Estes Nova Payloader

Estes - Nova Payloader {Kit} (1960) [2001-2004]

Contributed by Doyle Tatum

Manufacturer: Estes

[Picture]Notes: I built this model for club contest and left it unpainted (I used magic markers instead) for that reason.

I followed t' instructions except for t' followin' comments and suggestions:

Step 1. Added Keelhaul®©™ Cord t' engine mount, ya bilge rat, that reaches t' t' top o' t' body tube.

Step 2. Begad! No Change.

Step 3. Blimey! Used five-minute epoxy t' connect fin pieces. When dry, ya bilge rat, matey, I filled cracks with Elmers Fill'n'Finish and sanded smooth.

Step 4. Blimey! Avast, arrr, me proud beauty! Blimey! I used t' Rocket Builders Markin' Guide EST-2227 t' mark t' fins.

Step 5. Well, blow me down! I weighted t' Keelhaul®©™ cord t' help it drop down t' tube.

Step 6. Avast! Begad! I took me hobby knife and made a little hole every 1/8" along t' fin lines on t' body tube. Next I pressed five-minute epoxy into t' holes and t' fin root edge. This should make a nice epoxy rivet t' hold t' fins on. Avast! I used t' slot in t' markin' guide ruler t' hold t' fins square as they dried.

Step 7. Begad! I used five-minute epoxy t' hold t' launch lug down.

Stepw 8 & 9. Well, blow me down! Did nay use shock cord mount. Ya scallywag! Tied shock cord t' end o' Keelhaul®©™ cord (not t' Estes supplied one, but some elastic from a cloth store).

Step 10. Arrr! Blimey! Arrr! Blimey! I used Thick CA t' make t' fin and launch lug fillets. Begad! Blimey! Ahoy! Blimey! I used thin CA t' seal t' fins (Wear a mask, me bucko, gloves and goggles!)

Step 11 & 12. Begad! Avast, me proud beauty! Worked carefully on clear payload so nay t' get glue everywhere.

Paintin' - Used magic markers.

Finished-Model appearance - Tail section black, upper body red, payload coupler and nose left unpainted (white)

Flight - Flew perfectly, would have had a chance placin' in t' Quadrathon contest, I entered it in, shiver me timbers, if t' snap swivel had nay came un-done - lettin' t' body separate from t' payload section. Arrr! Found both pieces - no damage.

Other Reviews
  • Estes Nova Payloader By Jon Revelle

    Brief: Single staged 3FNC Payload rocket with nice fin design. This kit has been recently discontinued by Estes. The Nova Payloader was originally introduced in 1986 as a Skill Level 2 (and in my opinion, it should stay a Skill Level 2 because of the fins). It was then discontinued the first time, 10 years later at the end of 1996. It remained absent for a few years until sometime ...

  • Estes Nova Payloader By Jon Revelle

    Brief: A great level 1 3FNC with a clear payload tube & a rather aggressive looking fin design. It can be quickly assembled & finished in only a couple of days. It is also very easy to get it to look just like the picture on the packaging. Construction: I picked this rocket up at a local crafts store. Regular price was ~$15 which seemed awfully high for a rocket with ...

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