I dare Estes... :-)
Hello All,
Now that Estes is offering the new 1:200 scale Apollo-Saturn V (and the 1:100 scale Eagle Lunar Module model that is included with the 50th Anniversary 1:100 scale Saturn V kit), I dare them—a friendly dare, of course—to release another scale model launch vehicle with “matching scale” spacecraft: An appropriately-scaled model of the Mariner 5 Venus flyby spacecraft, like *this* www.youtube.com/watch?v=udfGEP06kAg “gravity-powered” model (it can be seen here www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPM9q4tvI6g in color, although not moving), would go perfectly with a scale kit of its Atlas-Agena D launch vehicle (see: www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEOK1vFUELI ), whose Atlas D first stage could use the same parts that were used in the Estes Mercury-Atlas scale model. Also: Mariner 5’s Atlas-Agena D was very similar to the one that launched Mariner 4 past Mars; Mariner 5 was actually a leftover Mariner 3/4 backup spacecraft, which was modified to travel sunward, past Venus. The most obvious change was to its four solar panels, which were turned around to face backwards and were “half-panels,” since at Venus’ distance from the Sun less solar cell area was needed, while the solar panel tip-mounted cold gas attitude thrusters were retained. |
Oh yeah? Well I double dog dare them!
|
I personally ignore dares, but I don't own the company I just design stuff for them.
John Boren |
I was trying to parody the scene from A Christmas Story. I am not much for dares either having abandoned the idea in my adolescence. I think Estes is doing great thing right now.
|
Still hoping Estes will bring back the Nike Ajax ( I would buy at least a dozen) and the BT70 based K-21 Gemini Titan.
We keep getting the 1/100 Saturn V back and the Centuri-based Mercury Redstone. I'd really like the Estes 1/70 Saturn 1B and the K-41 Mercury Redstone back also. |
Quote:
Seeing that little model of Mariner 5 at JPL (and seeing the 1:100 scale Lunar Module model that's included with Estes' 1:100 scale Saturn V kit) gave me an idea for scale model rockets in general (which would appeal to static model enthusiasts as well as to flying model enthusiasts). An Atlas-Agena D/Mariner model (both the rocket and the spacecraft model could be customized by the builder to depict either Mariner 4 or Mariner 5) could be the first (after the Saturn V) model rocket kit to do the following: By including scale models of historic spacecraft with flying scale models of their launch vehicles, a lack in the world of static models--model kits of historic satellites and space probes--would be filled. Candidate U.S. vehicles include the Atlas-Agena B/Ranger (and Mariner 2 and Lunar Orbiter 1 - 5), Atlas-Agena D/Mariner 4/5 (customizable by the builder to depict either probe), Atlas-Centaur/Surveyor (and Mariner 6/7, Mariner 9, Mariner 10, Pioneer 10/11, Pioneer Venus Orbiter, and Pioneer Venus Multiprobe), and Titan IIIE/Viking 1/2 (and Voyager 1/2), among others. The rocket kits could also--optionally--include clear plastic payload fairings for display, with the folded-up spacecraft models inside. |
Quote:
|
My Dare For Estes Current (Skill Level 4) E30-4 Apollo Little Joe ll
Since Estes has discontinued their Saturn IV-B. Why not a Super Scale Saturn IV-B, based on the current 24mm E motor powered Estes Apollo Little Joe II O.D. 3.42"tube, capsule, escape tower, etc.? 38mm motor powered, or clustering 29mm motors and should produce a lot of smoke and fire. I still dare to dream.
|
Quote:
|
I would like to think that the 1/100 scale Saturn 1b rerelease is a soon-to-be announced kit. I base this upon the revised shroud from the Saturn V kit that has a shock cord attachment. But I would love to see a large Saturn 1 kit also.
|
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:50 AM. |
Powered by: vBulletin Version 3.0.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.