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-   -   Scorpius Build (http://www.oldrocketforum.com/showthread.php?t=21266)

LeeR 01-16-2023 09:49 PM

Scorpius Build
 
1 Attachment(s)
I started the build of a cool old kit, the Scorpius (Estes #1375).
I was in rocketry hiatus when this one came out in 1982. This one definitely has a Star Wars vibe going for it. It needs a new main tube, but the rest of the kit is fine. The decals are in excellent condition.
I’ll be sending the instruction and decal scans to James Zalewski. Jim is going thru many of his archives to add better scans.

This kit uses the PNC-50X nose cone. I have already set aside a PNC-60X (used on the Sprint XL) for an upscale after this build is done.

ghrocketman 01-16-2023 10:18 PM

Morerockets.com offers a clone of this kit and a BT-60 based "super" version also.
I have all three.

LeeR 01-16-2023 10:26 PM

Quote:
Originally Posted by ghrocketman
Morerockets.com offers a clone of this kit and a BT-60 based "super" version also.
I have all three.


I’ve seen the offerings, and heard positive reviews of their kits. Maybe I should see if they are willing to sell the upscale kit decals, although the decals are not too complex, and I will probably try to do cut vinyl on my Cricut.

LeeR 01-17-2023 12:04 PM

I definitely will use basswood on the upscale. I pretty much use it on anything scratch-built unless it’s a small rocket, but most of my scratch-builds are BT-55 or larger size.

PaulK 01-21-2023 12:07 PM

Definitely a cool design, and sold during my hiatus time too. Well, it was a fairly long hiatus, nearly 30 years!

jeffyjeep 01-21-2023 07:26 PM

4 Attachment(s)
Quote:
Originally Posted by TigerHawk
I wonder if the More Rockets Retrofit #1375 Scorpius still comes with a balsa nose cone? I also like that their Super Scorpius Kit has basswood fins.

Ye Olde Rocket Plans has scans of the Estes kit,
https://oldrocketplans.com/estes/est1375/est1375.pdf


I did this BT50 Morerockets Scorpius last year. It's definitely a balsa cone and I replaced the balsa fin parts with basswood. The decals that cam with t he kit were very nice.

LeeR 01-21-2023 10:13 PM

Quote:
Originally Posted by jeffyjeep
I did this BT50 Morerockets Scorpius last year. It's definitely a balsa cone and I replaced the balsa fin parts with basswood. The decals that cam with t he kit were very nice.


Jeff,

Excellent job! Funny that the Morerockets kit has a balsa cone, and my Estes kit has plastic.

I started the process to seal the balsa pieces before assembly, as per instructions. The fins and other parts are so close that sanding them after attachment would be a real pain. Unfortunately, the parts were not intact on the balsa sheet, so sealing eight little pieces is quite a long process. But, I am in no hurry.

jhall1964 01-24-2023 02:23 AM

Hi Everyone!:

All those scorpius' are looking GOOD! Anybody know what diameter and length the dowels used on this kit are? I would assume that the balsa for the fins is the traditional 3/32".

Sincerely,
J.W.

LeeR 01-24-2023 01:00 PM

The dowels in my kit measure 3/32” in diameter and are 6” long. The balsa parts are also 3/32” thick. I did multiple measurements with digital calipers.

I seem to recall Estes dowels being described as 1/12” in diameter (those used for build-your-own LES), which is very close to 3/32”. (.083” vs. .094”)

jhall1964 01-25-2023 01:42 AM

Thanks Lee!:


Can't waut to see your build progress! That is a Cool design and I know you will do it justice!! :)

Sincerely,
J.W.


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