Oops... Problems with the Estes Solar Warrior
 

Ok, picked up one of these for parts today (nosecone mainly), and quickly found errors in the instructions, and one glaring problem with the nose cone. Date on the decals was back in late 2011.

Unlike the CC Express's error (with arrows pointing to the root edges with instructions to round them), there's nothing to warn a new builder not to round the edge where the fin 'caps' glue onto the rocket.

There's no notice to lay the main fin's parts (I and J) on waxed paper when gluing them together. I wonder how many kids are gonna get in trouble when the family coffee table suddenly starts sporting permanently attached balsa.

The big problem, is the nosecone. I presume it's meant to be round... well, it's not. Mine is more like an oval or egg shape than circular. The BT wasn't damaged, so it's not like the rocket was crushed.

Looks like it's another trip back to the LHS.

Thanks for looking
Jim
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You could always contact Estes with their 'Contact Us' page here ..Who knows, they might send you a new kit..

Is the part that goes into the body tube oval in shape as well or the whole cone oval. Love to see a picture. Maybe someone sat on your cone before packageing the kit. :o


John Boren

The point is round, the shoulder is round, the sides are flattened. It'd be fine for some kind of Sci-Fi kit it it was meant to be that way, but it's not.

It seems like this cone shrank or collapsed before the plastic hardened. No chance at a photo though.

I've forwarded the info on to Estes.

All The Best!
Jim
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Jim,

Don't suppose you will be at NSL2013 this weekend. I can bring a replacement kit for you or at least a new nose cone. If not contact customer support and you will get a replacement.

John Boren

Sorry, nope...
 

I've got a pile of homework to do this weekend, and a presentation on Wednesday. I'll be stuck inside plugging away in Mandarin, and my linguistics class' work.

Hope you guys have a great time though!

Wish I was there!
Jim
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