I've been wanting an Estes Stealth (kit #1929) since I was a kid. They just don't pop up that often. I also didn't really want a brand new in package kit since I want to build and fly it, and the new in package premium is pretty steep.
I watched an auction for a built Estes Stealth along with a bunch of other stuff that I didn't want, nor need. The price was way too high, so I just watched it. The auction ended with no bids, and it was relisted for less. The auction ended with no bids, and this process repeated a few times. The price was never at a point where I'd consider paying it. Eventually, I contact the seller about buying just the built Stealth and we agreed on a price and I was able to purchase just the Stealth.
Here is a quick pic of it after I already started the dissection:
Note that the wings aren't original to the model. They are painted a different gray, which to me says that the wings were replaced at some point in this rocket's life. Also, after I started making the replacements, it was clear that these were just rough approximations of the original fin shapes. Note on the wing that is removed the straight trailing edge. On the original, the trailing edge has a change in angle.
Overall I'm very happy though that the plastic parts are in good shape. I'm planning on completely dissecting this and replacing all the paper and wood.
I worked on this for a few hours, cleaned up any rough spots, cut out the balsa, and dug through my parts stashes and now have a kit to build!
Summary of original parts to be reused in the final build:
1. Body molding
2. Nose cone
3. Engine hook
4. Parachute (it is in amazingly good condition)
I watched an auction for a built Estes Stealth along with a bunch of other stuff that I didn't want, nor need. The price was way too high, so I just watched it. The auction ended with no bids, and it was relisted for less. The auction ended with no bids, and this process repeated a few times. The price was never at a point where I'd consider paying it. Eventually, I contact the seller about buying just the built Stealth and we agreed on a price and I was able to purchase just the Stealth.
Here is a quick pic of it after I already started the dissection:
Note that the wings aren't original to the model. They are painted a different gray, which to me says that the wings were replaced at some point in this rocket's life. Also, after I started making the replacements, it was clear that these were just rough approximations of the original fin shapes. Note on the wing that is removed the straight trailing edge. On the original, the trailing edge has a change in angle.
Overall I'm very happy though that the plastic parts are in good shape. I'm planning on completely dissecting this and replacing all the paper and wood.
I worked on this for a few hours, cleaned up any rough spots, cut out the balsa, and dug through my parts stashes and now have a kit to build!
Summary of original parts to be reused in the final build:
1. Body molding
2. Nose cone
3. Engine hook
4. Parachute (it is in amazingly good condition)
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