Estes Aerobee 300

[user 35280]

The FD-5 fins are for the 1:10 Scale Semroc kit, not for the Estes 1:15 Scale kit.

 

[ArthurAstroCam]

The FD-5 fins are for the 1:10 Scale Semroc kit, not for the Estes 1:15 Scale kit.

Thank you- with everyone's help here, getting closer to rebuilding this, which will be in memory of my late father.

 

[kuririn]

On the left is the Semroc kit, 24 mm motor mount.
On the right is my Estes clone.



The Estes version has the telemetry antennae on the fins, the Semroc version does not.
The fins for the Estes clone were traced onto balsa sheet from templates on the JimZ website, linked in previous posts, then cut out. Rest of the parts were ordered from erockets, IIRC.
This will be a great tribute to your Dad.
Have fun.

 

[cfoster3448]

I built a "mega" size Aerobee 300. Not sure of the scale, but's probably 3-4 times larger than the old Estes kit (also pictured to show scale).

https://www.rocketryforum.com/threads/what-did-you-do-rocket-wise-today.48649/post-2181771

 

[user 35280]

I built a "mega" size Aerobee 300. Not sure of the scale, but's probably 3-4 times larger than the old Estes kit (also pictured to show scale).

https://www.rocketryforum.com/threads/what-did-you-do-rocket-wise-today.48649/post-2181771

ASP-Rocketry has a big Scale version too,
https://www.asp-rocketry.com/ecomme...Kit-29mm-.cfm?item_id=1230&parent=8&navPanel=

 

[ArthurAstroCam]

On the left is the Semroc kit, 24 mm motor mount.
On the right is my Estes clone.

View attachment 498262

The Estes version has the telemetry antennae on the fins, the Semroc version does not.
The fins for the Estes clone were traced onto balsa sheet from templates on the JimZ website, linked in previous posts, then cut out. Rest of the parts were ordered from erockets, IIRC.
This will be a great tribute to your Dad.
Have fun.

EXACTLY how I remember it. Thank you. Do you have a parts list?

 

[user 35280]

EXACTLY how I remember it. Thank you. Do you have a parts list?

Which one are you wanting? For some reason I thought you said the Estes 1:15 Scale?

 

[kuririn]

Do you have a parts list?

For the tube sizes and lengths I used John Brohm's reference list (first link in samb's post earlier) and for the nose cone and transition I scanned erockets parts menu. Other small parts are standard off the counter.

 

[ArthurAstroCam]

Which one are you wanting? For some reason I thought you said the Estes 1:15 Scale?

Yes, that is the one I want. But from what I understand, the parts have to be cobbled together from all over the place.

 

[ArthurAstroCam]

I am obviously confused.

 

[DeltaVee]

The parts list is right in the beginning of the instructions you downloaded... You only need to cross reference items if you intend to cut your own tubes (for example). Go to the erocktes.biz website and start inputting the designations in the parts list into the search utility on their site.

 

[user 35280]

Yes, that is the one I want. But from what I understand, the parts have to be cobbled together from all over the place.

 

[neil_w]

Either erockets.biz or Balsa Machining will have all the parts you need. The fins and such you'll need to cut yourself. I normally buy almost everything from Balsa Machining but it somewhat depends on whether they have the particular nose cone you need... erockets has the largest selection of nose cones.

 

[DeltaVee]

so go to the e-rockets site... type into the search bt-50L... bnc-5s etc etc...

 

[ArthurAstroCam]

The parts list is right in the beginning of the instructions you downloaded... You only need to cross reference items if you intend to cut your own tubes (for example). Go to the erocktes.biz website and start inputting the designations in the parts list into the search utility on their site.

OK!

 

[ArthurAstroCam]

Like Big Bertha, when I build this rocket, my late father's signature will go on both.

 

[DeltaVee]

The main reason I suggested resorting to the parts catalog etc. was that I find it more economical to get long tubes and cut them. Then you have extra stuff to build even MORE rockets!!!! bwa ha ha ha ha!!!

 

[ArthurAstroCam]

The main reason I suggested resorting to the parts catalog etc. was that I find it more economical to get long tubes and cut them. Then you have extra stuff to build even MORE rockets!!!! bwa ha ha ha ha!!!

I understand. However, to have this rocket? Price is not an object. I saw somewhere on the internet last night what the original Estes packaging looked like. That and the memory of building with my father, well, made me cry.

 

[neil_w]

The main reason I suggested resorting to the parts catalog etc. was that I find it more economical to get long tubes and cut them. Then you have extra stuff to build even MORE rockets!!!! bwa ha ha ha ha!!!

Yeah, I only ever buy the 34" tubes from BMS. Simplest and most economical. Cutting LPR tubes is easy.

 

[DeltaVee]

I understand. However, to have this rocket? Price is not an object. I saw somewhere on the internet last night what the original Estes packaging looked like. That and the memory of building with my father, well, made me cry.

I understand completely. It's a great thing you're doing, too.

 

[ArthurAstroCam]

I understand completely. It's a great thing you're doing, too.

Thank you! Thinking about flying his Apollo pin with it.

 

[Stewman]

Arthur - think you probably have enough information to build the Aerobee now, and I agree that is a great tribute to your dad. I have almost finished an original Estes kit I was able to purchase. The Aerobee was one of the first scale models I built as a youngster, and was always a favorite. Had a few of the old decals that just crumbled into pieces when trying to apply them, but other than that, no issues. Good luck with your project.

 

[ArthurAstroCam]

Arthur - think you probably have enough information to build the Aerobee now, and I agree that is a great tribute to your dad. I have almost finished an original Estes kit I was able to purchase. The Aerobee was one of the first scale models I built as a youngster, and was always a favorite. Had a few of the old decals that just crumbled into pieces when trying to apply them, but other than that, no issues. Good luck with your project.
View attachment 498426

Thank you. I am likely to paint in with the gray, black, and white I remember, along with the stars and bars I remember my father using, along with the USA I remember, and an Army logo to commemorate his Korea tours, and a decal I'd like to have made of his signature.

 

[tsmith1315]

Tangopapa.com shows Aerobee300 waterslide decals in their $13 decal page, and can do custom work.

Stickershock23.com can do them in vinyl as well.

 

[Grant_Edwards]

Tangopapa.com shows Aerobee300 waterslide decals in their $13 decal page, and can do custom work.

It's https://www.tangopapadecals.com/

 

[tsmith1315]

Thanks for the correction, Grant! I can't seem to get much right in this thread.

 

[MarkB.]

It seems Arthur is recreating his childhood Aerobee, but if anyone wants to make a slightly "improved" model, cut the BT-50 to 13.15" (about 13 and 5/32 inches) and extend one of the conduits all the way to the top of the BT-50. The silver section should be white.

Here's a picture: The two on the left are eBay rescues, the one on the right is mine which survives from the 70's with updated paint.