Sky Raider 35 years later

[Kimble29]

Back in the late 70's the second rocket kit I ever built was the Sky Raider. First time I launched it, a rocket eating tree decided to have it's way with it. After 3 months of being rained on, burnt by the sun, blown by the wind, etc. my grandfather finally managed to knock it out of the tree. Naturally it never flew again and I just stuck it in the corner, vowing one day to build another Sky Raider. Unfortunately I never got the chance to buy the kit before it went OOP. By that time I had moved on to other hobbies... like chasing girls. Back in 2000 I found a Sky Raider kit, unopened on ebay. I bought it for $75.00. I FINALLY was able to get this kit built. I had a few issues along the way. There are some creases in the upper body tube and the decals were not in the best shape. I had to piece a couple of them together when I applied them because they ripped. But I did my best and tried to make it look like it does in the 1977 catalog picture. Here it is FINALLY done 35 years later haha!

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o247/Kimble29/sky_raider_1.jpg

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o247/Kimble29/sky_raider_2.jpg

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o247/Kimble29/sky_raider_3.jpg

[A Fish Named Wallyum]

:cool: Nice. I've got one, but it's a clone with too much clay in the cone. (I think I wanted to make sure it was stable with an E.) The clay has permutated into a noxious substance and seems to have softened the plastic on the nose cone. :confused: :eek:

[Earl]

Looks like it jumped right off the catalog page! Nice job!!

It's fun making those memories come alive again. Just wait till you see it lift off the pad again for the first time. Sweet!!


Earl

[stefanj]

That came out looking just fine.

[dlazarus6660]

I'm guessing thats a palm tree in the corner?

[Kimble29]

I'm guessing thats a palm tree in the corner?

Haha... it is indeed. And it lights up! We use that room for the occasional party when it's not full of all my crap and the kids toys. Kind of a Tiki theme going on back there.

Thanks for the comments!

[ghrocketman]

A great choice, and it looks like you did a great job building it !
This one is a perfect example of a rocket that can take advantage of the burn-profile of the Estes E9.

[dyaugo]

I'm guessing thats a palm tree in the corner?

Only you would notice that...LOL

[dyaugo]

Exceptional Job!! :)