Just finished a really old Estes Phoenix kit. I built my first Phoenix in early 90s. I flew it more times than I can remember on E and F reloads using the 24/40 RMS.
I added an aluminum motor retainer this time, and replaced lower balsa fins with tabbed thru-wall basswood fins to toughen it, as well as a 1/4” long piece of coupler at the aft end, to eliminate some flex. My original seemed to pop off a lower fin every few flights.

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Lee Reep
NAR 55948

Projects: Semroc Saturn 1B, Ken Foss Designs Mini Satellite Interceptor
In the Paint Shop: Nothing! Too cold!
Launch-Ready: Farside-X, Maxi Honest John, Super Scamp

Very nice, Lee!

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John
YORF #003
SAM #004

I just got one of these kits; picked it up off ebay.
Figured I needed one as I never built this one back in either of the two releases of this kit.
I'm going with a HD 29mm mount in mine.
I can always adapt down to 24mm, and going 29mm allows for many more different motors.

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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, and HAVOC !

Beautiful job, Lee!

Joe

The decals are a bit tricky. Not because they are fragile, but they are thick! (At least mine were.). The edges on a few started curling and lifting. I had to hit them a number of times with Micro Sol to try to soften them so they would stay down.

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Lee Reep
NAR 55948

Projects: Semroc Saturn 1B, Ken Foss Designs Mini Satellite Interceptor
In the Paint Shop: Nothing! Too cold!
Launch-Ready: Farside-X, Maxi Honest John, Super Scamp

Very nice build, I think that I have built 3 of these models, the first was back when it came out in the 1980's. the Phoenix was also my first model that I used composite motors in. My first composites were Aero Tech E28-6 24mm motors. they were very loud and made a lot of smoke, and really sent the Phoenix on it's way.

Those old composite motor were good for making the birds fly and start the dogs barking.

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Neal Miller
Master Blaster NAR# 58296

Impressive craftsmanship Lee!

Curious, since you deviated from the kit anyway (TTW fins), in your estimation how difficult would it be to clone this model? Prices on that auction site are a bit steep, and considering a clone to add one to the inventory at a lesser cost (especially if one intends to upgrade the kit in a manner like you have done). Looking at the parts list, it doesn't appear that the nose cone is anything special, and should be available via eRockets. Decals would likely be the most troublesome to obtain (again, assuming the nosecone is 'generic').

r/
Dave

Dave,

This model would be pretty easy to clone. Standard Estes BT-80 tubing, and a PNC-80K nose cone. The kit uses two shorter tubes joined with coupler. I filled joint to look like one tube. BMS sells full length BT-80, as well as BT-80H, if you wanted heavier tubing, but nose cone-to-body tube transition will mismatch a tiny bit. They also have the nose cone if you order the tubes from them. And eRockets probably has what you need as well, including centering rings, motor tube, etc.
Tango Papa lists the decals on the $12 page of his website, but website is old, so prices might be higher. Another alternative is Stickershock. I’ve done them on a BT-60 rocket and they looked great.

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Lee Reep
NAR 55948

Projects: Semroc Saturn 1B, Ken Foss Designs Mini Satellite Interceptor
In the Paint Shop: Nothing! Too cold!
Launch-Ready: Farside-X, Maxi Honest John, Super Scamp

The last people that I talked to said Tom's old website prices were still good. That's been several months ago, though. Just be patient as he is an airline pilot and only works on the decals when he is home.

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I love sanding.

Very nice! Excellent job on the fins.

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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