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-   -   Bring back the Estes Gemini-Titan, Saturn 1B & Mercury Atlas (http://www.oldrocketforum.com/showthread.php?t=17997)

astronwolf 07-19-2019 01:26 PM

They'll probably have a molded clear fin can like the RTF Saturn V kit.

Shreadvector 07-19-2019 02:06 PM

Quote:
Originally Posted by ghrocketman
ONLY interested in the Gemini Titan if it is the original K-21 BT-80 based "craftsman" 2 engine cluster version.
The plastic capsule BT-60 based one they offered in 1988 was a total pile of junk.



BT-70, not BT-80.


With BT-60 internal for the nose cone/capsule.


I cloned a few dozen of these in the 1980s for our NAR Section's building classes. Used Lexan for the fins and fin collar and had to get a specialty liquid adhesive.


I used the last remaining cloned model during my 16-Jul-2019 display here at the home of the S-II second stage. Office buildings still here and refurbished. One assembly building was demolished a few years ago, but the other is still standing.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S-II

Flash 07-19-2019 02:17 PM

Actually I would like to see Estes upscale the old K21 twin engine Gemini Titan to BT80 1/45 Scale size or close to it anyway, sure would look great beside the 1/45 Little Joe II.

The 18mm engine tubes would be closer to scale to.

Of coarse if Estes just did a remake or update of the BT70 size Gemini Titan that would be fine to.

Either way, a upgraded plastic shroud that goes between the main body tube and nose cone would be a nice touch and also do a plastic high detail nose cone to boot:)

But in the end, I would still be happy with just a K21 remake.

How about adding in a Titan II ICBM nose cone option to.

tbzep 07-19-2019 03:29 PM

Did y'all notice that Estes says the 1/70 Saturn 1B kit was produced through 1980? It's last catalog appearance was 1977.

ghrocketman 07-19-2019 04:42 PM

Yeah...not right.
I got into rocketry in 1977.
My father tried ordering one in 1977 and was told they were all gone.
Some may have existed in hobby shops until 1980, but you definitely could not get one from Estes.

My mistake about saying BT-80; I knew it was BT-70... fat-fingered an 8 instead of a 7 in my post.
I don't think the BT80 even existed back when the K21 was produced.

5x7 07-19-2019 04:54 PM

I think they also missed a Sat V release but who’s counting

tbzep 07-19-2019 05:09 PM

Quote:
Originally Posted by ghrocketman
I don't think the BT80 even existed back when the K21 was produced.

It first showed up as a stand alone tube BT-80KD in 1984. To the best of my recollection, it first appeared in a kit with the Maxi Honest John 1975. The 2nd kit was the Maxi Alpha two or three years later.

Earl 07-19-2019 07:51 PM

I think, or always thought, the BT-80 tube was the S-IVB tube for the Saturn V. Yes, no?

Earl

mwtoelle 07-19-2019 09:11 PM

The first appearance of BT-80 in an Estes kit was in the K-36 Saturn V in 1969. It was used for the body tube of the S-IVB third stage. Its next appearance was in the 1269 Maxi Honest John.

Earl 07-20-2019 05:18 AM

Quote:
Originally Posted by jetlag
I just hope that if they release a 'new' Gemini Titan, it's not like the rerelease last time. Release the original with two engines, not a single. That last one kinda sucked. Cheapy with that removable plastic engine nozzle set.
Amazes me what people have been paying for that last release on eBay.
Silly $$$.

Allen


...and here ya go: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Estes-Vint...AAOSwfERdMp0 b


This one has been a head scratcher over the years for me also on eBay. Well over a couple hundred dollars for this kit sometimes. It's not a bad little kit as these things go (I got one as freebie in an Estes mail order back around the mid to latter 80s, but never built it), but I just never have understood the high-priced demand for it at auction.

Earl


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