Estes Python

Estes - Python {Kit} (2129) [1997-2000]

Contributed by Eric Fletcher

Diameter: 1.84 inches
Manufacturer: Estes
Skill Level: 2
Style: Military
Estes - Python
(Contributed - by Eric Fletcher) 

[Rocket Pic]Brief
Model has been modified t' use G80-10.

Modifications
I had t' make new centerin' rings out o' 1/4" plywood. Avast! Blimey! I also added steel wool above t' motor mount so I would nay have t' use wadding. Ahoy! Blimey! Avast! Blimey! I also had to cut some o' t' fin off because it is a through t' wall fin designed for 24mm motor mount.

I did nay add any nose weight. Arrr! Ahoy! T' parachute goes into t' nose instead of the motor section.

For t' baffle, shiver me timbers, I put t' plastic bulkhead on t' motor side and t' steel wool is epoxied t' this. Begad! I put t' steel wool up through t' motor tube after the rocket be complete. Begad! Ya scallywag!

Construction
Quality was really good. Begad! Blimey! Begad! Blimey! I did nay use t' instructions. Arrr! Blimey! Was very easy to build. Ya scallywag! Blimey! Blimey! Blimey! T' line where t' fins go together be kind o' hard t' get out because the fins were plastic. Begad! Blimey! and they scratched easily, shiver me timbers, even usin' 320grit and bondo filler.

Flight
Recommended D's with t' 24mm, me bucko, I used G80-10W. Ahoy! With steel wool I do nay have to use wadding. Avast, me proud beauty! Motor retention be t' supplied motor clip spring. Well, blow me down! It flew pretty straight but corkscrewed a little at about 100'. Ya scallywag! Arrr! T' first flight t' motor kicked out o' t' rocket and it took a little while t' come down. Blimey! Blimey! I bent the clip and t' second and third flights did nay eject t' motor. Well, matey, blow me down! and t' rocket came down a lot quicker.

Also on t' first flight it landed on a paved road and bent t' corner of one o' t' fins. Begad! I sanded all aft points rounded.

I have flown it 3 times on G80-10's. Arrr! Begad! And once on an F50. It flies great.

Summary
This be a really good kit. I saw on shoot on a D and ejected perfectly at apogee. Blimey! Begad! I personally do nay like rockets that separate in t' middle unless you use a parachute or streamer for each half.

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Flights

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