Sentinel clone - decal resources?

[emckee]

I'm working on an Estes Sentinel clone (with a 2x 18mm cluster). So far the model plans are done and I have parts on the way, but I feel that the decal set for the model adds quite a bit to the look of the model.

What do you all do when trying to find decal sheets for an OOP kit?

I'm aware of StickerShock23 for up-scale models and Excelsior Rocketry for OOP kits, but are there others? I suppose the biggest issue I have at the moment is rationalizing paying more for shipping on a decal sheet than the actual decal sheet costs.

Any thoughts? Other resources? Make my own?

Thanks in advance folks!
Erik

 

[chrism]

The only other source would be Papa Tango decals, but I don't know if they are still in business. If you have the software, you could upscale and print your own decals.

 

[blackbrandt]

Go with sandman, I have seen his work and they are amazing.

 

[Dseter]

You may have seen my thread from earlier this year here- https://www.rocketryforum.com/showthread.php?36252-Estes-Sentinel-Upscale but if not, I did make an upscale of the Sentinel based on my old original Estes Sentinel and went with vinyl decals from Mark at Stickershock. I can't recommend him enough as he has made perfect decals in different scales for me for both rockets and model cars.

 

[blackbrandt]

I got that rocket from a friend for free. Can you give me some stats on the kit?

 

[maricopasem]

If you really want to go inexpensive, just print the decals yourself on Avery label paper. Because the rocket is white, this method works well whether you use clear or white label paper. I used clear label paper for my BT-50 downscale and was happy with it.

 

[emckee]

If you really want to go inexpensive, just print the decals yourself on Avery label paper. Because the rocket is white, this method works well whether you use clear or white label paper. I used clear label paper for my BT-50 downscale and was happy with it.

That's actually a very interesting idea...

However, I purchased decals from SandMan at Excelsior Rocketry. While I ended up purchasing more than just the decals, he was very flexible and even offered to reduce shipping costs if I was ordering only the decal sheet. The package arrived the other day and the decals look great, so props to Sandman!

I looked at StickerShock23, but this is a clone, not upscaled, so they didn't offer the desired scale (minimum 2.6").

Thanks to all!
Erik

 

[emckee]

I got that rocket from a friend for free. Can you give me some stats on the kit?

If you have the kit, what do you need stats for? (I'm confused)

Happy to provide any info off mine, but not sure what I can tell you that you don't already know.

 

[emckee]

You may have seen my thread from earlier this year here- https://www.rocketryforum.com/showthread.php?36252-Estes-Sentinel-Upscale but if not, I did make an upscale of the Sentinel based on my old original Estes Sentinel and went with vinyl decals from Mark at Stickershock. I can't recommend him enough as he has made perfect decals in different scales for me for both rockets and model cars.

View attachment 92148

Yup, saw it... that's what inspired me to turn it into a cluster! and possibly a 3" upscale later on...

 

[blackbrandt]

If you have the kit, what do you need stats for? (I'm confused)

Happy to provide any info off mine, but not sure what I can tell you that you don't already know.

What is expected altitude, and is it OOP?

 

[emckee]

What is expected altitude, and is it OOP?

OpenRocket says 170 on 2x A8-3 and ~950 on 2x C6-5's. I'll let you know once I get the final weight, etc put in. I don't have an altimeter, so my "actual" altitude measurements will be rough.

Yes, the original kit is OOP, but you can build from scratch. The most difficult part to obtain is a nose-cone, but semroc has a balsa equivalent that I've heard works well. I just purchased a vagabond kit from Hobbylinc for not much more than the balsa nose-cone and repurposed the vagabond nose-cone.

Erik

 

[Event Horizon]

Bringing this old thread back to life just to say that I recently purchased a Vagabond kit and repurposed the entire kit except for the body tube extension and fins, which I cut my own from 3/32" balsa and I'm in the final process of painting the rocket now. I purchased decals from stickershock and I'm very happy with the quality. The Vagabond motor mount is for a larger motor so that should make flights interesting as well. Overpowered or WHAT
I'm in the process of building an upscale kit too. It will have the 2.6 inch diameter body tube.

 

[Event Horizon]

So far for that upscale build, the components were shipped yesterday and I have the decals in hand already. I'm really looking forward to this build.
Meanwhile, here's a pic of the 1st Sentinel I built back at least 15 years ago, (that's it on the left) and the kit bashed Vagabond nee Sentinel with Stickershock decals on the right.
Not sure what "fuel" might be in the little brown jug.....LOL
I'll start a new thread on the upscale Sentinel build. Stay tuned.

 

[Rocketteer]

I know this is years old but Tango Papa is still in business as CMR Products