Vintage Estes Mean Machine
 

My next build is the large Estes Mean Machine. This will take some time since I am having Knee surgery tomorrow.

Best wishes for your surgery. Looking forward to this one. I've built 3/4 of the Machine as the ThunderRoc. :rolleyes:

I know you like building vintage kits without modifications, but if you plan to take it out and fly it, I'd strongly suggest having it separate in the middle to prevent warping and allow easier transportation. The only thing you will need to do is make a cardboard cap to go over the end of one of the couplers. I used separate chutes for the two halves so they wouldn't bang into each other. If you don't plan to fly it, the original nose cone separation point is obviously just fine.

Enjoy your time off after the surgery. I'm sure you'll get some building done between PT sessions.

I have a feeling I will only this thing once then it will hang in my trophy room, so I probably won't change anything.

Keep it out of the sunlight on the trip to the field, even if the vehicle is air conditioned. Don't leave it on the launch pad in the sun very long either. Sunlight on one side of that long black body will expand that side and warp it. It never gets back perfectly straight afterwards. :eek:

It will match my freeflight models with warped wings...... :o

Best wishes from me as well. Gute Besserung

Good drugs and speedy recovery :D If you want to make it a great flier, do as tbzep said and make it a center break but with a baffle. Pull the recover out the back of the upper section. I used six inch couplers in my sons vintage MM that are just friction fit. It eats F-24s and F-39s like candy. Have never flown it on anything else.

Best wishes on your surgery.

Good luck on the surgery and recovery.

I have the Sunward CFX Six-Footer rocket but have never built the MeanMachine. I've got plans to paint it a light color with dark-colored fins because of some of the reviews I read on rocketreviews.com about the sun warping the body tube. Of course flying here in south Texas it does get a little warm at times and I can see the warping happening quite quickly!

Have fun and post pictures!