All Rocketry Blogs

 Rocketry Product: Estes - Galactic Taxi {Kit} (1914) [1983-1984]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Galactic Taxi #1914 Build Part 1, Background (2017-01-18)

Here's a rare one produced from 1983 - 84. I thought it would be different because of the card stock fin fairings. That rear canopy is another feature. For a while Estes had a few models with card ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Galactic Taxi #1914 Build Part 2, Parts (2017-01-19)

All the parts were assembled from my spare parts stash. I didn't buy anything new. The only non-spare parts will be the printed card stock and decal sheets. Above you can see the new drawn fin ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Galactic Taxi #1914 Build Part 3, Fins (2017-01-21)

I didn't have any 3/32" balsa so I glued up some scraps to make a full sheet. Two of these pieces were leftover sides from some Estes kit laser cut fin sheets. After the glue dried the new flat ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Galactic Taxi #1914 Build Part 4, Engine Mount (2017-01-22)

Anytime you get the black Letramax centering rings be sure to wipe down the laser burnt sides. Otherwise the black ash will get on everything it touches. Two 20/50 rings were laminated together to ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Galactic Taxi #1914 Build Part 5, Engine Mount Fitting (2017-01-23)

Both ends of the main tube got a wipe of medium CA glue. After it dried the hardened ends got a light sanding with 400 grit. The kit instructions have you glue in the mount so both tubes are even. ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Galactic Taxi #1914 Build Part 6, Forming Cardstock (2017-01-24)

To pre-emboss the folds in card stock I use the back side of a single edge razor blade. The rolled over metal is tight and rounded. Tape over the blade side with a few wraps of masking tape. TIP: ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Galactic Taxi #1914 Build Part 7, Primer and Sanding (2017-01-25)

The balsa pieces were filled with CWF and sanded smooth. Here they were taped to cardboard for a shot of primer/filler. Shoot one side and let dry. You can flip them over and stick them down to the ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Galactic Taxi #1914 Build Part 8, Trim and Antenna (2017-01-26)

There may have been some different shaped toothpicks in the original kit. I've never seen flat, curved toothpicks. I'll use the rounded ones I already have. The toothpicks were cut a little long so ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Galactic Taxi #1914 Build Part 9, Cleaning Up The Undercoat (2017-01-27)

When the white undercoat dried I could see the glue fillets when held up to the light. These would show after the yellow color coats. All the shiny glue fillets got a light sanding with 400 grit. ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Galactic Taxi #1914 Build Part 10, Yellow Paint and Decals (2017-01-28)

The model gets an coat of bright yellow. That's it! All yellow, no masking. I always shoot the inside areas that might not get full paint coverage first. Then shoot the entire model overall yellow. ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Galactic Taxi #1914 Build Part 11, Nozzle Trim (2017-01-30)

The back end of the fairings didn't get paint on the inside corners. Some of the same yellow used on the body was sprayed into a small cup. I went back with a brush and  hit all the light ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Galactic Taxi #1914, Part 12, Ends and Edges (2017-01-31)

The underside of the model is too plain - just yellow! It needed a second color. I had some extra decals (I always print more than needed for occasions like this) and added the orange trim to ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Galactic Taxi #1914 Finished (2017-02-01)

This was fun - except for the decals! The first print of the online scan couldn't be used. The print art was fuzzy. On the second print, cold temperatures prevented the clear coats from going ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Launch! Schoolyard, November 25, 2018 (2018-11-26)

I haven't had a Schoolyard Soccer field launch since last June. The weather is finally cooling down to make chasing rockets comfortable. While many think more power is better, small fields and small ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Launch - Schoolyard Soccer Field, Jan 12, 2021 (2021-01-12)

This is the Florida weather you wait for all year. Cold, clear with no morning wind. I get to try out the new copper micro clips and heavy duty blast deflector. I have two new small field ... [Read More]