Having way too much fun!!!!

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Bill Gibson

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0588043C-A9C0-4F06-9E5B-1EBAF2E0AFBE.jpeg 3404B69E-8BC4-401A-957B-CD1F815DC064.jpeg from left to right:

1-43 year old Big Bertha repainted and repaired..

2-Semroc Starlight about halfway done

3-Semroc Vega ready to launch, no paint,
just clear

4-Another BB built from parts laying around and painted as close as I could get to the one on the last page in the ‘67 catalog
 
So what's in the back middle, behind the lacquer thinner?

Also, does Semroc pay a royalty to Estes on that Vega design (since it looks like a pointy node Bertha).
 
Also, does Semroc pay a royalty to Estes on that Vega design (since it looks like a pointy node Bertha).

The Vega is an original Semroc design which was/is a contemporary to the Big Bertha and aimed at the same "mission".

Semroc Vega Instructions on semroc.com said:
The Semroc VegaTM was released in 1969 as the fifth Semroc Kit. Designed to be a large rocket for beginners, the VegaTM was inspired by the early Estes Big Bertha plans. Since the VegaTM was Semroc’s fifth kit, it was named after the fifth brightest star (not counting the sun.) The VegaTM also was the forerunner to the Semroc GoliathTM. To cut down on inventory, the VegaTM was redesigned with slightly larger fins, the body tube was cut to provide a payload section and released as the GoliathTM. Since it was possible to build and fly the GoliathTM with a single engine, the VegaTM was only sold for one year. The VegaTM was part number KB-5 and re- tailed for $2.49 when it was first introduced.

The Retro-ReproTM VegaTM is updated by using laser cut balsa fins and a Kevlar® shock cord attachment. The original balsa nose cone and body tubes are used. An engine hook was added to make en-gine mounting more convenient. A single 12” parachute is provided.

It also sounds like the Vega to Goliath development was kind of the reverse of the Ranger to Big Bertha development.
 
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