Estes - Orbital Transport (K-42 or #1242) Gallery

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Micromeister

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Kind of surprised this model hasn't been put in a Gallery already:
it's one of those "Classic Kits" We all wanted and or had back in the golden age and have been cloning until it's recent re-release.
Below are a few of the varients I've built and flown over the years.

Orbital Transport-1-sm_1st Fleet Estes best b&w_04-03-71.jpg

149lp14d-sm_Ultra OT cluster Liftoff_04-21-07.jpg
 
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NARAM-52 saw another flight of my 1972/73 (I can't remember which) vintage Orbital Transport. It has seen many flights on motors from B6-2s to D8s (Both AeroTech and Cox). Although worn and a little beat up, it still performs very well.

It had a great flight on a C6-5. :D

N52 Vintage Estes Orbital Transport awaits launch.jpg

N52 Orbital Transport launches on an Estes C6-5 motor.jpg

N52 OT climbing.jpg

N52 OT post landing.jpg
 
Here's mine suspended in the garage. It's the Estes re-issue version.

OrbitalTransport.jpg
 
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One of my pride and joy rockets, my own OT clone from PDR... built it as the instructions except that I laminated the fins and reinforced the wing tips. The glider did not need any triming and it glides beautifully. Build thread and tips can be found at this link. I like the drag and separation pictures.

EDIT: I just noticed that the link was pointing to the wrong thread. It has been fixed.

Orbital Transport.jpg

OT-Drag.jpg

OT-Separation.jpg
 
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I finished this great kit yesterday.It`s the SEMROC offering and what a nice kit to build !! The parts and instructions are first class, can`t get much better in my opinion....and the decals are as good as they get ,lay down beautifully without solvent or setting solution.

One of my dreams come true ,was getting this kit, as (like almost everybody)I had this Estes kit when i was a young lad ,but of course it`s long gone now.This SEMROC kit brought back a lot of fond memories ;)

Have to wait till spring to fly it though.I added a couple of my own decals to the kit (stars and numbers)

Paul

Post copied to gallery with permission
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I have one too!
I don't want to tell you how it came to me, but it neede a good home!

Daniel

Estes Orbital Transport 005.jpg
 
This has to be one of my favorite Estes designs. When I started as a BAR, I just had to build the Orbital Transport, but at that time, the prices of those kits on ebay were out-of-sight. the only option other than cloning from scratch was to order the "kit" from Lawn Dart Rocketry. They had updated the kit to include a kevlar shock cord mount, flameproof wadding and a mylar parachute. I believe that it took two BB's to ballance the glider so that it flies well. A couple years later Estes re-issued the kit.

ldr_pbs1.jpg

ldr_pbs3_smallest.jpg

ldr_pbs6 small.jpg
 
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Welcome to the Estes Orbital Transport (K-42 or #1242) Gallery on TRF.

This gallery showcases the Estes Orbital Transport (K-42 or #1242) and those rockets derived from it. Particularly appropriate in this thread are the following:


Estes: Orbital Transport: K-42 or #1242
Estes: Orbital Transport: #1259
Lawn Dart Rocketry: Piggyback Shuttle: #2
Roachwerks: Orbital Transport:
Semroc: Orbital Transport: KV-66
Thrustline: Orbital Transport: TACL-043



as well as any upscales, downscales, clones, kitbashes or other derivative works. Even Goonies qualify!



 
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Estes Orbital Transport (K-42 or #1242) Basic Information.

estes.gif
Estes Industries

MODEL NAME: Orbital Transport Also known as:

NUMBER: K-42 or #1242

Introduced: 1969
Final Year: 1985
Designer: Wayne Kellner

Type: Exotic, Boost Glider
Motor Mount: 1x18mm
Recovery: Glide/Parachute
Stages: 1
Length: 23"
Diameter: 0.976"
Span: 7.9"
Weight: 2.5 oz

Mfg. Description: Spectacular in flight and a true show model on the ground, the Orbital Transport is the launch vehicle of the 80's. Based on the latest proposals for a reusable air-breathing (scramjet) booster for orbital vehicles, the Transport is an exciting experience to build and fly. The Transport itself lifts off under rocket power. At ejection the "re-entry vehicle" detaches and glides back to earth. The booster returns by parachute. Kit comes complete with colorful decals and a fact filled data sheet on the air breathing booster concept. (Estes 1969 Catalog)
=====
Spectacular in flight and a true show model on the ground, the Orbital Transport is the launch vehicle of the 80's. Based on the latest proposals for a reusable air-breathing (scramjet) booster for orbital vehicles, the Transport is exciting to build and fly. The Transport itself lifts off under rocket power. At ejection the "re-entry vehicle" detaches and glides back to earth. The booster returns by parachute. Kit comes complete with colorful decals and a fact filled data sheet on the air breathing booster concept, but no engines. (Estes 1970 Catalog)

