Skywinder
 

Hi All, New here. But have been into rockets on and off for....... lets just say years.
I have a Estes 2077 Skywinder that has had the center tube damaged. does anyone know the tube size this used, and where to get one in the correct length?
Thanks
Norm

Norm,
According to the holy list of rocket tubes http://www.rocketshoppe.com/info/Es...be_List_3.1.pdf
it's a 9.25" HBT-20, which I think is the tube that most Estes RTF come with. Should be easy to track down. I'll get sniffing.

Wrong. I'm pretty rusty at this. Seems that the only rocket that the HBT-20 came on was the Skywinder. I'd give Estes a call and see if they have part number 031217 for sale still. :confused:

Thanks Bill,
I hadn't found that list here yet.

Is there a good way to cut down a tube if I find a longer one?

I don't think there is a longer one. It looks like the HBT-20 was specific to the SkyWinder, and seeing that it was a clear body tube, that makes sense. If you could find one, you could wrap the tube with several layers of masking tape and keep scoring around the edge with a hobby knife until the knife broke through.

The one I have came with a white tube.
Estes sells the BT20 in 18" lengths.

Here is the picture of it.
SkyWinder

Ah, now I see. It has no outer tube, just the blades. I've never seen one before "in person". :rolleyes: ;) You can get a BT-20 of great enough length in any Estes Wizard kit. Just cut it down the way I described before and it should be good to go, assuming that it fits. It also lists a short section of BT-5. Wonder what the "H" in HBT stands for? Anyone else out there who can add something to this discussion?

That center tube is famous for getting bent and broken.

I would reinforce it during your repairs. Maybe balsa stringers epoxied inside?