Source: Estes Industries Kit #7260
Highly Modified
Type: Futuristic Sport Model
Stages: Single
Engine Type: 24mm
Recovery: Parachute
Length: 62.4 (24.6 in.)
Diameter: 41.8mm (1.64 in.)
Weight Empty: 148.7g (5.25 oz.)
Nose Cone: Parabolic
Fin Type: Swept, with Pods
Number of Fins: 3
Color Scheme: Metallic Copper, Silver, Aluminum, Brass
Date Completed: April 6, 2022

This long-running project was finally completed today after being started all the way back in May of 2018. Not that the actual construction took that long, it’s just that the model got shelved for long periods of time while attention was frequently diverted to other projects.

The genesis of this adventure took place when, sometime back in 2018, Estes designer John Boren commented on one of the forums that he was surprised that no-one had yet built a steampunk version of his design. I perceived that as a ‘gauntlet being thrown’ and immediately purchased a kit, drew up some concept plans, and started work. At the time, I had no idea that the model wouldn’t be completed for nearly another four years!

Anyway, here it is – hand-made rivets, turned parts, holes, minute details, and all.

The complete series of detailed build posts is documented on my blog. The introductory post can be found here:

https://castlerocketeer.blogspot.co...-adventure.html

There are some lengthy stretches of posts concerning many other subjects interlaced between the Protostar build offerings, so one will have to muddle through four years of blogging. But, hey, it’s all a good read! (shameless plug). Perhaps some day I will get motivated to move the entire series to its own separate page.

Attached Thumbnails

       

__________________
Just remember...G. Harry Stine's first ever model rocket was an RTF !

Check out my wonderful model rocketry blog here:
https://castlerocketeer.blogspot.com/

Holy crap, Bill! That looks really good!

Very Nice !

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When in doubt, WHACK the GAS and DITCH the brake !!!

Yes, there is such a thing as NORMAL, if you have to ask what is "NORMAL" , you probably aren't !
Failure may not be an OPTION, but it is ALWAYS a POSSIBILITY.
ALL systems are GO for MAYHEM, CHAOS, TURMOIL, FIASCOS, and HAVOC !

Any significance for No. 133 or was it a randomly selected number?

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I love sanding.

That’s museum-grade!

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Never trust an atom. They make up everything.

4 out of 3 people struggle with math.

Chemically, alcohol IS a solution.

NAR# 94042
SAM# 0078

Hi, tbzep,

I am in the habit of numbering my lifetime rocket fleet builds. Numbers 1 through 103 encompasses the ‘old fleet’ models I built between 1973 and 1984. When I became a BAR in 2016 I picked up right again at #104. To date, I am up to #140. These numbers don’t necessarily reflect the order in which I finish a model. In the case of the Protostar, the fleet number was assigned when I laid out the sheet of custom home-print decals for several birds.
Actually, I have built well over 200 models in my lifetime, as I participated heavily in Estes’ ‘build-up’ program back in the 70s-80s, plus I put together a number of kits purchased by my old NAR section for flying at public demonstration launches.

__________________
Just remember...G. Harry Stine's first ever model rocket was an RTF !

Check out my wonderful model rocketry blog here:
https://castlerocketeer.blogspot.com/

Here are a few improved pics that show a much more of the fine detail. I think it was too early in the morning when I took the pics for the OP.

Attached Thumbnails

     

__________________
Just remember...G. Harry Stine's first ever model rocket was an RTF !

Check out my wonderful model rocketry blog here:
https://castlerocketeer.blogspot.com/

Thanks, jeffyjeep!

I intend to fly this thing at the next launch session at Dove Valley in Denver. No shelf-queens for this cat!

__________________
Just remember...G. Harry Stine's first ever model rocket was an RTF !

Check out my wonderful model rocketry blog here:
https://castlerocketeer.blogspot.com/

All of those rivets would leave me a gibbering idiot huddled in the corner.
___

Fantastic job! Looks great.