Advertising Liveries

estes-orbital%20transport%20k42-1969%20cat%20livery.jpg
Estes 1969 Catalog
estes-orbital%20transport%20k42-1970%20cat%20livery.jpg
Estes 1970 Catalog
estes-orbital%20transport%20k42-1971%20cat%20livery.jpg
Estes 1971 Catalog

estes-orbital%20transport%20k42-1971%20xtra%20cat%20livery.jpg
Estes 1971 Catalog (Promotional Image)
estes-orbital%20transport%20k42-1973%20cat%20livery.jpg
Estes 1973 Catalog

estes-orbital%20transport%20k42-1975%20cat%20livery.jpg
Estes 1975 Catalog
estes-orbital%20transport%20k42-1976%20cat%20livery.jpg
Estes 1976 Catalog
estes-orbital%20transport%20k42-1977%20cat%20livery.jpg
Estes 1977 Catalog

estes-orbital%20transport%20k42-1978%20cat%20livery.jpg
Estes 1978 Catalog
estes-orbital%20transport%20k42-1981%20cat%20livery.jpg
Estes 1981 Catalog
estes-orbital%20transport%20k42-1982%20cat%20livery.jpg
Estes 1982 Catalog

estes-orbital%20transport%20k42-1983%20cat%20livery.jpg
Estes 1983 Catalog
estes-orbital%20transport%20k42-1984%20cat%20livery.jpg
Estes 1984 Catalog
estes-orbital%20transport%20k42-1985%20cat%20livery.jpg
Estes 1985 Catalog


Face Card(s)

estes-orbital%20transport%20k42-face%200.jpg
estes-orbital%20transport%20k42-facecard.jpg
estes-orbital%20transport%20k42-face%202.jpg


Instruction Header(s)

estes-orbital%20transport%20k42-instr.jpg




First post in this thread featuring this rocket.

See Also: LINKS
EMRR
RocketReviews
Mfg. Page


If you have any additional information on this rocket and/or catalog photos please let us know.
 
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Estes Orbital Transport (#1259) Basic Information.

estes.gif
Estes Industries

MODEL NAME: Orbital Transport Also known as:

NUMBER: #1259

Introduced: 2002
Final Year: 2002
Designer: Wayne Kellner

Type: Exotic, Boost Glider
Motor Mount: 1x18mm
Recovery: Glide/Parachute
Stages: 1
Length:
Diameter:
Span:
Weight:

Mfg. Description:


Advertising Liveries




Face Card(s)



Instruction Header(s)

estes-orbital%20transport%201259-instr.jpg




First post in this thread featuring this rocket.

See Also: LINKS
EMRR
]RocketReviews
Mfg. Page


If you have any additional information on this rocket and/or catalog photos please let us know.
 
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Lawndart Rocketry Piggyback Shuttle (#2) Basic Information.

lawndart_logo.gif
Lawndart Rocketry

MODEL NAME: Piggyback Shuttle Also known as:

NUMBER: #2

Introduced:
Final Year:
Designer: Wayne Kellner

Type: Exotic, Clone
Motor Mount: 1x18mm
Recovery:
Stages:
Length:
Diameter:
Span:
Weight:

Mfg. Description: An early concept for the US space shuttle. The carrier returns via parachute while the piggyback vehicle glides safely back to earth. Features mylar parachute, kevlar shock cord and parachute protector. (Lawndart 2003 Web Ad)


Advertising Liveries




Face Card(s)



Instruction Header(s)





First post in this thread featuring this rocket.

See Also: LINKS
EMRR
RocketReviews
Mfg. Page


If you have any additional information on this rocket and/or catalog photos please let us know.
 
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Semroc Orbital Transport (KV-66) Basic Information.

semroc.gif
Semroc Astronautics

MODEL NAME: Orbital Transport Also known as:

NUMBER: KV-66

Introduced:
Final Year:
Designer: Wayne Kellner

Type: Exotic, Boost Glider, Clone
Motor Mount: 1x18mm
Recovery: Glide/Parachute
Stages: 1
Length: 23.0" (58.4 cm)
Diameter: 0.976" (2.5 cm)
Span: 8.1" (20.6 cm)
Weight: 2.3 oz (65.3 g)

Mfg. Description: 1968 Retro Repro (Semroc 2012 Web Ad)


Advertising Liveries

semroc-orbital%20transport%20kv66-2012%20web%20livery.jpg
Semroc 2012 Web Ad


Face Card(s)

semroc-orbital%20transport%20kv66-facecard.jpg


Instruction Header(s)

semroc-orbital%20transport%20kv66-instr.jpg




First post in this thread featuring this rocket.

See Also:
TRF Build Threads
SteveA

TRF Applicable Threads

LINKS
EMRR
RocketReviews
Mfg. Page


If you have any additional information on this rocket and/or catalog photos please let us know.
 
