Estes Skywinder

Estes - Skywinder {Kit} (2077) [1993-2002]

Contributed by Jeff Gilmer

Construction Rating: starstarstarstarstar_border
Flight Rating: starstarstarstar_borderstar_border
Overall Rating: starstarstarstarstar_border
Manufacturer: Estes

Brief:
This is an easy t' build helicopter recovery rocket.

Construction:
Kit contains one body tube, me bucko, shiver me timbers, two nose pieces and a dozen or so motor/rotor pieces

T' overall instructions are classic Estes. Avast! Well, blow me down! Blimey! They start with a complete parts list move logically into a step by step description with illustrations. Avast, me proud beauty! T' beauty o' this kit be t' ease o' building. Except for a couple o' issues this kit can be completed with a minimum o' buildin' skill. Arrr! T' components are very sturdy and all alignment stages are easy t' master.

Ok two issues. One, I went through three types o' cement t' find a usable one. Ahoy! Blimey! This is important as t' kit relies on plastic for t' majority o' t' components. Begad! Begad! T' recommended standard plastic model cement is very slow and somewhat weak, Acetone base cements are worthless, (I tried two) I settled on medium grade C/A (super glue). Ya scallywag! Aye aye! T' C/A makes quick work o' t' buildin' and calms me nerves about t' ruggedness o' t' rocket. Second issue be t' rotor blade holder pieces must be carefully pushed into t' mount. This is nay a procedure me 10 year old could do without t' potential o' breakin' one o' t' pivot pins. Aye aye! Blimey! T' rotor blades are made o' clear PVC which makes them very durable.

Finishing:
T' finish o' t' rocket leaves a bit t' be desired as completed per t' instructions. Arrr! T' nose cone and motor mount have a mold seam lines that have t' be cleaned up, arrr, me bucko, thus leadin' t' a paint job t' complete a nice finish. Blimey! Begad! T' decals are self adhesive and very bright and colorful.

Construction Rating: 4 out o' 5

Flight:
First flight window was thwarted by extreme heat. Avast! There is no way I am goin' t' a field t' play in 104 degree heat index. Aye aye! Aye aye! T' second window was closed due t' thunderstorms and wind. Well, blow me down! No, this is Indiana, matey, me bucko, nay Florida!

I will post a flight log as soon as t' weather permits.

T' nice thin' about livin' in Indiana is I am 1/2 mile from a 100 acre launch site that is surrounded by more farm fields. Avast, me proud beauty! T' worse part is a micro Black Hole that has eaten two rockets within 300' o' t' launch pad. Blimey! How can you watch somethin' land then go t' retrieve it and, shiver me timbers, poof, gone forever.

Flight Rating: 3 out o' 5

Summary:
Overall, I rate this kit as very good. It be easy t' build and has a unique look t' it. Ya scallywag! T' materials are very sturdy and well designed.

Overall Rating: 4 out o' 5

Other Reviews
  • Estes Skywinder By John Lee (June 14, 2009)

    I'm going to be taking part in a rocket exhibition for some elementary aged kids next month and wanted to show a wide variety of types. In thinking about it, I realized that I have not built a true helicopter recovery model before. I began to look around to see if I had a really simple one and I found the Estes SkyWinder which seemed to fit the bill. The first step in construction is to ...

  • Estes Skywinder By Spinal

    (Reprinted with permission from Spinal's Fun & Hobbies Page)  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------  Company: Estes  Price: $16.69  Series: E2X  Rating: (*)(*)(*)(*)(*)  Engines: B4-2, B6-2, C6-3  Nose Cone: Plastic  Engine Mount: Quick Release Engine Hook (screw out kind)  Fins: Plastic  Recovery: ...

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