Centuri Clone Sam-3 Build
 

Well not really a build just a few pictures. I do not clone very many rockets, I would rather build the original kit but this is the exception. I thought I had the entire Centuri Strike Force collection, but when I went to look I had all the kits except the Sam-3, and I really wanted to build it. I also figured it would be a great time to try Sig Balsa sealer and not have to use it on a vintage kit for the first time. I noticed when doing some research Centuri came out with 2 Sam-3 rockets, the one I am building was the first. Also Semroc came out with a clone but it was build different than the Centuri instructions. So I ordered all the parts from Semroc including the laser cut fins and balsa nose. I'm one of the few that is not crazy about laser cut parts, but I understand why companies have gone to laser cutting. The parts from Semroc are top notch, though the balsa laser cut sheet is soft balsa, I like the harder balsa. I built the rocket per the old Centuri plans with no issues and decided to seal the balsa after the model was built. I used Sig balsa sealer thinned 50/50 with thinner and took 4 coats for a smooth finish. I then tried to match the paint to what is recommended on the Centuri plans and came up with Model Master Camouflage grey, Modern Sand and Earth all in spray paints. The plans call for colors that were once produced by Pactra and are no longer made. As you can see she is all painted and I have the decals drawn up and ready to print on the Alps printer. Someday I hope to buy the original Centuri Sam-3, just have to wait for eBay.

Did you like the Sig sealer thinned properly ?

I tried multiple thinning ratios and really like 50/50, dries fast and super easy to sand. The less thinner I used, the longer it took to dry and harder to sand. At 50/50 the filler additive works great and easier to sand when compared to Brodak. Also thinned 50/50 it reminds me of old Aerogloss balsa Filler. I am thinking about sealing the balsa next time with Sig dope, 1 or 2 coats then applying the sealer.

One thing I liked about these kits were the cool camouflage chutes!

Here is the decal to the best of my ability.

This build is all done ready for flight, added the decals I made with my Alps printer. Not bad for a cloned rocket, hopefully someday I will be able to acquire the original kit....If anyone has one they are wanting to part with, let me know.

My Centuri Strike Force Collection. Still have to build the Cruise Missile and hopefully the original Sam-3. The Sea Killer and Gabriel are vintage kits I built not clones.

Nice group. I'm building the Centuri Cruise Missile now. Got all the others of that set in 'build pile' also.

What paint brand/colors did you use on the Gabriel (one on left)?


Earl

Does anyone know if there were ANY differences in the Centuri vs. Estes ALCM Cruise Missile kits other than instructions and parachutes ?
I have two Estes kits but no Centuri ones

I used Old Formula Krylon Acrylic Lacquer for the yellow and blue