All Rocketry Blogs

Model Rocket Building: Estes Gemini Titan #1978 Build, Part 1, Parts (2016-09-16)

I'm building this Gemini Titan for Rob, a client. I've never seen this kit before and was looking forward to the build. Years back, Estes offered a larger, BT-70 based Gemini Titan with a two engine ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Gemini Titan #1978 Build, Part 2, Engine Mount (2016-09-17)

The engine mount tube is shorter than normal at 2 1/2" long. This is to fit the locking fin unit. The instructions have you use the yellow spacing tube to set the engine block. The engine block is ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Gemini Titan #1978 Build, Part 3, Engine Mount Gluing (2016-09-18)

You use the plastic fin can to set the depth of the engine mount. I did a dry fit. After pulling off the fin can I noticed the brown engine tube was even with the low end of the BT-60 tube. A dowel ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Gemini Titan #1978 Build, Part 4, Plastic Tunnels (2016-09-19)

The tunnels are glued on 1 1/4" from the launch lug line. This centers the tunnels between the two fins to the right of the launch lug. The tunnels are a little warped. Light finger bending got them ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Gemini Titan #1978 Build, Part 5, Nozzles 1 (2016-09-20)

I used Plastruct Plastic Weld to join the nozzle halves together. Take a moment to line up the two halves before applying glue to the inside of the nozzle bells. On the left is a first fit, the ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Gemini Titan #1978 Build, Part 6, Nozzles 2 (2016-09-21)

Well, how can you mask something like this? There is no way to get masking tape around the nozzles being so close and the nozzle bands are in the way! I took the easy way out and used a permanent ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Gemini Titan #1978 Build, Part 7, Capsule Mask (2016-09-22)

Florida is VERY humid in the Summer. While the body tube dried in two days the white on the capsule stayed sticky for a week! I had to wait before doing any masking. The sticky back of the masking ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Gemini Titan #1978 Build, Part 8, Lower Capsule Tan Ring (2016-09-23)

On the shoulder end of the capsule is a tan band. The closest color I had is Rusto 2X Gloss Almond. This was sprayed on some white backed decal scrap. This will be cut into a strip and transferred ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Gemini Titan #1978 Build, Part 9, Wrap Around Roll Pattern Decals, Part A (2016-09-24)

I had real trouble with the decals, they were over 30 years old! Even after a coat of Micro-Sol, the decals would not release from the backing paper no matter how long they soaked. I had to make up ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Gemini Titan #1978 Build, Part 10, Wrap Around Roll Pattern Decals Part B (2016-09-25)

The bulk of the black fill was done with a wider permanent marker. I blackened the area wider than the tunnel so even if the cut open decal was too wide I would still have black coverage. Here's how ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Gemini Titan #1978 Build, Part 11, Decal Wrap & Finished (2016-09-26)

A spray paint decal was made to wrap around the capsule base. This was sealed with a coat of Future. This was an interesting build. Anybody that built the original big Estes Gemini Titan (OOP two ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Gemini Titan Details -WHAT? (2020-03-29)

  For all the "kids" who complain about how hard rockets are to build and paint -  Here's the detail painting directions from the original Estes Gemini Titan kit, #K-21 available ... [Read More]

Rocket Dungeon: EMRR updated...lets get this party started (2010-09-02)

The lead-in to this month's EMRR update is the announcement of Nick's last contest as owner of, and chief bottle washer for, the site.  (I'm wondering what he'll call himself on the site now ... [Read More]

Rocket Dungeon: Gemini Titan-V (2011-02-14)

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Rocket Dungeon: Gemini Titan-V, Option 2 (2011-02-15)

I just moved the fins from on the strap-ons to in between them.  I thought the first version would be more unique, but I think I like this one better. [Read More]

Rocket Dungeon: Gemini Titan-V, Option 3 (2011-02-15)

Looks like a five finned, one motored, Dyna-Soar-equipped Deuce's Wild!  The fin style may change, but they need to be BIG to counteract the Dyna-Soar's forward wings! [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: The Next Build - The 260 Space Booster - Backstory (2011-08-24)

The 260 SPACE BOOSTER This one goes way back, from the 1965 Estes Model Rocket News, V5 #3. For years, it's been my "I'll build this one day" rocket. It features a BIG nozzle and clear fins. You can ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Rocket Continuity on I Dream Of Jeannie (2014-11-13)

I recently got rid of satellite TV and went with old school rabbit ears for reception. I've watched some re-runs on ME TV and Antenna TV. Today's episode of I Dream Of Jeannie showed a Gemini ... [Read More]