Balsa Shortage
 

I posted this over on TRF, but I thought some here might be interested as well. When I opened the package for the new Estes Space Eagle kit, I found it contained a PNC-50YR nose cone (the injection molded two piece nose cone also found in the Super Neon) and a note stating:

Dear Valued Estes Customer,

Due to the worldwide balsa shortage, we have had to substitute a plastic nose cone and/or body tube adapter for the respective balsa part. We have test flown this rocket with the replacement part(s) and we found the difference to be minimal. Please follow the building instructions and where applicable, attach the shock coed to the molded eyelet on the nose cone or body tube adapter. If your nose cone has a white plastic insert, please assemble the nose cone to the insert with plastic cement. The finishing steps for the plastic parts are the same as used for balsa parts, except less sanding is required for a good fit. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us through our web address: www.estesrockets.com.

We apologize for this inconvenience.

Estes Model Rockets

I knew there was a shortage of balsa due to its use as the core of wind turbine blades and the fact that so many of them are being installed, but I was surprised that the shortage has gotten that far. Just thought people here might find the note and substitution interesting.

Greg

Hmmm....interesting.

The last time there was a balsa shortage it was because most of the balsa was going into the lining of super tanker holds. Now it's because of the wind turbine blades?

Really? Was it being used like foam is used in boats, to add floatation? Surely not in a supertanker :confused:

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I'm okay with substituting plastic for balsa. We've discussed it before. The plastic tends be as easy or even easier to finish than balsa, and it doesn't dent nearly so easily. The only caveat is the attach point. I ain't too wild about the little plastic loops. I prefer something a little more substantive.

Below is some #6 hardware on a Big Betty cone. It'll take a hard pull much better than those little plastic loops :) (The loop on the Alpha and Bertha cones is pretty stout, and acceptable, but the loop on the C C Express, for example, is pretty flimsy.)

The #6 hardware is a bit overkill. Some #4 or #2 would be better, but I don't know if I've ever seen screw eyes that size. Doug
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.....and the tiny loop on the Bullpup cone is possibly the flimsiest!

Here's some 4-40 eye bolts: http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bi...p?&I=LXFV32&P=M Here are some 2-56 parts from the same source: http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bi...?&I=LXFV31&P=FR

Thanks. After I posted, I went a googling and found the same parts :)

Doug

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Have you guys actually experienced plastic loop failure? They seem solid enough in my (somewhat limited) experience...

But then, I've never had a tri-fold mount fail in flight either...

If you see the one jeffyjeep and I cited, used on the PNC55 cone that comes with the Bull Pup, C C Express and others, you will find yourself wondering what they were drinking when that one got designed.

Doug

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Barry switched from plastic to balsa to reduce "lead content". New Estes is fully leaded and ready to rock.

Jerry

The balsa "shortage" is due to the fact that it is in more demand at the present. More buyers bidding up the price. It is in "short supply" for Estes in the sense that they couldn't get it at the price that they wanted. Estes is actually one of the biggest purchasers of balsa. Balsa trees grow like weeds in Central America. It will take much more demand than this to put a real dent in the supply.