable performance, the Estes Alpha has become the all time leading entry level rocket!

With a rocket this well known you are bound to get compliments from fellow rocketeers on choosing such a thoroughbred. The Alpha is a classic Skill Level 1 kit that includes a one piece body tube, laser cut wood fins and an aerodynamic nose cone that completes the sleek look.

Building this speed merchant takes about an afternoon and flying is just as easy and enjoyable as building this classic. When powered with a C engine, the rocket can reach cloud topping altitudes of 1,000 feet. Recovery of this aerodynamic wonder is accomplished with a colorful 12 inch preassembled parachute.

Its suggested color scheme and classy red, white and blue decals are as American as you can get. You'll feel patriotic building this sleek and colorful rocket as well as flying it. Get an Alpha and start flying today! (Estes 2011 Web Ad)


Advertising Liveries

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Estes 1967 Catalog
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Estes 1968 Catalog
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Estes 1969 Catalog

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Estes 1970 Catalog
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Estes 1971 Catalog
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Estes 1972 Catalog

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Estes 1973 Catalog
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Estes 1975 Catalog
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Estes 1977 Catalog

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Estes 1981 Catalog
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Estes 1982 Catalog
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Estes 1983 Catalog

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Estes 1985 Catalog
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Estes 1991 Catalog
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Estes 1993 Catalog

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Estes 1995 Catalog
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Estes 1998 Catalog
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Estes 2003 Catalog

Continued...
 
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Estes (Astron) Alpha (K-25 or #1225) Basic Information Continued

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Estes 2004 Catalog
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Estes 2005 Catalog
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Estes 2006 Catalog

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Estes 2007 Catalog
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Estes 2008 Catalog
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Estes 2010 Catalog



Face Card

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Instruction Header(s)

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First post in this thread featuring this rocket.

See Also: LINKS
EMRR
RocketReviews
Mfg. Page


If you have any additional information on this rocket and/or catalog photos please let us know.
 
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Estes Maxi Alpha 3 (#1321) Basic Information.

estes.gif
Estes Industries

MODEL NAME: Maxi Alpha 3 Also known as:

NUMBER: #1321

Introduced: 1979
Final Year: 1985
Designer: Bruce Paton, Keith Niskern

Type: Sport
Motor Mount: 1x24mm
Recovery: Parachute
Stages: 1
Length: 33.25"
Diameter: 2.6"
Span:
Weight: 7.4 oz

Mfg. Description: Very easy-to-assemble giant scale version of one of our most popular kits. Can be ready to launch in approximately 30 minutes. Features new press-fit plastic fin unit plus plastic nose cone. "D" engine power for truly spectacular flights up to 500 feet. Perfect for demonstrations. Really dramatic recovery via huge 24" parachute. Nose cone, fin unit and body tube are all pre-colored. No painting required! Includes big kit decals and quick release engine mount too! A 3/16" launch rod is recommended for lift off. (Estes 1979 Catalog)


Advertising Liveries

estes-maxi%20alpha%203%201321-1979%20cat%20livery.jpg
Estes 1979 Catalog
estes-maxi%20alpha%203%201321-1981%20cat%20livery.jpg
Estes 1981 Catalog
estes-maxi%20alpha%203%201321-1983%20cat%20livery.jpg
Estes 1983 Catalog

estes-maxi%20alpha%203%201321-1985%20cat%20livery.jpg
Estes 1985 Catalog


Face Card





First post in this thread featuring this rocket.

See Also: LINKS
EMRR
RocketReviews
Mfg. Page


If you have any additional information on this rocket and/or catalog photos please let us know.
 
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Estes Maxi Alpha 3 (#1903) Basic Information.

estes.gif
Estes Industries

MODEL NAME: Maxi Alpha 3 Also known as: Maxi Alpha Three

NUMBER: #1903

Introduced: 2011
Final Year:
Designer:

Type: Sport
Motor Mount: 1x24mm
Recovery: Parachute
Stages: 1
Length: 33.25 in. (84.5 cm)
Diameter: 2.6 in. (66 mm)
Span:
Weight: 6.6 oz. (187 g)

Mfg. Description: D & E engine power at its finest! Powered by a D12-3, *E9-4 or an *E9-6, the Maxi Alpha 3 can reach heights of 700 feet! That's pretty amazing for a rocket that weighs over 6 ounces yet is fairly simple to build.

It might take an afternoon of your time but then it's off to the flying field to have some fun! (Estes 2011 Web Ad)


Advertising Liveries

estes-maxi%20alpha%203%201903-2011%20web%20livery.jpg
Estes 2011 Catalog


Face Card

estes-maxi%20alpha%203%201903-facecard.jpg




First post in this thread featuring this rocket.

See Also: LINKS
EMRR
RocketReviews
Mfg. Page


If you have any additional information on this rocket and/or catalog photos please let us know.
 
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Estes Maxi Alpha (#1291) Basic Information.

estes.gif
Estes Industries

MODEL NAME: Maxi Alpha Also known as:

NUMBER:

Introduced: 1977
Final Year: 1980
Designer:

Type: Sport, Upscale
Motor Mount: 1x24mm
Recovery: Parachute
Stages: 1
Length: 33.2"
Diameter: 2.6"
Span:
Weight: 6.17 oz

Mfg. Description: Giant scale version of our most popular rocket, the Alpha. Great for demonstrations and slow, realistic lift-offs and dramatic 24" chute recovery. Flights up to 500 feet with "D" engine. Comes with die cut balsa fins, molded plastic nose cone, quick release engine mount and huge decal. Assembles in approximately 30 minutes. Perfect launch vehicle for one, two or three Firefly gliders. (Estes 1977 Catalog)


Advertising Liveries

estes-maxi%20alpha%201291-1977%20cat%20livery.jpg
Estes 1977 Catalog
estes-maxi%20alpha%201291-1979%20cat%20livery.jpg
Estes 1979 Catalog



Face Card

estes-maxi%20alpha%201291-facecard.jpg




First post in this thread featuring this rocket.

See Also: LINKS
EMRR
RocketReviews
Mfg. Page


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