Estes Nike Smoke Pro Series Build

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Leo

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Note: The following build thread was first created on Facebook "Estes Model Rockets" as I wanted to know what kind of reactions/comments I would get. Some were quite interesting :rolleyes: :oops: :)

August 26, 2024
I had to get another Pro Series Nike Smoke. This build will be stock and flown on Estes F15-4 engines. I also added a small Nike Smoke, only to realize after receiving it that I already had three in my stockpile.

Estes_Nike_Smoke.JPG

August 26, 2024
Today, I completed the engine mount for the Estes Pro Series Nike Smoke.
The following deviations from the instructions were done:
  • I used epoxy glue instead of white glue.
  • I installed the motor block but placed it so that a CTI 3 grain reload would fit. I will use an adapter (red) for flying with Estes F Engines and I also don't like the idea of flying rockets without a motor block.
  • I used a Dremel to cut X grooves in the engine retainer instead of sanding the surface.
  • The green spacer ring was not used as I deem it as unnecessary.
  • The wood surface of the lower centering ring was covered with epoxy.
  • Edit: The fins on this kit will not be glued into place.

Estes_Nike_Smoke_Motor_Mount_1.jpgEstes_Nike_Smoke_Motor_Mount_2.jpgEstes_Nike_Smoke_Motor_Mount_3.jpgEstes_Nike_Smoke_Motor_Mount_4.jpgEstes_Nike_Smoke_Motor_Mount_5.jpgEstes_Nike_Smoke_Motor_Mount_6.jpg

August 27, 2024
Since I'm adhering closely to the manual for my Pro Series Nike Smoke build, I will assemble the shock cord as directed. Normally, I would use Kevlar and attach it to the upper centering ring of the engine mount.

Estes_Nike_Smoke_Shock_Cord_Mount_1.jpg

August 27, 2024
Time to get married.
First thing I did was to add some thin CA glue to the bottom edge of the main body tube. This is to give the paper some strength.
The instructions call for using white glue. I used epoxy instead.
All three centering rings received glue fillets. The bottom ring got a generous amount, including the paper wall, again for added strength.
I elected to use a fin to make sure the engine mount is placed correctly in the body tube. The instructions on the other hand want you to have the engine mount even with the bottom of the body tube, which I find risky because if you are off just a tad with the dimensions you won't be able to insert the fins.

Estes_Nike_Smoke_Marriage_1.jpgEstes_Nike_Smoke_Marriage_2.jpgEstes_Nike_Smoke_Marriage_3.jpgEstes_Nike_Smoke_Marriage_4.jpg

August 28, 2024
Attaching the Estes Nike Smoke launch lugs is a straightforward yet crucial step in the assembly. Prior to adhering them to the body tube, I roughened the contact surfaces on both areas with 220-grit sandpaper.
The instructions required the use of CA glue, which I followed.
Initially, I used an old thin CA bottle, liberally applied the LL onto the BT, and then proceeded with a new very thin CA glue around the edges and inside the LL. I will let this set.

Estes_Nike_Smoke_Launch_Lugs_1.jpg

August 28, 2024
By meticulously friction-fitting the hobby knife into the eyelet, I managed to remove the unwanted plastic piece. This was likely one of the most challenging steps in the entire building process :)

Estes_Nike_Smoke_Eyelet_1.jpg

August 29, 2024
Now it's time to address the fins. Their assembly must be done with precision :D as they are vital for successful flights ;)
First, I washed them with soap to remove any oily residue left from the manufacturing process. Then, I roughened up all the contact areas with 400-grit sandpaper to ensure the glue adheres properly. I used the recommended CA glue as described in the instructions. After allowing the glue to set for 24 hours, I sanded all edges and surfaces once more with 400-grit sandpaper to give them a mat finish for the next step, paint.

Estes_Nike_Smoke_Fins_1.jpgEstes_Nike_Smoke_Fins_2.jpgEstes_Nike_Smoke_Fins_3.jpg

August 29, 2024
The instructions do not clearly state which adhesive to use for attaching the shock cord mount to the body tube. I have opted to use epoxy for this step.
Edit: This is a stock build.

Estes_Nike_Smoke_Shock_Cord_Mounted_1.jpg

August 30, 2024
Here is the rocket's status one day before its inaugural flight tomorrow. Regrettably, time constraints prevented me from applying the full color treatment. I managed to apply only a single coat of primer/filler. This will be adequate until I'm back from the launch event, and hopefully, by then, the weather will have improved. The current humidity is not ideal for painting.

