Hello- Introduction and old Centuri question

Hello to all- getting back into the hobby, and this is a trip down memory lane! I Got a Javelin starter set for my 7 year old, and an Air Walker for my 9 year old. Amazing to see how some things have changed, and some things haven't. Engines seem about the same, but the launch systems are easier (no more lantern batteries!). We've had some great fun with B6-4 engines and the Estes Altimeter.

In the early 1980s, I had the Interceptor, USS America, and Phoenix Bird. Phoenix Bird was my favorite because of the plastic fin can, the large diameter tube which made parachute packing easier, and the payload section.

I'm trying to recreate the old Centuri Phoenix Bird using a Estes Eliminator kit. I want to make the upper BT-56 tube into a payload section, but to do that, I'm gonna need the plastic coupler that fits between the two BT-56 tubes. Anyone know where I can get this coupler? Thanks!!

Some people have replicated that coupler by using a balsa coupler and section of narrow tubing.
You may be able to get that coupler 3D printed also. See this thread for the above methods:
https://www.forums.rocketshoppe.com/showthread.php?t=17314&highlight=enerjet+coupler
BTW if I'm not mistaken the Estes BT-56 tube is the same as the Centuri ST-13 tube.
ST-13 couplers at erockets are here:https://www.erockets.biz/st-13-3/

Go to www.unclemikesrocketshack.com and check out the "Blitz Sale.
He has a bunch of BT-56 stuff really inexpensive on clearance sale.
What you need is a "Bulkhead, or Solid Coupler".

Woody's Workshop said:

Go to www.unclemikesrocketshack.com and check out the "Blitz Sale.
He has a bunch of BT-56 stuff really inexpensive on clearance sale.
What you need is a "Bulkhead, or Solid Coupler".

Click to expand...

Woody, only bulkheads he has are made of Letramax (black fiber). You would have to order two and glue them on the ends of a paper coupler.

Thanks for the help!

I have a 3D printable approximation of the Coupler. Unfortunately the .stl file is bigger than 3meg and doesn't want to UL here. I could send it by Mega or the ilk when I get back to Omaha.

Didn't Estes re-issue the Phoenix Bird? I think it's still available today? How is it different from the old 1980 Centuri Phoenix Bird?

https://www.allrockets.ca/Rockets/Phoenix-Bird

hutch said:

Didn't Estes re-issue the Phoenix Bird? I think it's still available today? How is it different from the old 1980 Centuri Phoenix Bird?

https://www.allrockets.ca/Rockets/Phoenix-Bird

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Slightly smaller body tube: BT-55 instead of BT-56/ST-13.
Pretty close if you're not picky.
Don't know if the OP prefers a reproduction or a clone.

Estes Phoenix Bird had balsa fins instead of the plastic fin-can.

Found it. Peel and stick metallized decals. As Initiator mentioned, balsa fins. And balsa nose cone. Still, a fun build. Might be easier to get the Estes kit rather than cloning the Centuri one. Replicating the decals might be especially difficult.

I think this is the right part- correct me if I'm wrong

https://www.siriusrocketry.biz/ishop/moldin-oldies-t13xset-278.html

Scoot86 said:

I think this is the right part- correct me if I'm wrong

https://www.siriusrocketry.biz/ishop/moldin-oldies-t13xset-278.html

Click to expand...

By jove, I think you've got it. Always wondered what kit that was for.
See inset picture.

The coupler was also used in the SSV Scorpion and the UFO Invader.

Found this scan on the JimZ site for comparison:

From the SSV Scorpion plans.

This what people can look forward to when I get back home where I can UL a big stl file,

ygbsm,
Do you have access to a 3D printer? With Doug's file that would seem to be the way to go.

eRockets.biz has tons of components. If you are anywhere near Dayton, OH stop by some Tuesday night for our club's open house.

Wow thanks for all the help guys! Much appreciated. I don't have access to a 3D printer, but that could certainly change in the future.

FWIW, I prefer the Centuri style plastic fins and nose cone to the Estes remake. Also I don't think the Estes has a payload section? Not sure about that.