Estes - Doorknob PSII (#9720) Gallery

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Starsky

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Just finished this Estes Doorknob. This was my first experience with Tamiya masking tape. It definitely lives up to the hype!
It was a fun build and I can't wait to launch it. (It sucks that all Estes 29mm engines are on back order. I'll have to buy a casing,)
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Just finished this Estes Doorknob. This was my first experience with Tamiya masking tape. It definitely lives up to the hype!
It was a fun build and I can't wait to launch it. (It sucks that all Estes 29mm engines are on back order. I'll have to buy a casing,)
View attachment 424371View attachment 424372View attachment 424373
Aerotech sell a lot of single use 29mm motors. To buy a case and closures you might be able to fly single use motors many times before you get pay back of buying a reloadable motot
 
I have never been get fluorescent to work out for me. What's the secret?

What kind of issues are you having exactly? I admit this was my first time using a fluorescent spray paint, and it sprayed on nicely, but when it dried, it was indeed a bit "chalky". I made sure to not touch/disturb the paint until it dried, and then immediately put on a clear coat. It's perfectly fine now!
 
Fluorescents have never covered well. You need to apply over a uniform white base coat; it's surprising how much you can see through the orange/red topcoat. For me, putting on a clear coat always seemed to dull the fluorescent effect, but it's a necessary evil because the stuff is a dirt magnet if left uncoated.
 
I used Testor's fluorescent paint over the white. It lays down beautifully. The only problem I had was using a Lacquer clear coat over the paint. It made it crackle slightly in certain area. My mistake - I hadn't yet discovered the hierarchy of model paint.
 
Just finished by first build in forever of the Estes Doorknob. 4 super successful launches in West Palm Beach on Saturday
 

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Here's my Doorknob. It builds very light. Mine came out at 10.3oz. A 29mm motor will send this thing to Mars. I'm going to use a 24/29 adapter for at least the maiden flight. When I get the GPS tracker I'm going to send it..... It's a great looking model. I love it.!!
 

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I followed your build thread. Incredible.!! Congrats.

Thank you! I like the paint scheme you went with. Mine has, unfortunately, still yet to fly, but it will happen when I feel comfortable with a good launch field!
 
Thank you! I like the paint scheme you went with. Mine has, unfortunately, still yet to fly, but it will happen when I feel comfortable with a good launch field!
I flew mine today for the first time. So glad I got a motor adapter. It was my first flight and I stuck a E30-4T in it, 24mm. It was a fantastic flight. High and straight and with the stretchy shock cord I got no zippering. A 4 second delay is pretty short in my opinion. I recommend getting an Estes motor adapter. Even with a 24mm motor the thrill is still there.
 
When I purchased this kit, I was mildly concerned that the balsa fins might be too weak for this MPR. During the build, I followed instructions. Actually, even exceeded them by filling the grain with CWF and applying a filet of Fix It epoxy clay along the root edge. In order to maintain fin strength at the point of ground contact, you’ll notice from the pictures that I did not bevel the trailing edge corners.

With primer on, used a D12-3 for first LP launch which went as expected. Went up about 500 feet, chute deployed, rocket landed within 100 feet on the grass soccer field I was at – perfect. Then when I retrieved the rocket, found one of the fins cracked upon landing. My concerns re the balsa fins were confirmed. I immediately thought – should have been basswood or even plywood.

Now I'm thinking of strengthening the fins with either a card stock wrap or sandwich with 1/8 inch balsa. I'll add a little NC weight, but that's OK, I'm not looking to set altitude records.
 

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My Estes Doorknob:

PXL_20220430_182441096~2.jpg

Standard Estes Doorknob kit, caveat running the recovery line to the motor mount and doing the markings with spray paint instead of the waterslide decals. I was pleased with how the faux fin brackets turned out with several layers of black and then metallic silver. It's my favorite rocket aesthetically---that classic not-quite-stubby look, visible brackets & holes, quartered paint scheme, and orange!

Had a near perfect debut flight on an AeroTech E20-4:

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/2trHLYAIaK8
 
I went for a Hi Viz reliable flyer, heavy paper- papered fins, epoxy fillets, CA glue hardened fin edges, kevlar cord, nylon chute, rail buttons, all around great flyer.
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awesome thank you very much ..
Love that rocket
Flys great

QUOTE="tjkopena, post: 2273687, member: 33850"]
Lot of good looking rockets in this thread. But, @Adam3836, just wanted to say that every time I look at it I love your design & execution even more.
[/QUOTE]
 
My doorknob great flyer.
 

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