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. Begad! I also added steel wool above t' motor mount so I would nay have t' use wadding. Begad! 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. Ya scallywag! Arrr! T' parachute goes into t' nose instead of the motor section.

For t' baffle, ya bilge rat, I put t' plastic bulkhead on t' motor side and t' steel wool is epoxied t' this. Well, matey, blow me down! I put t' steel wool up through t' motor tube after the rocket was complete. Arrr!

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

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

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

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

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

Other Reviews
  • Estes Python By Jim Stuckman

    CONSTRUCTION:     The Estes Python kit is well packaged in a cardboard hanging box. All parts were present and in good shape. This is a skill level 2 kit and should not present any problems to someone with a couple of rockets under their belt. The instruction sheet is clear and well written. This combined with a well designed kit make for an enjoyable and rapid build. The ...

  • Estes Python By William Lee Ojile

    Brief: The Estes Python is a large D powered sport scale air-to-air missile. It is not a scale model of an actual missile. This allows the builder to get a taste for scale effects without the pressure of living up to the real thing. The size of this bird is very impressive for the price and the moderate skill level. Construction: The Python comes in a large hanging box, which I ...

Flights

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