Vintage Estes Maxi Alpha Build

My next build is the Estes Maxi Alpha, looks like a straight forward build and the parts are in good shape.

Am I imagining things or are you missing a coupler?

Hopefully it isn't missing, just camera shy and hiding inside one of the airframe tubes.

G.D.

gdiscenza said:

Am I imagining things or are you missing a coupler?

Hopefully it isn't missing, just camera shy and hiding inside one of the airframe tubes.

G.D.

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No coupler is needed, the tubes are held together with love

I converted an Executioner into one of these... The fins aren't exactly right, but it looks OK.

The kit was sealed so the coupler was there but it was inside the Bt and I forgot to take it out. It is the old 1 inch coupler and would bend pretty easy so I think that is why Estes packs it inside the body tube.

Its a pretty cool rocket. I had Estes Colosus which is basically a stretched version of the Maxi Alpha. Nice flying rocket.

rokitflite said:

No coupler is needed, the tubes are held together with love

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Hahaah good one

Wow, its using Balsa fins. The most recent past release of the kit used the same plastic fin set up that the colossus used. I think they had a older set up like that, so how many releases of that rocket were there? Btw, I am so getting the new one coming out. .

n3tjm said:

Wow, its using Balsa fins. The most recent past release of the kit used the same plastic fin set up that the colossus used. I think they had a older set up like that, so how many releases of that rocket were there? Btw, I am so getting the new one coming out. .

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That is how I remember the Maxi Alpha as well. It was my first rocket, so I remeber it well. Mine looked just like this one...

I had the plastic finned Maxi Alpha years ago too. I can't wait for the new one to be released.

n3tjm said:

Wow, its using Balsa fins. The most recent past release of the kit used the same plastic fin set up that the colossus used. I think they had a older set up like that, so how many releases of that rocket were there? Btw, I am so getting the new one coming out. .

Click to expand...

The Maxi Alpha III had the plastic fins. Two different kits.

i always wanted this kit.
never liked the plastic-finned maxi3.

One thing with this model- the nose cone on the card art looks a little different than the PNC-80K on the parts list.
the point is little more rounded and the taper is slightly different.

i guess only a nerd like me would notice that.

Just to clarify a bit further, the Maxi Alpha was produced from 1977 to 1980, and the Maxi Alpha III was produced from 1979 to 1985, then reissued for one year in 2000. The Maxi Alpha III is the model that is being reissued this year. I too kit bashed an Executioner int a Maxi Alpha - and I've already got one of the new kits on order from my LHS. Never had one the fist time around, but I will this time!

Very informative thread, thanks everyone.

I have everything put together and the balsa is sealed with 3 coats of Aerogloss balsa sealer. I will wait for the fillets to dry then begin priming tomorrow. I really don't like trying to join two body tubes unless that is were the paint separation is supposed to go, just a PITB to have a seamless seam. If you are cloning this, you could buy a 36 inch Bt-80 from BMS.

nice clean work as usuall !

did it really take 2 weeks to build ?,,or I'm guessing more likely finding time to post it?

Nice looking job, the Alpha is a great looking rocket.

sorry to bump an old thread, just checking in after being gone for many years.
did this model get finished?

I don't know. I built a Maxi Alpha, back in the day. I built it with a 29mm motor mount, tissued the fins, surface mounted them, and gave it a perfect finish. It flew well with F45, E20 and D12 motors. I mostly flew it with the CD E20 motors until one catoed and burned up the rocket. I have not flow a CD E20 since. I really liked the Maxi Alpha. By comparison, the Maxi Alpha III was crap that was only good as a fin flutter demonstrator. I could scarcely believe which one Estes discontinued, and which one continues in production.

Yes, I did finish the build, don't know why I never posted it here. Here is the link, the finished picture is Post 16. Sorry
https://www.oldrocketforum.com/showthread.php?t=8562&page=1&pp=10