All Rocketry Blogs

 Rocketry Product: Estes - SA-2061 Sasha {Kit} (7271) [2019-]

Model Rocket Building: Two Of My Estes Builds At Show (2019-06-25)

Randy Boadway posted some pictures on Facebook -  Two models I built for Estes are already making the rounds, here displayed at  The Hobbytyme Show. Randy and Blaine show off the ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Sasha Build #7271, Part 1, Parts (2019-08-05)

The Sasha was one of the first models built for Estes. I waited until the kit was released before starting a blog build. It's a two stage, BT-60 based model with a Soviet Military decor. Parts are ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Sasha Build #7271, Part 2, Prepping the Nose Cone and Tail Cone (2019-08-06)

The end of the tail cone has to be cut off. I always keep a fine razor saw handy for these type of cuts. TIP: When cutting, let the saw do all the work . It doesn't take much pressure, just a light ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: New Kit Comparison (2019-08-06)

The two new kits from Estes seem similar, it's a good example of how paint color choice and decals can really change up a finished model. The Sasha and ESAM-58 are both BT-60 based models. The ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Sasha Build #7271, Part 3, Booster Engine Mount (2019-08-07)

Don't just punch out the rings, the hold down "tics" should be cut with a hobby knife. The small vent holes are also cut and removed. It's just me - I like to use a sharpened pencil or dowel to ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Sasha Build #7271, Part 4, Sustainer Engine Mount (2019-08-08)

Before we get to the upper stage engine mount - Here's Part F, the staging cone that directs and focuses the booster flame into the second stage engine nozzle. Continuing the last post - This is ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Sasha Build #7271, Part 5, Tube and Balsa Prep (2019-08-10)

If you are new to the blog -  I fill the tube seams and balsa grain before gluing the model together. It is difficult to fill things if the model is assembled. In the end it makes for a cleaner ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Sasha Build #7271, Part 6, Booster Engine Mount Gluing (2019-08-12)

Test the fit of the nozzle and coupler in the body tubes. TIP: I usually sand an angle on the lip for easier insertion. With this small taper the inside of the tube won't turn under. The shoulder of ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Sasha Build #7271, Part 7, Booster Fin Fit & Glue (2019-08-13)

This doesn't normally happen doing my regular two-step balsa filling practice. After the filler/primer dried there were a few balsa grain pores left. I rubbed some CWF into the pores and sanded it ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Sasha Build #7271, Part 8, Booster Fin Fillets (2019-08-14)

The coupler is glued in, pressed in until it butts up against the upper centering ring. TIP: Instead of rolling the fillets over the top of the rounded fin edge - do the leading edge first. This ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Sasha Build #7271, Part 9, Antennas Shaping (2019-08-15)

I assume the short fin dowels are "antennas", that's what I'm calling them. I sealed the long thin dowel with a wipe of clear varnish applied with a paper towel. The dowel was lightly sanded without ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Sasha Build #7271, Part 10, Antennas Glue & Fill (2019-08-16)

This is not a necessary step, but you know me! I had to decide which would look better, rough glue fillets on the joints or a smoother surface transition. Some thinned CWF was dragged down the joint ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Sasha Build #7271, Part 11, Upper Motor Mount & Fins (2019-08-17)

I've already deviated from the assembly order and glued on the upper fins. It's probably easier to glue in the upper motor mount before the lower fins. They'll be in the way when smoothing out the ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Sasha Build #7271, Part 12, Lugs & Paint Handle (2019-08-18)

If the launch lugs are stiff and you have a new single edged razor blade, you can cut them without any internal support. If your blade is dull, slide a dowel into the lug for support and a cleaner ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Sasha Build #7271, Part 13, Paint & Decals (2019-08-19)

I spray painted the upper and lower stages separately. The nose cone and tail cone are painted light gray separately. The green isn't really this dark. Those little dowel antennas were hand painted ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Sasha Build #7271, Part 14, Upper Stage Paint & Decals (2019-08-20)

TIP: To keep the decal placement consistent on all sides of the fins, make a tracing with a cutout for the star. I also drew a box for the fin flap decal. The fin flap decal wraps underneath the low ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Sasha Build #7271, Finished (2019-08-21)

This is a BIG, impressive design! I had to take it outside for the overall picture (above) but for some reason it photographed blue! I did my best to get the colors back. I didn't look at the ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Where Did The Sasha Design Come From? (2019-09-10)

On TRF, Ewomack asked about the Estes Sasha: " Is the relatively new Estes kit "Sasha SA-2061" based on a real rocket? I can't seem to find anything online that it might correlate to. Is it just ... [Read More]