It's time to clone a scarce one.

It's time for......DUN, dun, DUUUUUUN....... "Operation Dark Star"!!

I've only seen images of the catalog page for this 4FNC. I've never seen the actual model or the kit. It seems it appeared only in the Estes 1991 catalog and then disappeared like a poot in a wind tunnel.

I've finally collected all of the components I need--with an accurate fin pattern being the last needed item. I have vinyl decals from Stickershock but I also have a roll of very glittery vinyl adhesive film that I might use for the 3" band forward of the fins.

I'll slit the (4) fins from my last sheet of 1/8" Midwest basswood. The PNC-60/nozzle combo is a loose one I've had laying around for years. I'll extend the engine mount tube to 6" and modernize it a little with a mylar engine hook ring, Kevlar shock cord leader, and a 48" long shock cord of 1/4" elastic fabric.

The catalog photo shows the model with plain black fins but I've also seen images of the model with gold triangular patterns on the fins. With the model lasting only one production year, I'm not sure how this variant happened--unless it was just a builder's random capriciousness that went public.

...and away we go!

TBC

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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

First I'll knock out the fins.

It took (2) #11 blades to do it but I slit the (4) fin blanks from the rock-hard, bone-dry basswood. I then laid the Corian slab covered with 120 grit across my Herculean thighs and scraped the blanks to match each other and rounded the leading edges.

TBC

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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

I built one last July. It did not have the triangle decals; just the big gold speckled panel, two gold stripes, and the "Dark Star".

I hate to admit this, but I do have a second one still in the bag........

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That's pretty! Are those decals original?

__________________
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

Yep! I can't remember too well but I think the gold panel and stripes were self stick.

I did paint the nozzle unattached so that I did not have to do a massive masking job.

Next I mark the 18" long BT60 for (4) fins and (1) launch lug. For the launch lug line I bisect (2) of the fin lines and draw it on the mark.

I then mount (2) of the fins and since I've not yet inserted the engine mount to cause a protrusion I can use my "patented", imbecile-proof, even numbered only, swept fin alignment system. I then repeat with the other (2) fins.

I then glue the launch lug on it's line and register it with a piece of 1/2" x 1/2" angle aluminum.

Lastly, I fillet the fins and launch lug with epoxy. The fins are in perfect alignment.

TBC

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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

Here's the story of what happened to the Dark Star model and why it was discontinued :

https://forums.rocketshoppe.com/showthread.php?t=10292

__________________
Bob
S.A.M. # 0014

Thanks for resurfacing the story!

In THAT case…….

I DO NOT WANT to see the Estes Gemini Titan re-released. I hate that model. I’ve always hated that model. I would rather lacerate my tongue with a rusty razor blade and then eat an entire ripe pineapple than to ever own another Gemini Titan kit. I would rather drink Zima than own another Gemini Titan kit. I would rather mow my entire lawn with the blade mounted upside down than own another Gemini Titan kit. I would rather listen to “Baby Shark” and “It’s raining Tacos” for a solid month than own another Gemini Titan kit.

Under NO circumstances should the Estes Gemini Titan ever be re-released.

__________________
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

And...........................Voila!

The nozzle is glued in and the gold decals and wraps are on and the Estes Dark Star is finished! I believe the 3" glitter gold band doesn't quite match what was included in the kit, but since it's not a scale model of anything I'll live with it. My thanks to everyone that helped.

Thanks for watching!

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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

Very Nice!

__________________
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