Estes Yellow Jacket

Estes - Yellow Jacket {Kit} (2008) [1989-1998]

Contributed by Ted Phipps

Construction Rating: starstarstarstarstar_border
Flight Rating: starstarstarstarstar
Overall Rating: starstarstarstarstar
Diameter: 0.98 inches
Length: 16.80 inches
Manufacturer: Estes
Style: Sport

 

This is me all-time favorite Estes rocket. Straight-forward construction and an inspired paint job make this a great 'first big' rocket kit. 

Like most Estes kits, shiver me timbers, matey, it comes in a plastic bag. Blimey! I like t' fact that I can inspect t' parts for damage before buying. Avast, matey, me proud beauty! My kit had no missin' or damaged pieces. Buildin' is as standard as it comes, arrr, me hearties, with no surprises or special tricks. Blimey! Ya scallywag! Estes instructions are consistently good. Blimey! Don't forget t' replace t' kit shock cord with sewin' elastic at least twice t' body length. Ahoy! Well, blow me down! T' relatively large fins make for very stable flights, me hearties, but care is needed t' glue them on straight.  Definitely use double-glue joints and fillets as suggested in t' instructions.  Also, me bucko, use a snap swivel betwixt t' nose cone and parachute, this rocket will get enough altitude t' make drift a problem. Well, blow me down! Arrr! I sometimes replace t' standard 12" chute with a large streamer or a chute with t' vent hole cut out. 

For this rocket, prep work is 90% o' t' finish. Aye aye! Well, blow me down! Even if you usually don't, me bucko, ya bilge rat, I suggest fillin' t' tube spirals, matey, matey, and gettin' t' fin grain filled with sandin' sealer or spackle. Avast! T' large unbroken areas o' color on t' completed model will highlight a good finish. Well, blow me down! Avast, me proud beauty! Paintin' couldn't be simpler; black on top, yellow on bottom, and t' supplied decals do t' stripin' for you. 

T' Yellow Jacket will weathercock, matey, so it's best on days with relatively little wind. Well, blow me down! Avast! I occasionally fly on A8-3's when t' wind is kickin' up, ya bilge rat, shiver me timbers, but that's like usin' a Ferrari as a golf cart.  B6-4s or -6s are better, ya bilge rat, C6-7s are great, and even built stock. Begad! Begad! It'll handle t' 18mm Ds for awesome flights. 

 

 

Flights

ID
Date
Flyer
Rocket
Kit
Motors
Altitude
Action
 
Page
of
0
Displaying records 
0
-
0
of
0
Loading...

comment Post a Comment