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Thrustline Orbital Transport (TACL-043) Basic Information.

thrustline.gif
Thrustline Aerospace

MODEL NAME: Orbital Transport Also known as:

NUMBER: TACL-043

Introduced:
Final Year:
Designer:

Type: Exotic, Boost Glider, Clone
Motor Mount: 1x18mm
Recovery: Glide/Parachute
Stages: 1
Length:
Diameter:
Span:
Weight:

Mfg. Description: DESC


Advertising Liveries




Face Card(s)



Instruction Header(s)





First post in this thread featuring this rocket.

See Also: LINKS
EMRR
RocketReviews
Mfg. Page


If you have any additional information on this rocket and/or catalog photos please let us know.
 
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My "Military" version.

Very stealthy.:wink:

Sorry, old pictures from a very early digital camera.

BTW, the glider flies very nice too...but very fast.

new photo.JPG
 
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My "Military" version.

Very stealthy.:wink:

Sorry, old pictures from a very early digital camera.

BTW, the glider flies very nice too...but very fast.

I think I like that better than the original livery!
 
That, BTW was the first kit I produced.

Very limited run.
 
Roachwerks Orbital Transport Basic Information.

roachwerks.gif
Roachwerks

MODEL NAME: Orbital Transport Also known as:

NUMBER:

Introduced:
Final Year:
Designer:

Type: Boost Glider, Clone
Motor Mount: 1x18mm
Recovery: Glide/Parachute
Stages: 1
Length:
Diameter:
Span:
Weight:

Mfg. Description:


Advertising Liveries




Face Card(s)



Instruction Header(s)





First post in this thread featuring this rocket.

See Also: LINKS
EMRR
RocketReviews
Mfg. Page


If you have any additional information on this rocket and/or catalog photos please let us know.
 
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My "Military" version.

Very stealthy.:wink:

Sorry, old pictures from a very early digital camera.

BTW, the glider flies very nice too...but very fast.

That's awesome! Are the dimensions roughly the same? Or bigger... cause I am wondering if I should.... :dark:

-- Jeff
 
It's about the same. Same body tubes and fin span.

Here's some pics next to my OT clone.

Unpainted and painted black.

scratch_transglobal_4.jpg

scratch_transglobal_1.jpg
 
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My "Military" version.

Very stealthy.:wink:

Sorry, old pictures from a very early digital camera.

BTW, the glider flies very nice too...but very fast.

Too the extreme bud!!!:surprised::surprised::jaw: Sharp!!!
 
My "Military" version.

Very stealthy.😉

Sorry, old pictures from a very early digital camera.

BTW, the glider flies very nice too...but very fast.

View attachment 89898
This color scheme makes the most sense.
The white scheme implies the upper and lower are passenger jet lines. But how would that work? Some passengers are bound for space while others are for Earthly destinations?

(I honestly like the look of both the white and black versions.) :)
 
Estes Orbital Transport with Karl.JPG
Built mine out of basswood back in 2001, so it's quite the piggy. Finally flew it in 2020. Decals are from my very first JimZ order.
 
Going to drop these here, for the #7314 Super Orbital Transport. If a mod could update the thread title to include this new one, that'd be cool. Or, maybe split this off into a new gallery?

Finished this up yesterday. Took two creative liberties with it; added a tailcone on the MMT and went with pearl white paint. Super fun build. Directions are good (definitely leave the "engine" tubes out and paint them separately, masking attachment points for them. Much easier. Lots of balsa filler on this, but it's not a bad process. Decals weren't that difficult, just use Micro Set and have at it. Really looking forward to flying it.

IMG_1345.jpgIMG_1348.jpgIMG_1356.jpgIMG_1357.jpgIMG_1358.jpgIMG_1359.jpgIMG_1362.jpg
 
Going to drop these here, for the #7314 Super Orbital Transport. If a mod could update the thread title to include this new one, that'd be cool. Or, maybe split this off into a new gallery?

Finished this up yesterday. Took two creative liberties with it; added a tailcone on the MMT and went with pearl white paint. Super fun build. Directions are good (definitely leave the "engine" tubes out and paint them separately, masking attachment points for them. Much easier. Lots of balsa filler on this, but it's not a bad process. Decals weren't that difficult, just use Micro Set and have at it. Really looking forward to flying it.

View attachment 554261View attachment 554262View attachment 554263View attachment 554264View attachment 554265View attachment 554266View attachment 554267
Showcase quality, DigBaddy.
From what I understand, there hasn't been a moderator specifically working on the galleries for a while, so it's a bit of a jumbled mess right now.
https://www.rocketryforum.com/threa...-photo-section-confusing.166352/#post-2144376I would say your post is exactly where it belongs.
 
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