Estes_Nike_Smoke_Primer_Filler_1.jpg
 
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September 1, 2024
Continuing the build thread here on FB, the maiden flight occurred yesterday using an Estes F15-4. Instead of the stock Estes parachute included in the kit, I opted for a Klima 32" for a gentler descent. The flight proceeded smoothly, and the 4-second delay was the correct choice.
Oh, and the fins held in place, as expected.
The Nike Smoke has now earned its paint scheme.

Estes_Nike_Smoke_On_Pad.jpg
Estes_Nike_Smoke_1.jpg
Estes_Nike_Smoke_Lift-off_0.jpgEstes_Nike_Smoke_Lift-off_1.jpg
Estes_Nike_Smoke_Landing_1.jpg

Estes_Nike_Smoke_Ground_1.jpg
Estes_Nike_Smoke_Ground_2.JPGEstes_Nike_Smoke_Ground_3.jpg

Condition of the shock cord mount after the first flight:
Estes_Nike_Smoke_Shock_Cord_1st_Flight_1.jpg

Edit: Will upload the flight video once on YouTube
 
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September 4, 2024
Following the successful maiden flight, I proceeded with the painting phase of the build. Although I had previously purchased yellow and red spray paint, I opted for the olive green variant since I already possess a commonly built yellow/red/white version. Today, the body tube received a flat green coat after one coat of filler/primer in grey and three coats of primer in white. Despite the humidity, it was imperative to progress with the build. The green coat applied well, albeit with some rough spots uniformly distributed. Nonetheless, I am not concerned, as the original Nike Smoke paint jobs were not flawless either. The nose cone was given four coats of gloss white. Now, I need to source the appropriate copper paint to complete the build.

Pictured are the parts curing and the paints I used.

Estes_Nike_Smoke_Body_NC_1.jpg
Estes_Nike_Smoke_Cans_1.jpg

t.b.c.
 
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Thanks for this series of posts, very nice. I notice you said "The fins will not be glued in place."

As a builder of many 'Smokes, including the Estes PSIIs; I know the fins do fit 'Snug'
However, did you do anything to secure them even more Snug ? I see in the landing picture none seem to have moved any in the slots.
 
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Nice build and thanks for posting. Do you have a weight? It can be with or without the F15-4.
 
Thanks for this series of posts, very nice. I notice you said "The fins will not be glued in place."

As a builder of many 'Smokes, including the Estes PSIIs; I know the fins do fit 'Snug'
However, did you do anything to secure them even more Snug ? I see in the landing picture none seem to have moved any in the slots.
I soak the area on the middle centering ring where the plastic fins meet the wood with epoxy to reduce the chances of the wood compressing. If the fins become "loose" over time, I apply more epoxy as a thin layer.
Good preparation/inspection before every flight is very important.

The fins need to be removable so the rocket can fit in my luggage.
Obviously, if this weren't a requirement, the fins would be permanently glued in place.
 
Nice build and thanks for posting. Do you have a weight? It can be with or without the F15-4.
The maiden flight weight recorded on September 1, 2024, was 585g (20.6 oz). The weight is expected to increase slightly after the final paint scheme is applied.
 
Could anyone point to the video where this picture was taken from?
Olive_Copper_Pic.jpg
 
Typically, I extend the shock cord with Kevlar to prevent the nose cone from denting the body tube. I discovered the Kevlar after I had already used the elastic cord; otherwise, I would have done it the other way around.
 
September 9, 2024
This marks the end of the build thread for my Nike Smoke. Painting was quite challenging due to the humid weather, but since I'm departing for the old country tomorrow, it had to be completed.
I will add stencil lettering once I find an original sourced picture.
Estes_Nike_Smoke_9704_1.jpg
Estes_Nike_Smoke_9704_1_Fins.jpg
 
I really like that color scheme. I didn't paint a silver band like yours, and looking back at the video captures, I can't tell if that's an intentional silver band, or if it's some sort of color fade. In any case, it looks great.

I saved a number of screen captures from two different videos back in 2015, here's are the best 2 showing the fin can:

Screen Shot 2015-10-24 at 9.54.39 AM.png



Screen Shot 2015-10-24 at 9.51.24 AM.png

The second video is still on youtube, looks like the same footage as the wind shear video. Start about the 15 minute mark:

 
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@dpower

Thanks, also for posting "Rocket and Missile Launches - The Cape" as I haven't seen that one before.

The silver band portion is a guess on my part. Looking at the video "Rocket and Missile Launches - The Cape" the silver doesn't really go away while in motion in the video sequence but it's really difficult to assess.

Anyway, I am going to repaint that portion this spring to make it look even more like in the video.
 

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