After being back in the hobby for a few months now and completing a few stock models, I would like to scratch build an upscale. The model I"m looking at is the Estes Nike-X #1270. I just completed the stock bird and love the looks and performance but would like to build a model based on BT60 or BT70. Any thoughts/recommendations from someone who has built such a model? Would this type model follow standard building practices or need beefing up like TTW fins or some other material for fins rather than balsa? Any ideas certainly appreciated!

Whatever you decide I have upscale decals for an upscaled Nike X in BT-60, BT-70 and a few other sizes also.

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"I'm a sandman. I've never killed anyone. I terminate runners when their time is up." Logan from "Logan's Run"

http://sandmandecals.com/

It's BT-80, so it's a bit bigger than you'd like but:

Nike X

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It shows that they are out of stock.

Even up to the BT-80 version there is nothing special in the design.

If the largest motor you will use is a black powder E from Estes. Nothing special is needed.

Balsa wood, maybe basswood for the fins, balsa nose cone and transition. Most of the parts can come from SEMROC, centering rings and such.

If you need a special nose cone or transition...or decals. I can fix you up.

__________________
"I'm a sandman. I've never killed anyone. I terminate runners when their time is up." Logan from "Logan's Run"

http://sandmandecals.com/

If you want a BT-80 then the Qmodeling kit is substantial. The cone appears to be injection moulded and the fin stock is 3/8th balsa. The booster fins are locked TTW with a thrust assembly that contains the motor mount. Pretty neat. I have one that is partially built that I would be willing to let go for postage. Also the QModeling Bullpup in much the same state - assembled and awaiting finish sand.

Qmodeling has a tremendous range of upscale kits, the Snooper and Vega are awating build. I am just sort of burned out on Nike-X at the moment.

I wonder what "indefinitely delayed" means?

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Thanks for everyone's response. I too stumbled upon the Qmodeling kit and watched the site for several weeks, never in stock? I finally called about three weeks ago to inquire and was told they were having issues with the decal supplier and would be available soon? ? ?

Sandman, thanks for the info as always. I'll be in touch once I make a decision.

Jharding, how far along is your Nike-X? I may be interested! It's a little bigger than I really wanted but would be impressive on the pad! Thanks

How about getting your hands on a Peter Alway drawing from 14 U.S. Missiles of the Cold War (available at the NARTS website) and not only up-scale but accuratize. A real Nike-X or Spartan as it was later known isn't that far away, needing a transition, a short piece of tubing and a small pointy cone rather than one big cone. Sandman made me a balsa transition so I could accuratize my build of a regular size Nike-X a couple of years ago.

Bing or Google "Nike-X" or "Spartan", and you'll see what I mean.

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Awaiting First Launch: Too numerous to count
Finishing: Zooch Saturn V; Alway/Nau BioArcas; Estes Expedition; TLP Standard
Repair/Rescue: Cherokee-D (2); Centuri Nike-Smoke; MX-774
On the Bench: 2650;
Dream Stage: 1/39.37 R-7

SEMROC has several upscale nose cone of the original BNC-55AC/PNC-55AC.
SEMROC BNC-60AC
SEMROC BTH-70AC for heavy wall tube
SEMROC BNC-80AC
SEMROC BTH-80AC for heavy wall tube
They don't show one for a regular wall BT-70 tube, but I'd bet you an Alpha kit that Carl would whip one up for you if you contacted him.

I wouldn't fool with heavy wall tubing on any of them unless you plan to fly on larger composite motors. The rest is just a matter of upscaling the parts.

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Actually, with BT-70 or above I would EXCLUSIVELY use the heavy-wall tubing.
A heavy-wall BT-70 Nike-X would be able to fly on a D12-3 for a low "schoolyard" flight, but would be able to take the hit of a G138 if the fins are attached properly.
One is ALWAYS better off building for more power than intended JUST IN CASE.

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There are two coats of sealer on the fins. Basically a finish it project.

__________________
Gravity is a harsh mistress
SAM 002
NAR 91005
"The complexity of living is eminently favored to the simplicity of not."