Vintage Estes Honest John 1227 build

[SCIGS30]

While I am waiting for my Centuri F-16 built to be completed I decided to start on my next vintage build. This is a bit more challenging build and I plan on building it per the plans using everything in the kit except the rubber cords. Even though this is an old kit the rubber is in great condition but I will still replace it with Estes new rubber.

 

[neil_w]

Ooh, interesting. I built one of these in the 70's and the little folded paper spin nacelles defeated me. I think I eventually just left them off. Look forward to seeing your attempt!

 

[tktmsa]

That is the very first rocket I saw fly. Built numerous versions over the years just finished the mini engine version that is almost the same size.

 

[JStarStar]

I built one back in 1969 and it came out very nice.

The paper transition cone and the little spin nacelles lift it above the garden variety 4FNC rocket but it's still easy to knock off in a couple hours.

 

[TangoJuliet]

Another great vintage build! You do great work SCIGS30, and I'm sure this won't be a let down. Subscribed! op:

 

[Kruegon]

Can I get a really clean scan of those decals? I'm working on a clone of that same kit. Grabbed the nose cone from Balsa Machining.

 

[JStarStar]

Hmmmmm.

 

[bradycros]

I have always liked this rocket.

 

[Mugs914]

op:

One of my all-time favorites! I wish I could find one of those for less than the cost of a Porsche...

 

[SCIGS30]

I have been busy at work lately but I finally had time to work on my Honest John. This kit is a builders kit and a little on the challenging side, especially all the small pieces of paper and balsa wood parts. I used the self adhesive paper that came with the kit and it actually worked really well even though it was showing it age, the adhesive is pretty strong. The cardstock was also aged making it a little challenging with the origami parts that get cut out, shaped and glued to the rocket. Shaping of the fins was not too bad, I just followed the instructions and used tape to assist with masking while I was sanding. Since the shape of the fins had to be maintained during sanding, I sealed the fins first then glued them to the rocket. I used 4 coats of Brodak balsa sealer and it once again worked great. Today I will finish with glue fillets then in the next week begin painting. Not a perfect build, but for the age of the materials I am happy with the build.

 

[TangoJuliet]

Again... Well done! The internal cone in image #6, is that on the MMT end?

 

[SCIGS30]

The paper shroud gets glued to the motor mount then glued inside the body tube.

 

[SCIGS30]

I primed with a coat of grey primer followed by Old Formula Krylon white. The paint came out nice but the paper décor is not perfect but good enough for an old vintage build. I know I have said it before, but this Brodak sealer is awesome, the old balsa nose cone came out really nice. On my next day off I will apply the old vintage decals.

 

[SCIGS30]

She is all done ready for flight. I painted the inside engine nozzle with Testors flat black and applied the old vintage decals with Testors decal products. As you can see I finished her just like the face card picture even though the instructions show instructions for a scale looking Honest John.

 

[neil_w]

Very nice work as always!!!

 

[JStarStar]

She is all done ready for flight. I painted the inside engine nozzle with Testors flat black and applied the old vintage decals with Testors decal products. As you can see I finished her just like the face card picture even though the instructions show instructions for a scale looking Honest John.

Looks a lot like the one I built in 1969.

 

[TangoJuliet]

Fantastic! Thanks for sharing the build with us.

 

[Marc_G]

Beautiful. I've started trying out the Brodak sealer on your recommendation. It is a nice product.

 

[hcmbanjo]

Beautiful work!