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-   -   Vintage Estes Sizzler build (http://www.oldrocketforum.com/showthread.php?t=18539)

scigs30 05-22-2020 08:20 PM

Vintage Estes Sizzler build
 
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I am just going through some old kits in my bins and decided to build this old Sizzler kit. I think I have all the Estes models that were named Sizzler. As a matter of fact, there are 2 versions of this Sizzler. I have the first one that came out in 1983 and was part of the Big Foot Launch package. Also the first Sizzler came with the PNC-50Y nose and this later version came with PNC-50YR nose. Estes also made changes to the instructions but everything else is the same. I wont even go into all the Estes rocket named Sizzler. I took some pictures of my KISS old school build process. First, this is an old kit as you can see from the die cut balsa. I like these old kits and yes the die cut parts can be a challenge, but that is how we built these old rockets. With die cut parts, it takes a bit of time to sand smooth and make all the fins the same size. Once the sanding is complete I brushed on a coat of Brodak Sealer. Let it dry 20 min and brush on a second coat. I let this dry 1 hour then sanded nice and smooth. I posted a picture of the instructions where Estes has you seal and sand the balsa before gluing to the rocket. I never understood why some of their instructions had you seal before attaching, and on more complicated builds they had you seal after assembly. After balsa is sealed, I build the rocket as per the plans using plain old white glue. Just like that, after a few hours the rocket is built, allowed to dry overnight for the painting process. Since I am using Krylon Acrylic paint I am not using primer. I posted pictures of different stages of applying the gloss white. I lightly spray the gloss white building up the color, this is great paint can recoat anytime. After a few light coats, I will apply 1 or 2 wet coats. Now I let dry 24 hours then mask and spray gloss black. By the way, I love the fresh smell of Testors tube cement and dope/sealer in the morning.

scigs30 05-22-2020 08:21 PM

6 Attachment(s)
Continuing the build.

scigs30 05-22-2020 08:23 PM

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Start painting with no primer just Gloss White. I mist the first couple of coats of paint on, then lay down a heavier coat.

ghrocketman 05-22-2020 10:22 PM

I always thought the Sizzler (and Mega Sizz) looked like it should be 2-stage with a booster.

5x7 05-23-2020 07:43 AM

Thanks for the extra detail I didn’t realize you sealed the fins off the rocket,

scigs30 05-23-2020 12:03 PM

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I used to seal with the fins attached, but found that added extra time to the build. I can shave a day off the build if I seal before attaching. I did some experimenting with sealing fins on and off the rocket. After filleted and dried, I did not notice any difference in strength when trying to rip the fins off.

5x7 05-23-2020 12:52 PM

On simple builds I attach the fins and then the rocket is a handle for sealing. You do some complicated builds so in most cases I’m sure that’s best. It looks like you use pins on one side, do you go back and fill the holes?

scigs30 05-24-2020 03:15 PM

3 Attachment(s)
Here she is, all done and ready for flight.

SCooke123 05-24-2020 06:41 PM

Nice clean build - well done!
Steve

scigs30 05-28-2020 05:22 PM

Quote:
Originally Posted by 5x7
On simple builds I attach the fins and then the rocket is a handle for sealing. You do some complicated builds so in most cases I’m sure that’s best. It looks like you use pins on one side, do you go back and fill the holes?


I just use the "pin" board to hold the fins up to dry, there are no holes.


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