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  #1  
Old 05-07-2011, 10:25 AM
A Fish Named Wallyum A Fish Named Wallyum is offline
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Default New Estes kits

I picked up a couple of the new/old Estes designs at Hobby Lobby this week, specifically a Photon Disruptor and the new Super Alpha. I was disappointed to find that both kits had tube damage that seemed to be caused by the packaging. I know my way around this tragedy due to my vast experience, but someone new to the hobby might be more put off by it. I had a similar experience with Quest several years ago. Anyone else noticed anything of the such? I'm all for a tight fit when circumstances call for it, but in rocketry packaging, not so much.
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Old 05-07-2011, 11:13 AM
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Picked up a Star Trooper with some body tube damage. Don't know if it was a packaging issue or a handling issue. Seemed like there was plenty of room in the package. Just going to order some tubes from Carl with my next order.
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Old 05-07-2011, 11:54 AM
A Fish Named Wallyum A Fish Named Wallyum is offline
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Both of mine were ovaled tubes right down at the bottom of the package. No other problems, but a rookie mistake that I'd expect Estes to have worked out at this point.
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Build floor: Centuri Design Contest F-150 Hurricane Estes - Low Boom SST Semroc - Gee'Hod, Shrike, SST Shuttle

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Old 05-07-2011, 04:32 PM
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A picture of your damaged product sent to Estes customer service will most likley get you something.


John Boren
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Old 05-07-2011, 05:49 PM
A Fish Named Wallyum A Fish Named Wallyum is offline
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I already worked around both of them, but I plan to send them a message just to let them know that there's a problem.
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Build floor: Centuri Design Contest F-150 Hurricane Estes - Low Boom SST Semroc - Gee'Hod, Shrike, SST Shuttle

In paint: Canaroc Starfighter Scorpion Estes F-22 Air Superiority Fighter, Solar Sailer II Semroc Cyber III

Ready to fly: Estes - Multi-Roc, Solar Sailer II Semroc - Earmark, Snake Jumper
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  #6  
Old 05-07-2011, 08:35 PM
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I was at a hobby store yesterday and looked at the new (old Centuri) Star Trooper kit.
I was amazed at how small the package was.
The BT-5 was set too tight in the bag and I could see where it was "ovaling" the tube at the bottom of the package.
I would have passed this one had I been interested.

I tend to look for these things after all the years of buying kits off the rack, only to get them home and find a tube is bent or the nose cone nicked by a fingernail.
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Old 05-08-2011, 03:46 AM
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Old 05-08-2011, 11:52 AM
Captain Ron Captain Ron is offline
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Its more of a handling issue than packaging. I purchased many rocket kits from Hobby Lobby that were damaged and simply asked the manager to mark it down because of the damage. I have never had a manager tell me no. Most of them mark them down 50-80% on damaged kits.
Then you can get on Estes web site if you wish, send them an email explaining that you bought the kit and found it was damaged and more than likely they will send you a replacement kit, or you can use whats in the kit to either kit bash a rocket or use as spare parts.

Dont forget now. Hobby Lobby has those 40% off coupons this week again up to the 14th!
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Old 05-09-2011, 01:12 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JumpJet
A picture of your damaged product sent to Estes customer service will most likley get you something.


John Boren

Thanks John. I think I'll probably go that route since I don't know when my next Semroc order will be.
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Old 05-09-2011, 01:16 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Captain Ron
Its more of a handling issue than packaging. I purchased many rocket kits from Hobby Lobby that were damaged and simply asked the manager to mark it down because of the damage. I have never had a manager tell me no. Most of them mark them down 50-80% on damaged kits.
Then you can get on Estes web site if you wish, send them an email explaining that you bought the kit and found it was damaged and more than likely they will send you a replacement kit, or you can use whats in the kit to either kit bash a rocket or use as spare parts.

Dont forget now. Hobby Lobby has those 40% off coupons this week again up to the 14th!

Sorry but it seems to me that if I took the discount for a damaged kit AND then asked to have the manufacturer replace it, I'm not being able to sleep well at night.
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