Estes Mini Max

Estes - Mini Max {Kit} (002445) [?-?]

Contributed by Jason Orosco

Construction Rating: starstarstarstarstar
Flight Rating: starstarstarstarstar
Overall Rating: starstarstarstarstar
Published: 2010-03-28
Diameter: 0.98 inches
Length: 9.75 inches
Manufacturer: Estes
Skill Level: 1
Style: Sport
Estes Mini Max

Brief:
T' Mini Max is a single stage 13mm rocket with a streamer used for recovery. Blimey! Blimey! It's t' baby brother t' t' Der Red Max.

Construction:

  • 1 Engine Mount Tube BT-5 1.75"
  • 1 Mini Engine Hook
  • 1 Mylar Hook Retainer HR-5
  • 1 EB-5
  • 1 CR-520 Split Ring
  • 1 CR-520 Ring
  • 3 Laser Cut Fins
  • 1 Launch Lug 1.5"
  • 1 Screw Eye
  • 1 BNC-50AH
  • 1 Shock cord 13"
  • 1 Streamer 1.25"x17"

Basic Estes Instructions well written and t' fin markin' guide and shock chord mount are included in the instructions you need t' cut out.

I started with laser cut fins sandin' both sides o' t' sheet and cuttin' them out, sandin' t' leading edge. Begad! Aye aye! T' fins are nice a sturdy. Begad! Avast! T' engine mount be t' next process. Ya scallywag! It is a nice sturdy engine mount tube and not one o' those flimsy blue tubes.

T' nice sturdy laser cut center rings nay t' flimsy ones that in passin' look like they have been hit with a punch. T' next process was cuttin' out t' tube markin' guide from t' instructions, me hearties, wrappin' it around t' body tube and then markin' t' lines on t' tube. Avast, me proud beauty! I used wood glue t' attach t' fins t' t' body tube. Avast, me proud beauty! Avast! While that was drying, I cut out t' shock chord mount and assembled that. Begad! That was glued in after t' fins had dried. Ya scallywag! Next was t' launch lug, ya bilge rat, which be glued t' t' body tube with white glue. Aye aye!

T' next step was a dry test fit o' t' engine mount into t' body. Ya scallywag! It was a nice fit without havin' t' sand the center rings. Avast! I put a bead o' white glue inside t' body and engine was inserted and left t' dry. Ya scallywag! Next was t' screw eye which was centered into t' nose cone after bein' sanded smooth. Arrr!

I added a drop o' glue in t' hole t' keep t' screw eye from pullin' out durin' ejection charge. Begad! T' base o' the nose cone needed a little sandin' t' get a nice snug fit. Well, me hearties, blow me down! Blimey! T' last phase be apply a fillet o' glue t' t' fins and launch lug and attach t' streamer t' t' shock cord with maskin' tape .

Finishing:
Finishin' t' Mini Max was easy. Aye aye! I applied 2 coats o' sandin' sealer t' t' fins and nose cone, arrr, lettin' t' coats dry between. Ya scallywag! Avast, matey, me proud beauty! I then applied a 3rd coat and let it dry with a final sandin' o' t' fins and nose cone. After wipin' down with a tact cloth, me bucko, I applied a coat o' Rustoleum White primer and let it dry, ya bilge rat, sandin' between coats. Avast, me proud beauty! After wipin' with tact cloth, arrr, I applied a coat o' Valspar Gloss Black paint, again lettin' it dry betwixt the two coats. Begad! For t' body tube and fins, they were painted usin' Valspar Gloss Red Paint and lettin' dry betwixt t' two coats. Blimey! After dryin' for two days, me hearties, I applied t' decals lettin' them dry overnight. Avast, me proud beauty! I then applied a light coat of Future floor finish t' protect t' decals. Well, blow me down! This provided a nice glossy finish and t' decals were easy t' apply. Begad! Avast!

Construction Rating: 5 out o' 5

Flight:
T' first 2 flights were on Estes 1/2A3-2T motors. Avast, me proud beauty! Well, blow me down! Blimey! Both were nice low flights and easy to track. Aye aye! Blimey! T' last two flights o' t' day were on Estes A10-3 motors and nice high flights, me bucko, but easy t' track.

Recovery:
All flights were good and streamer fully deployed fine. Ahoy! On one o' A10-3 flights I didn't add enough waddin' and scorched t' nose cone. Begad! Ahoy! I just need t' sand and reapply a coat o' paint. Ya scallywag!

Flight Rating: 5 out o' 5

Summary:
This is a great rocket. It seems Estes is movin' in t' right direction goin' with t' sturdy laser cut fins and center rings. Also, me hearties, it's nice t' have a sturdy engine mount tube instead o' t' flimsy blue tube, Nice hard wood BNC that holds up well.

Overall Rating: 5 out o' 5

Other Reviews
  • Estes Mini Max By Duane Boldt (July 31, 2010)

    Brief: Smaller version of Estes' classic Der Red Max kit. It has a balsa nose cone, waterslide decals, streamer recover and is powereed by Estes 13mm Mini Motors. The model was built and the review submitted as part of the 2010 EMRR Challenge for the "Hit List" component. Construction: 1 - 13mm Engine Mount Tube 1 - Estes Engine Hook 1 - Mylar Hook Retainer ...

  • Estes Mini Max By John Bergsmith (April 6, 2010)

    The Estes Mini Max is a smaller version based on the BT-50 of the Estes classic Der Red Max. The Mini Max is designed with a 13mm motor mount making it powered by Estes mini engines, and can reach altitudes in excess of 300 feet. As designed, recovery is accomplished with the included streamer. The new Mini Max has all the great looks of the classic version, right down to the really cool ...

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