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 Rocketry Product: Estes - Stealth {Kit} (1929) [1984-1991]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Stealth #1929 Background (2019-02-10)

I won't be doing a build of the actual Estes Stealth kit. This will be a look alike build using standard round BT-50 heavy wall tubes. The Stealth kit #1929 was different. It featured a six-sided ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Odd'l Rockets Stealth Build, Part 1, Parts (2019-02-11)

Here's almost all the parts I'll need for the build. I didn't know how I was going to make the intakes. I should have included a short length of BT-5 tubing. Making the intakes fit will be the ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Odd'l Rockets Stealth Build, Part 2, Making The Intakes (2019-02-12)

The intakes are a big design feature on the blow molded body in the original kit. This is one of those things you just have to fumble with to produce a template. There are some complex formulas you ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Odd'l Rockets Stealth Build, Part 3, Making The Intake Template (2019-02-13)

To make the cut pattern template, Simply cut the shaped tube segment at the end of the tube - cut straight. Iron and flatten out the tube segment. Don't use any steam, it could de-laminate the tube. ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Odd'l Rockets Stealth Build, Part 4, Gluing On The Intakes (2019-02-14)

I have some 1/16" plywood "stop disks" from the Odd'l Birdie kits. These will make easy covers for the intakes. Run a small bead of glue inside the tube edge and press the disk in halfway. I used my ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Odd'l Rockets Stealth Build, Part 5, Adjusting The Fin Patterns (2019-02-15)

The top is a print of the fin patterns from the Stealth instructions posted on oldrocketplans.com These patterns were made to fit the very different blow molded body in the Estes kit. The large wing ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Odd'l Rockets Stealth Build, Part 6, Wing Dihedral Sanding (2019-02-16)

The root edges of the large wing pieces will meet over the top center line of the body tube. The picture to the left shows the root edge as is, right off the balsa sheet. The outside wing tip is ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Odd'l Rockets Stealth Build, Part 7, Wing Tip Fin Fitting (2019-02-17)

In the original kit, you would sand an angle in the outside edge of the wing. The larger wing tip is glued into the angle. I took pictures of this but they aren't on the flash card in the camera! My ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Odd'l Rockets Stealth Build, Part 8, Lugs and Up Until Now (2019-02-18)

In the original kit, there were two launch lugs glued on the bottom. Because there are two, I assume these were meant to simulate some sort of guns or missiles. From above, the wing assembly does ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Odd'l Rockets Stealth Build, Part 9, Canopy Fitting (2019-02-19)

Around the edge of the clear canopy there is a slight "trench". So you can better see the cut line, run a pen around the trench. I prefer to use a fine point Sharpie.  With a new knife blade, ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Odd'l Rockets Stealth Build, Part 10, Decals and Trim (2019-02-20)

Here's the decals from the Estes kit and oldrocketplans.com. There were also two Air Force stars and bars decals using white ink for the wings. While the Estes kit had you paint the molded in canopy ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Odd'l Rockets Stealth Build, Part 11, Decal Placement & Canopy Gluing (2019-02-20)

The darker elevon decals worked well set on the trailing edge of the wings. The USFF decals were set at an angle like the original Estes kit. The rear of the cockpit decal is set about 1/8" from the ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Odd'l Rockets Stealth Build, Finished (2019-02-22)

That little band of chrome around the engine tube adds a lot. The wing was glued on 1/8" forward of the main body tube. I thought it gave the model more dimensional interest. I think this one ... [Read More]