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Model Rocket Building Blog

Model Rocket Building Posts

Sport Rocketry / Rocketry Products / Estes / Kits / Airborne Surveillance Missile

     Rocketry Product: Estes - Airborne Surveillance Missile {Kit} (7257) [2017-]

    Estes Airborne Surveillance Missile Build, #0867, Part 7, Fin Gluing (2021-02-18)
    The largest lower four fins are glued on. The smaller eight upper fins are glued onto the segment of the BT-50 tube.  The wraps of tape let me line up the leading front edge tip of a four fins ... [Read More]

    Estes Airborne Surveillance Missile Build, #7257, Part 8, Chute, Lug, Paint &"Mask" (2021-02-19)
    The parachute seems small. I wasn't sure what the diameter was. I went to the Estes website to learn the yellow print parachute is 9" diameter. I did my usual tug of the shroud lines, they easily ... [Read More]

    Estes Airborne Surveillance Missile Build, #7257, Part 9, Oops & Decals (2021-02-20)
    I'm an idiot! Why did I leave the nose cone on when the orange was shot? It was already gloss white - the desired final color! Now I have to re-shoot it . . . shoot. The upper edge of the lowest ... [Read More]

    Estes Airborne Surveillance Missile Build, #7257, Part 10, Upper & Lower Assembly (2021-02-21)
    I kept the sections separate until after the decals were applied. No real reason, I just thought it would be easier to apply the decals on smaller, separate sections. GOTCHA: Before applying a glue ... [Read More]

    Estes Airborne Surveillance Missile Build, #7257, Finished (2021-02-23)
    This one turned out very well. A good value from the last Estes Cyber Monday sale. The lower section was hit with a clear dull coat for more contrast. The upper section -  The white decals were ... [Read More]

    Whoops! Airborne Surveillance Missile Follow-up (2021-03-04)
      A comment from Naoto K. -  " Hmm.. just noticed something -- the old instructions I find on the JimZ site mention gluing pieces of dowel between the lower fins and the thick centering ... [Read More]