This Old T.I.E. Fighter

[Crawf56]

I built one of these Estes TIE Fighter rockets back in 1980, just after "The Empire Strikes Back" came out.

So, let's do it again!

 

[Crawf56]

Well, I don't have the kit. I have the TIE fighter itself, that I got on ebay for $15 (free shipping).

So, step 1 was searching the internet for the original instructions. Which I found (pdf). Estes kit #1299.

Note that the picture above is from a computer screen.

 

[Crawf56]

Here is what I got:

 

[Crawf56]

Working on the pilot pod:

 

[Nytrunner]

Nice retro build!

The fact that Estes is older than and at one point tried to capitalize on "this new Star Wars thing" brings my 20something brain no end of amusement.

 

[Crawf56]

Thanks. Painting the solar panels. Will get the corners with a smaller brush.

 

[Crawf56]

Just had to do a brief assembly. Not glued together, yet.

 

[Crawf56]

From the instructions PDF, I have a parts list. Used this to make an order for components.

 

[lakeroadster]

Nice.. so you got a T.I.E. for Christmas.

I toyed with making a scratch build Vader TIE Fighter as a 1st stage to my X-wing... maybe someday.

Hot Pursuit!

 

[BABAR]

Cool! Will the plastic "fins" hold up to recovery impact?

 

[Crawf56]

Cool! Will the plastic "fins" hold up to recovery impact?

The solar panels survived well enough in 1980. We shall see.

Still painting the solar panels, by the way.

 

[Bufkin Fairchild]

That's awesome.

Way more of a cool kit compared to the late 90's early 2000's Star Wars rockets

 

[Crawf56]

This project is not an exercise in perfection.

But I like to get things 'sort-of' right. Got some black paint on the wrong place. (Where my finger is pointing.) So, got out some 400 grit sandpaper.

 

[Crawf56]

And looks a little better.

 

[Crawf56]

Gluing the Outer Hubs to the Solar Panels. So far, using 30 minute epoxy; because I had it.

 

[Crawf56]

The Outer Hubs needed some trimming to match up with the Solar Panels.

NOTE: The instructions refer to the Solar Panels as "Wings". Rebel scum...…

 

[Crawf56]

Attaching the Inner Hubs on the Solar Panels.

 

[Crawf56]

Starting the Motor Mount. Got one from Apogee Components.

 

[Crawf56]

Tried to assemble the Motor Mount like the instructions on the TIE Fighter:

 

[Crawf56]

Working on the Fuselage. Cut out with xacto knife, then used curved file for fine finishing.

 

[Crawf56]

The Fuselage appears to be a blow molded component, and the engine (aft) opening is thinner material. Cracked a bit, but added some epoxy for support.

Note that this opening was cut with the xacto knife, but has not been filed yet.

 

[Crawf56]

Glued the Motor Mount into a BT-50 tube. It is supposed to stick out.

 

[Crawf56]

Adding a few weights/washers to the BT-50 nose cone. By sheer dumb luck, I ordered two piece nose cones. The kit called for nose weights.

 

[Crawf56]

Alright, here is the rocket tube in the Fuselage.

 

[Crawf56]

The tube with Motor Mount sticks out the back of the Fuselage. This took a LOT of CAREFUL sanding/filing on the rear opening.

 

[Crawf56]

And the fit on the front of the Fuselage. This had thicker material, and was easier to work with.

 

[Crawf56]

Here is a glance at the 'ready for launch look'. Still needs balsa supports.

 

[Crawf56]

Here are the set of files I use.

 

[Crawf56]

Using a small fine Sharpie to add a few details.

 

[Crawf56]

Adding Laser Cannon.