New MPC/Round2 Models

[Initiator001]

There has not been any discussion of these kits by someone who was willing to put down their hard-earned cash to purchase these models.

Until now. ;)

I decided to order these MPC/Round2 models from Hobbylinc.
These models had/have been listed as 'vintage' models but there is nothing vintage about them.

The packaging emulates/copies the design/layout of the original/true MPC kits of the late 1960s/early 1970s.

The parts are from the Chinese 'Sky' (Labeled as such here in the U.S.) company. They are much like the Star Trek kits I had purchased earlier in the year. Plastic (Extruded?) body tubes with full size pre-colored labels. Plastic nose cone, fins, launch lugs. The Red Giant kit (The only one I have opened so far) also has a new plastic transition.

Empty weights/mass are listed from 2.2 oz to 3.12 oz.

One important note is that the kits contain NAR fliers and safety code sheets.

I plan to build all three and fly them but they will have to wait until after I build my Estes PS II E2X Ascender kit. :)

[hcmbanjo]

Bob, thanks for posting the pictures and information.
I am curious about the estimated altitudes though. The packages say only reach 260 feet?

What are the recommended engines?
If they are only using A8-3 and B6-4 engines I might believe the 260' altitude.
But I would think a C6 would push it above 260 feet.

[RWmarlow]

The GTS 1 Seems to be a rebadged Long March 3 kit from....Sky

[Initiator001]

Bob, thanks for posting the pictures and information.
I am curious about the estimated altitudes though. The packages say only reach 260 feet?

What are the recommended engines?
If they are only using A8-3 and B6-4 engines I might believe the 260' altitude.
But I would think a C6 would push it above 260 feet.

Yes, the two smaller kits list 260 feet. The larger kit (Red Giant) states 230 feet. Those are the same altitudes as listed on the MPC/Round2 Star Trek rockets.

The 'Galatic Training Ship' (G.T.S. 1) lists A6-4, A8-3, B6-4 and C6-5 Estes or Quest motors.

The 'Lunar Shuttle' lists A8-3, B8-3 (That's what is printed on the box) and C6-5 Estes or Quest motors.

The 'Red Giant' only lists C6-5 Estes or Quest motors.

[5x7]

Bob,

What is 'unique' about the parachute design?

Thanks

[bob jablonski]

The chute pattern looks retro. I like it.
Mr. Bob
Starlight Dude

[Initiator001]

Bob,

What is 'unique' about the parachute design?

Thanks

I don't know if there is anything really 'special' about the parachute.

[Initiator001]

I assembled the Red Giant model.

Using Plasti-Zap CA adhesive made the build pretty quick.

I replaced the very short kit shock cord (1/8" wide by 18" long) with four feet of 1/4" wide flat elastic. I learned my lesson from the U.S.S. Enterprise model I built earlier in the year.

The box lists the empty weight as 3.12 oz. Mine weighed in at 3.4 oz.

I would think it could fly on a B6-2 motor but I will follow the mfg. guidelines and fly it on a C6-5 motor first.

[RWmarlow]

The Red Giant looks better than I thought It would....nice "assembling:" !

[Initiator001]

I finished the other two MPC/Round2 'Vintage' models today.

Both were assembled with Plasti-Zap CA adhesive and received replacement shock cords as was done with the Red Giant model.

First off is the Lunar Shuttle.

Box states the empty weight as 2.2 oz. Mine weighed in at 2.5 oz.

[Initiator001]

The second MPC/Round2 'Vintage' model I finsished was the G.T.S.1 (Galatic Training Ship).

This model featureed the nose section of a Long March rocket along with some rocket nozzles.

The box listed empty weight at 2.2 oz and mine weighed in at 2.5 oz.

[Initiator001]

Finally, here is a picture of all three models together.

After the models have been flown I will post flight pictures. :)

[mojo1986]

The second MPC/Round2 'Vintage' model I finsished was the G.T.S.1 (Galatic Training Ship).

This model featureed the nose section of a Long March rocket along with some rocket nozzles.

The box listed empty weight at 2.2 oz and mine weighed in at 2.5 oz.

Wow! That looks REALLY good! Gotta get me one of those for sure!

Joe

[Initiator001]

I have slowly gotten around to flying all three of these MPC/Round2 models.

The Red Giant was flown on an Estes C6-5 motor and had a fine flight and recovery. :)

[stefanj]

Very nicely photographed!

While I resent the cynical use of the MPC name on totally unrelated models, that is a rather snappy-looking sport flyer.

[Initiator001]

I was reviewing my recent pictures and discovered flight photos of my two remaining 'vintage' MPC rockets.

I flew the Galatic Training Ship 1 on an Estes B6-4 motor.

Flight and recovery was nominal.

[Initiator001]

The final one of my 'vintage' MPC models to fly was the Lunar Shuttle.

Again, an Estes B6-4 motor was used.

Again, flight and recovery was nominal.

[Initiator001]

My thoughts on these MPC models:

1) They 'can' be built quickly.

2) The models are heavy. I would not recommend anything less than a B6 (C6 in Red Giant) motor.

3) The parachutes included in the kits are 22-24" in diameter do provide for a gentle recovery but in windy conditions could cause the model to drift away.

4) The included shock cord is insufficent in size and length. The models need at least 36" of 1/4 wide flat elastic.

5) I would have liked to see the return of the 'original' MPC kits from the late 60s-early 70s than relabeled Chinese models.

6) The models are all plastic which makes them durable.

I would conclude by saying that these models work as advertised, nothing fancy. The pricing is good and the modes can often be found on discount through various websites. They make good 'weather-check' models.

[dlazarus6660]

I don't know why but when I click on the pic's, they are sideways and compressed. Is it me or my computer?

[tbzep]

I don't know why but when I click on the pic's, they are sideways and compressed. Is it me or my computer?
Click on them a second time and they should expand to the proper ratio, though they still may be sideways.

[harsas]

I don't know why but when I click on the pic's, they are sideways and compressed. Is it me or my computer?


It is definitely you. You must be clicking wrong...
:p