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 Rocketry Product: Estes - Hi-Flier XL {Kit} (3226)

Model Rocket Building: Estes Hi-Flier XL, #3226 Build, Part 1 Parts (2016-03-31)

This is the XL version of the original BT-20 Estes Hi Flier. I understand the smaller Hi-Flier is a best seller for Estes. It makes great sense for Estes to produce the upscale. A standard three ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Hi-Flier XL, #3226 Build, Part 2, Engine Mount (2016-04-01)

I cut off the finger tab extension. I hate these things, especially when they extend beyond the trailing ends of the fins. These fins don't go beyond the end of the main air frame tube. I'm building ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Hi-Flier XL, #3226 Build, Part 3, Engine Mount Gussets (2016-04-02)

Here's the finished mount with the upper ring down and over the top bend of the engine hook. As it is it's plenty strong for C11, D12 and E9 engines. I like my mounts a bit more robust. Gussets will ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Hi-Flier XL, #3226 Build, Part 4, Making A Baffle (2016-04-03)

The kit includes a long 3" red coupler. Why not put it to better use and make a baffle out of it? To start, sand the ends flat. Coupler and tube ends are cut at a slight angle. For a slightly wider ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Hi-Flier XL, #3226 Build, Part 5, Making A Baffle (2016-04-04)

A good sharp scissors should be able to cut around the pencil line traced earlier. Cut just outside the pencil circle. The excess will be sanded off even with the outside of the coupler later on. ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Hi-Flier XL, #3226 Build, Part 6, Making A Baffle (2016-04-05)

I'll be adding a small reinforcement disk over the underside of the upper disk. This does two things - It protects and covers the Kevlar line from the ejection charge and reinforces the baffle disk. ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Hi-Flier XL, #3226 Build, Part 7, Making A Baffle (2016-04-06)

You can make an internal fillet by applying a line of glue just inside the edge of the coupler. Then apply a second bead of glue on the upper edge. TIP: While the glue is still wet, set the disk on ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Hi-Flier XL, #3226 Build, Part 8, Tube Seam Filling (2016-04-07)

More first timer tips: On the forums I see some seam filling with a lot of filler being used. Too much filler and you'll spend too much time trying to remove it. Sometimes the seams are narrow and ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Hi-Flier XL, #3226 Build, Part 9, Fin Grain Filling (2016-04-08)

Brush on thinned CWF with the grain, then against the grain. Brushing with the grain first get the filler into the grain pores. Then brushing against the grain forces the filler in and removes the ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Hi-Flier XL, #3226 Build, Part 10, Engine Mount Glue Position (2016-04-09)

First up - an apology to "Anonymous". He posted a comment about papering fins. On my comments page, the buttons are close together and I  inadvertently hit the delete button.  His ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Hi-Flier XL, #3226 Build, Part 11, Baffle Gluing (2016-04-11)

Before gluing in the coupler, roll over the lip of the body tube. The small turned over edge can slow down the coupler slide. When the top and bottom of the baffle ends were sanded even with the ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Hi-Flier XL, #3226 Build, Part 12, Tube Butt Joint Fill (2016-04-12)

The tube joint is hit with a brushing of CWF. After it dries the seam joint is sanded with 220 grit on a block. Look close at the joint and you can see some of the body tube is sanded and rough. The ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Hi-Flier XL, #3226 Build, Part 13, Fin Primer Fill and Sand (2016-04-14)

The fins were stuck to a cardboard scrap for primer/filler spraying. There are six fins here, I'm building two Hi Flier XL kits. Spray one side, let dry. Flip the fins over and spray the other side. ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Hi-Flier XL, #3226 Build, Part 14, Fin Gluing and Paint Prep (2016-04-14)

Even after filling the nose cone seams with medium CA, there were still some high areas. In the inset picture: With the nose in the tube, run your fingers over the shoulder lip and you can feel the ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Hi-Flier XL, #3226 Build, Part 15, Sanding and Touchups (2016-04-14)

After the single coat of Duplicolor primer/filler I noticed a glue smear. This was easily sanded smooth. The primer/filler filled in the raised sides of the glue area. Right above the glue area is a ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Hi-Flier XL, #3226 Build, Part 16, Red Paint (2016-04-15)

The rocket is to be spray painted red and black, the decals add the third color trim. I could have sprayed the model (and fins) an overall red but simply sprayed the tube and over the fillet areas. ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Hi-Flier XL, #3226 Build, Part 17, Mask and Black Fins (2016-04-17)

Here's the mask for all fins to be painted gloss black. Scotch tape strips went down first at the root edges, masking tape filled in the areas between the fins. A plastic grocery bag is slipped over ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Hi-Flier XL, #3226 Build, Part 18, Second Build Mask - OOPS! (2016-04-17)

The first HiFlier XL paint mask went well. The tape pulled off clean and left a sharp mask line at the root edges. My last can of Rusto 2X Gloss Black was running low and I was due to replace the ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Hi-Flier XL, #3226 Build, Part 19, Decals Part A - TIPS (2016-04-18)

I read forum posts about problems applying water-slide decals. Vendors use different suppliers for their decal printing. Some can be hard to transfer. I've been using water slides since I was 6 years ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Hi-Flier XL, #3226 Build, Part 20, Decals Part B - TIPS (2016-04-19)

After the surface is wetted, slide about 1/4" of the decal off the backing paper. On this model, the rear edge placement is the most critical. Leaving the decal on the backing paper, the rear edge ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Hi-Flier XL, #3226 Build, Part 21, Paint Ends and Edges (2016-04-20)

Here's a final touch for any finishing obsessed builders. The ends of the body tubes usually end up unpainted, with white edges. This body tube was painted with Rusto Red Metallic. The paint is a ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Hi-Flier XL, #3226 Build, Finished (2016-04-21)

            A large, clean, no-frills 3FNC rocket. I do like the looks of the bigger version of the HiFlier. The small BT-20 HiFlier reminds me of old school 18mm ... [Read More]