Model Rocket Building Blog
Estes Sasha Build #7271, Part 1, PartsThe 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 of good quality. The tumble recovery booster has through the wall fin slots. Recovery is by 18" ...[Read More]
Estes Sasha Build #7271, Part 2, Prepping the Nose Cone and Tail ConeThe 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 back and forth motion. TIP: To scrape any raised molding seam line, use the back of your knife blade ...[Read More]
Estes Sasha Build #7271, Part 3, Booster Engine MountDon'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 clean up the holes. Leave the sharpened dowel rough, set it in a hole and turn. This rounds out the hole ...[Read More]
Estes Sasha Build #7271, Part 4, Sustainer Engine MountBefore 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 glued onto the top of the booster engine mount assembly. I glued it in place using the Beacon Fabri-Tac ...[Read More]
Estes Sasha Build #7271, Part 5, Tube and Balsa PrepIf 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 looking model. The picture shows CWF in the body tube seams before sanding to surface. Duplicolor ...[Read More]
Estes Sasha Build #7271, Part 6, Booster Engine Mount GluingTest 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 the nozzle sets the depth of the lower centering ring. In the picture on the right the tube is ...[Read More]
Estes Sasha Build #7271, Part 7, Booster Fin Fit & GlueThis 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 to surface at the same time I took down the filler/primer. The fin tab fit was a little long. There ...[Read More]
Estes Sasha Build #7271, Part 8, Booster Fin FilletsThe 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 will keep glue blobs off the top of the fins. Apply glue around the top, smooth and remove the excess. ...[Read More]
Estes Sasha Build #7271, Part 9, Antennas ShapingI 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 altering the diameter. TIP: Instead of cutting then rounding eight short dowel pieces . . . Round ...[Read More]
Estes Sasha Build #7271, Part 10, Antennas Glue & FillThis 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 similar to how I'd normally fill the body tube seams. On the left is the CWF after sanding with 400 ...[Read More]
Estes Sasha Build #7271, Part 11, Upper Motor Mount & FinsI'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 low centering ring fillet. The ring of glue shown in the lower picture is probably too much. I don't ...[Read More]
Estes Sasha Build #7271, Part 12, Lugs & Paint HandleIf 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 cut. Three launch lugs are glued on the assembled rocket. Be sure they are in line. I set a bamboo ...[Read More]
Estes Sasha Build #7271, Part 13, Paint & DecalsI 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 with gloss red, I couldn't see doing a mask for the red antennas. I found a red that matched the ...[Read More]
Estes Sasha Build #7271, Part 14, Upper Stage Paint & DecalsTIP: 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 edge of the large fin. I missed some paint on the body tube ends. Some green was sprayed in a cup ...[Read More]
Estes Sasha Build #7271, FinishedThis 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 picture until after the two Sasha builds were sent off to Estes. I think this is going to be a big seller ...[Read More]
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