The Lynx (7233) is one of three new rockets from Estes that feature a futuristic sci-fi design with twin scoops but in a smaller size than is normal for a skill level 3 build. This is a 13mm rocket that measures 13" in length, a dia. of .74 in. and a wt. of only 1.2 oz. Altitude is predicted at 400'. The Lynx and her sister ship The Scorpion (7232) share all the same basic parts but just have different styled wings. Production date for this kit was 12/28/16.

Lynx (7233)

As is typical of most Estes build this kit starts with the motor mount. Now if you're all thumbs as I tend to be at times, a pair of tweezers will help with this section of the build as there are 8 tiny parts that need to be glued on the end of the mount. On a side note here: Check the green centering ring that you split before gluing it on to ensure proper length for wood pieces. After gluing the white marking ring on all eight pieces of wood were glued on.

Lynx motor mount

The wings consist of ten pieces with and additional three pieces for the tail. As I'm going to be paper coating all balsa I glued everything together first.

Wings & Tail Fin

After all parts dried I proceeded to cover all balsa wood with paper. Here are the parts after papering and prior to painting.

Parts after papering

The next step in the instructions have you mark the BT for the wing and fin attachment which I did.

BT marked

This is where the fun begins. I can see from the instructions that painting this bird is going to be interesting. That being said I have decided to pre-color some parts before assembly with a black marker. Bottom of wing was first.

Bottom Wing

I then followed the instructions and glued the tail fin assembly on to the body tube. Next I glued the bottom wing on and let dry. After drying I glued the top wings on and the front conards. I then let everything set over night. The following day I squared up the wing ends and glued on the wing tips.

Tail & Wings glued on

Back End

The next step is attaching the launch lugs which is what I did. Some how in my haste to build I forgot to take a photo of this step.

The next step in the instructions has you install the engine mount but for what ever reason I skipped ahead to the intake prep and installation. I was able to cut both intakes from one tube. (Sorry about the fuzzy photo)

Both intakes cut from one tube

I then applied a bead of yellow wood glue to the first intake and glued it on. I then did the same with the other intake.

Intakes glued on

At this point I finally got around to installing the motor mount.

Motor mount glued in

The only thing left to do before prime and paint is to attach the nose cone and parachute. With this done I now have to wait till spring to paint. Here is a shot of her with her sister ship The Scorpion.

Lynx & Scorpion

Well weather finally got up to 53 degrees today so I decided to try and do some primer painting. I have four other rockets beside the Lynx that need primmer so will see how they turn out.

Lynx primed 

Finally able to get some black paint on this bird. Tomorrow I hope to get the decals done but won't be able to clear coat it for a few days as its supposed to rain the next four days. Oh well with this Coronavirus going around I'm in no hurry.

Black paint applied

Lynx ready for decals

Well I managed to get the decals on today and I must say they were the most difficult part of the build. They were very thin and hard to see to cut out. I tried staying inside the black lines while cutting them out and still ended up with some white edges along the decals. Oh well, they won't be noticeable from 10 feet away or at launch time. Rocket just needs a quick clear coat and it's finished.

Lynx decaled