Estes Apogee II build

[SCIGS30]

I bought this kit at an antique store some time back and have been wanting to build it. This must be a later version since some of the parts are not the same as on the directions. This kit was sealed until I opened it. It came with 2 clear payload sections even though the plans call for one. Also it has the newer orange parachute and not the checkered that is shown on the plans. It also comes with a shock cord mount, and the plans call for a slit in the body tube. There are no decals so I will have to make them on my Alps. Does anyone have a copy of the Estes decal sheet? Thanks

 

[Spaceman Spiff]

scigs,

Nice! I am particularly fond of the Apogee II. It was my first stager, I built it sometime around 1966-7. I seem to recall a "kit decal" sheet with Apogee II on it. Is that what you are looking for?

Also quite popular then were the sheets of letters and numbers, and that is what was used for the "Apogee II", "NASA", and "USA" markings in pictures of it in the catalogs, and instructions, too.

 

[GoBang]

That was my first stager too. Never flown as anything but top stage, unfortunately. Them small field blues...

 

[SCIGS30]

I found the actual Estes generic decal, so I will use that. Thanks
I am sealing the balsa right now and should have pictures up by tomorrow. I am also working on a Semroc Space Plane and restoring an old original Der Red Max my Pops found at the house.

 

[SCIGS30]

I have most of the rocket built and balsa sealed, should start painting tomorrow. The balsa is real hard and heavy but filled nicely. This is a heavy little bird with two engines, heavy balsa and 2 lead weights in the nose. The picture in the catalog have the booster fins in the wrong location. The directions clearly show and state the top of the booster fins should be even with the top of the booster. The picture on the card shows the fins even with the bottom of the booster bt. I am also building Semrocs Space plane and restoring an old Der Red Max, so I am a little busy but having fun.

 

[rocketron]

Just in case anyone is interested there is a listing on E-Bay right now for an Apogeee II kit. Here is the link:

https://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&item=130261493163

Rocketron

 

[SCIGS30]

I have the Apogee primed, sanded and now I will begin painting. I applied 4 coats of Aerogloss balsa sealer, one coat each of grey and white primer. The first coat will be the Glossy white on 6 of the eight fins. Tomorrow will be the blue body tube and nose. Unfortunately I will not be able to apply the black until Thursday because of my work schedule.

 

[rokitflite]

Hurry up! This is one of my favorites!

 

[SCIGS30]

Well this bird is taking longer than I expected. The Krylon Blue paint I used must have been from a bad batch, because it peeled up real bad when removing the masking tape. I noticed it coming out of the can a little thicker than normal. I now have the paint sanded down and will apply a light coat of primer to smooth everything out and try again. Unfortunately I will be using Enamel since I don't have any more of the blue paint. This means the drying time will take forever. Oh well, this is the first time I have ever had problems with Krylon. It was the old formula not the new stuff. Good news is I should have my Alien Probe done today.