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-   -   Requesting background on the Semroc Centauri (http://www.oldrocketforum.com/showthread.php?t=200)

Eagle3 06-02-2005 02:19 PM

Requesting background on the Semroc Centauri
 
I was just scanning the list of kits Semroc is planning on releasing and noticed the Centauri is a RetroRepro from 1959. There aren't any details on it though. I was hoping Carl or someone else that knows could fill me in on this one.

Chas Russell 06-02-2005 02:59 PM

I believe that it is based on an early attempt to fly an R/C rocket glider. There is a picture of a modeler - Jimmy Jackson? - holding the model in early versions of Stine's Handbook of Model Rocketry. Perhaps this is Semroc's attempt at a parachute recovered version.
I am sure Carl will fill us in when he gets the chance.

Chas

Tau Zero 06-02-2005 10:51 PM

Quote:
Originally Posted by Eagle3
I was just scanning the list of kits Semroc is planning on releasing and noticed the Centauri is a RetroRepro from 1959. There aren't any details on it though. I was hoping Carl or someone else that knows could fill me in on this one.
I'm afraid you'll have to wait along with the rest of us. ;) :cool:

Carl?


Cheers,

--Jay
Wallowing in last week's Semroc order (figuratively, of course) :D

A Fish Named Wallyum 06-02-2005 11:07 PM

The picture is at the wrong angle for me to be ble to tell a lot, but it sure looks sharp. :cool:

Initiator001 06-02-2005 11:40 PM

Quote:
Originally Posted by Eagle3
I was just scanning the list of kits Semroc is planning on releasing and noticed the Centauri is a RetroRepro from 1959. There aren't any details on it though. I was hoping Carl or someone else that knows could fill me in on this one.



I think it was a kit made by the Coaster company.

Coaster made large E, F & G (The last one not as well known) black powder motors in the late 50s-early 60s. Lee Piester bought the company and incorporated it into Centuri. These became the Mini-Max line of motors.

Bob

Carl@Semroc 06-03-2005 12:10 AM

Quote:
Originally Posted by CenturiGuy
I'm afraid you'll have to wait along with the rest of us. ;) :cool:

Carl?


Sorry!! I have a lot to catch up on!

It is a retro-repro of the Coaster Centauri from their catalog dated 1959. The plans were $1.00 and as far as I know they never offered the kit. There were a few things that an always broke fourteen-year old could not get, such as RC equipment, Coaster engines, etc.!

I always wanted one. Now the prototype is sitting on top of my monitor to remind me that I got what I wanted! I have not been able to get it to glide statically so the kit will probably be parachute recovery with an option for daring souls to try to get it to glide.

There is a Centuri connection to all this. After Centuri bought Coaster they released the Coaster Super-Jets as Centuri Mini-Max engines. But they also incorporated the rare Volta Bold typefont that Coaster used in their logo and the Centauri kit into the old Centuri Centaur kit . The two models had nothing to do with each other. Someone in the graphic arts department probably did it as an inside joke.

Eagle3 06-03-2005 06:44 AM

Aw Carl... I started this thread yesterday evening to draw you out to talk about this kit. :)

I'm not familar with a lot of the history on Coaster, but I have to say for 1959 the Centauri was really ambitous and cool looking looking. I'll definitly work on getting one to glide when it's available. I love RE BG's. :cool:

Initiator001 06-10-2005 06:47 PM

1 Attachment(s)
I have two items from Coaster in my collection.

The yellow item is an 'E' motor.

The green one is an 'F' motor.

I understand that the 'G' motors had purple labels/wrappers.


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