All Rocketry Blogs

 Rocketry Product: Estes - Photon Probe {Kit} (003026) [2009-?]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Photon Probe Build, Background (2017-05-02)

The original Estes Photon Probe was only around for two years, from 1991-1993. I have two kits, one original from the 1990s and the second from 2009 when Estes started their "Classic Series. The ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Photon Probe #3026 Build, Part 1, Parts (2017-05-03)

Here's the parts from the reissue kit from 2009. When the Classic Series started most of the kits had balsa nose cones. The older kit had a blow molded plastic cone. All the parts were of great ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Photon Probe #3026 Build, Part 2, Fin Prepping (2017-05-04)

In a grumpy old man voice: "You kids don't know how good you've got it! In my day we had to cut out our own fins! Then things got easier when they started die-cutting the balsa." To be honest, ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Photon Probe #3026 Build, Part 3, Engine Mount (2017-05-05)

The older kit had thicker centering rings. To the right is the thinner rings from the reissue kit. I did my standard relief punches so the rings would slide easier over the engine hook. The inset ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Photon Probe #3026 Build, Part 4, Nose Cone Prep (2017-05-05)

The older plastic nose cone had a small nib at the shoulder. This prevented the nose cone from seating all the way into the tube. The second picture shows the fit after shaving off the nib. I never ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Photon Probe #3026 Build, Part 5, Wood Strips (2017-05-06)

I won't be using the balsa strips from the older kit. they'd be a little hard to fill. New strips were cut from basswood. The ends of the strips are cut to a 45 degree angle. TIP: To make sure all ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Photon Probe #3026 Build, Part 6, Engine Mount Gluing (2017-05-07)

The 150 lb. Kevlar line rolled up and inside the engine mount for gluing into the BT-55 main air frame tube. On the replaceable Kevlar style mount the Kevlar is looped and tied under the lower ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Photon Probe #3026 Build, Part 7, Fin Placement Differences (2017-05-07)

I don't understand why there are inconsistencies in a reissue kit. It's not a big deal, it's just curious. The older kit has squared fin edges, shown in the upper part of the picture. The reissue ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Photon Probe #3026 Build, Part 8, Tube Prepping (2017-05-08)

The launch lug was glued on in line with the engine hook side. A painting wand is slipped in the back. Rolled up paper towel is pressed into the engine mount recess to keep paint out of the inside. ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Photon Probe #3026 Build, Part 9, Dorsal Fin Gluing (2017-05-09)

The strange thing is - The Dorsal Fins are centered on the strips. The strips aren't much wider than the 3/32" thick fins. these will be a chore to fillet and get a smooth joint during finishing. ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Photon Probe #3026 Build, Part 10, Paint and Masking (2017-05-09)

Mentioned earlier, the fins are centered on the strips. The strip isn't much wider than the small fins. A very small fillet was applied to the upper fin sides. It took quite a bit of fine sanding to ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Photon Probe #3026 Build, Part 11, Paint Choices (2017-05-10)

The older kit face card had the middle section painted pink. I do have pink spray paint but it's not a dark enough shade for me. I decided to go with orange like the Photon Disruptor. Here's the ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Photon Probe #3026 Build, Part 12, Decals (2017-05-10)

The older kit decals were actually in pretty good shape. They did require a long soak to release from the backing paper. After the first fin decal was set down I sighted over the outside edge of the ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Photon Probe #3026 Build, Finished (2017-05-11)

I do like the orange instead of the original pink center section. Getting the smaller fin fillet areas smooth was a chore. A clean looking model with a different, clever decal treatment. [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Photon Probe Comparisons (2017-06-21)

I finally got the decals on the second Photon Probe model. The orange one is an older kit, the purple is the newer version form the Estes Classics Series. Moot point -  The long vertical ... [Read More]

Rocket N00b: Remnants (2019-11-02)

Today was a launch day in Amesbury, MA. While I had anticipated pretty clear skies and low wind, by the time I arrived (late), clouds had rolled in, and the wind was blowing toward the power lines. ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Two Estes Photon Probes, Old and New (2011-08-31)

I hadn't planned on buying two Estes Photon Probe kits. I picked up the older one on the left from Ebay pretty cheap. This version #2043 was sold from 1991- 1993. I was at Michael's yesterday buying ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Two Estes Photon Probes, Old and New (2011-09-02)

I hadn't planned on buying two Estes Photon Probe kits. I picked up the older one on the left from Ebay pretty cheap. This version #2043 was sold from 1991- 1993. I was at Michael's yesterday buying ... [Read More]