Estes OPTIMA, A big BT-80 (2.6") x 47.5" long. New for 1990 this was a big one!
As always I tried to build as light as practical while doing my usual sight changes to the shockcord and mount adding 30" of 100lb kevlar braided line and 40" to the 1/4" elastic shockcord. Big as it was I resisted the temptation to alter the motor mount into a Mighty D12 cluster.....I should alway listen to myself about such things but we'll see this a bit later.
The kit came with a brand new PNC-80K very nice light weight styrene nosecone and 3/16" for fins and strakes. Also included was some very nice Metal flake Adhesive backed tape.
painted and finished the model was a bit heavier then I thought it would come out almost 12oz. With a D12-3 we were pushing the 14oz max lift recommendation but I just assumed ESTES knows what it's doing LOL!!!
Optimas first launch was an eventful affair at one of our many BSA sport launches. the day was sort of overcast with a fairly stiff breeze coming in from the NW.
I was lucky enough to be using a 35mm with auto winder on this launch which I recorded for posterity...not knowing I was about to have a GREAT BAD flight log for the books LOL!!.
Loaded with a D12-5 I was pretty sure it would be a fine flight. with the wind picking up I decided to tilt the 3/16" rod a bit With the wind to carry the model away for the River just over the berm seen in the background of the photos. I'll let the photos tell the rest of the story. 5...4...3...2...1...Launch!
to be continued...
As always I tried to build as light as practical while doing my usual sight changes to the shockcord and mount adding 30" of 100lb kevlar braided line and 40" to the 1/4" elastic shockcord. Big as it was I resisted the temptation to alter the motor mount into a Mighty D12 cluster.....I should alway listen to myself about such things but we'll see this a bit later.
The kit came with a brand new PNC-80K very nice light weight styrene nosecone and 3/16" for fins and strakes. Also included was some very nice Metal flake Adhesive backed tape.
painted and finished the model was a bit heavier then I thought it would come out almost 12oz. With a D12-3 we were pushing the 14oz max lift recommendation but I just assumed ESTES knows what it's doing LOL!!!
Optimas first launch was an eventful affair at one of our many BSA sport launches. the day was sort of overcast with a fairly stiff breeze coming in from the NW.
I was lucky enough to be using a 35mm with auto winder on this launch which I recorded for posterity...not knowing I was about to have a GREAT BAD flight log for the books LOL!!.
Loaded with a D12-5 I was pretty sure it would be a fine flight. with the wind picking up I decided to tilt the 3/16" rod a bit With the wind to carry the model away for the River just over the berm seen in the background of the photos. I'll let the photos tell the rest of the story. 5...4...3...2...1...Launch!
to be continued...
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