This may sound silly, but I would like to see them bring back the X-Ray, only about twice the original size, capable of using D engines. Way back in 1973, the X-Ray was my second rocket after the Alpha. I built 3 or 4 of them. I have built a couple of near replicas, but they were not to scale.
Another vote for an upscale X-Ray. Something about those clear payload sections just looks right.This may sound silly, but I would like to see them bring back the X-Ray, only about twice the original size, capable of using D engines. Way back in 1973, the X-Ray was my second rocket after the Alpha. I built 3 or 4 of them. I have built a couple of near replicas, but they were not to scale.
...Something about those clear payload sections just looks right.
+1. I always thought the Centuri kits were way "cooler" than the Estes offerings.I assume that the new owners also purchased the trademarks and copyrights to Centuri? If that's the case--then bring back Centuri!
Seriously, a nostalgia line of kits (from both companies early days) marketed under the Centuri brand name. This would help to differentiate them from the normal brand. These kits could be sold online only. The target demographic would be older rocketeers (BARs) looking to collect the kits of their childhood.
Marketing them under the Centuri name makes it easier to target the advertising efforts, reducing costs and increasing profitability.
BTW, has anyone else purchased one of the new Estes T-shirts available on their web site? I've literally been stopped in stores by men of a certain age. Always with big smiles and lots of great memories of the hobby.
One of the keys to success for Estes may be in bringing back all that history--what better way than by co-branding with their former competitor, Centuri!
View attachment 369108
Cool!Didn't pick up a shirt from the Estes website, but a few weeks ago picked up this one:
https://www.zazzle.com/estes_aerospace_club_t_shirt-235024726035281681
...My Big Bertha, built in 1970 had balsa fins which I had to cut out and a balsa nose cone. Yes, I remember having to carefully cut out the fins, sanding the proper airfoil shape on the leading and trailing edges ...
-Tom
<smile> Kids today!
Welcome to the forum Tom.
I just got a couple of vintage Peck Polymer's kits from an eBay seller. I'd forgotten that "printwood" was a thing. I did not miss it. I am scanning in the plans and/or the printed balsa. I am tracing them into Fusion360 and and will let the CNC cut them out for me. And not only because I want to save the kits intact; I want the precision that my pre-teen hands didn't have, and that my middle-aged hands can no longer deliver.
View attachment 369179
While I agree that laser-cut parts tempt us to indolence and imprecision, I think that there is a place for pre-cut fins and centering rings.
As for plastic nosecones (and tailcones and transitions); these are often more easily customized or repurposed than balsa, as a kit-basher I would have to say that I would miss them.
edit: If you haven't already found these suppliers
eRockets Balsa Nosecones
Balsa Machining Service
ASP Wooden Nosecones
I agree that doing things the old way requires more craftsmanship. However, there is a practical side that businesses must be cognizant of. I was just looking for a NC-80K nose cone for a clone build. The plastic one is selling for $6. The balsa one is $24. Guess which one I bought?
The wheels of progress will inevitably turn, as oldtimers we just have to adapt, evolve, and incorporate them into our hobby. Cheers.
That must be a very large nose cone for a large model. I forget my body tube diameters but I'm guessing the 80 series were 2.5"? I could see why that was pricey. Yes, plastic has its place...
Your airplane kit printed parts was interesting to see. Reminded me of some of the early kits my dad had.
That must be a very large nose cone for a large model. I forget my body tube diameters but I'm guessing the 80 series were 2.5"? I could see why that was pricey. Yes, plastic has its place...
Bring back those nostalgia prices.A general answer to kits that I'd like to see Estes bring back is more of a broad answer: to loose the plastic nose cones and fins that have cheapened the product and bring back balsa parts. My Big Bertha, built in 1970 had balsa fins which I had to cut out and a balsa nose cone. Yes, I remember having to carefully cut out the fins, sanding the proper airfoil shape on the leading and trailing edges and then to apply multiple coats of sanding sealer to the fins and nose cone, letting dry, applying more sealer.. You old people like myself remember. Yeah, its easier and quicker (and less expensive) to have plastic ready to go parts. From my perspective the old way builds DIY skills, leading to more complex builds and the satisfaction that goes with the completed model.
Kit wise, the original Gemini Titan kit.
-Tom
John Boren aka Jumpjet is here occasionaly and generally watches many Estes specific threads.Is anyone from Estes on this forum I wonder? I emailed them to ask bout kits that may make a come back. Is there a good thread about the history of the company? Didn’t they have a fire back in the 90s that destroyed a lot of original tooling? If it’s family owned again, that’s a good thing. I recently bought the little joe kit and was impressed with its unboxing (old nasa and Centauri info sheets). The more that is produced on shore I’m willing to pay for that increase in quality. I assume it’s mostly produced in China. Would love to see more scale stuff, space x and even Russian rockets.
True fact.I think Jumpjet has always maintained that his participation here is as a fellow hobbyist rather than his professional capacity as the Chief Designer at Estes. He has on occasion dropped tantalizing hints about upcoming offerings.
...
Is there a good thread about the history of the company? ..
I am in the process of building a bt80 der red max. with dual d12 motors and decals from stickershock.when I figure out how to post pictures i will.Not so relevant to new releases, but I would like to see the BT80 airframe toughen up from .020 to .030 wall. Add it to the OD. The nosecones can handle it. While they do that , how about a BT80 Der Red Max with laminated balsa fins as in the Super Big Bertha. A BT 80 Monarch would be nice...with SBB fin construction.
Enter your email address to join: