|
#1
|
|||
|
|||
Got SPEV?
For collectors of the Estes "K" series kits this designator ended with the K-58 Demon kit.
By the time of the 1974 Estes catalog new kits were being released with the "12XX" code and eventually all the remaining "K" kits would be re-coded with the 12XX designation. For example, the afore mentioned K-58 Demon became 1258. However, there was one less known Estes kit that received the designation K-59. That was named SPEV. This kit only appeared in the Estes Model Rocket News and never in any catalogs. First appearance was the July 1972 issue (V12 N3). It was a mail-order only model. The model seemed to be made up of parts from discontinued kits (Little Joe II, Thor Agena-B). Later it was found out that SPEV was short for "Spare Parts Elimination Vehicle". Or, at least that's what folks said. The model appeared again in the December 1972 MRN (V12 N4). The SPEV's final appearance was the May 1973 issue of MRN (V13 N1) where the SPEV was noted as being a free kit with a mail order purchase of $15.00 or more (That was a lot of money back then). So, the SPEV faded from the memory of rocketeers. By the time of eBay SPEV kits started showing up infrequently and often went for big $$$. I had sometimes thought of getting a SPEV but it never really took hold with me. There were several clone kits made of the SPEV by different hobbyists/manufacturers (The latest one being the recently discontinued Semroc version). I picked up a few of the Semroc versions and figured that was enough. Then, the opportunity to get an original Estes K-59 SPEV kit came to my attention. I figured "Why not" and was able to obtain the model. The model was in very good condition with no damage to any of the parts and only minor wear to the packaging. Attached are pictures of the kit along with scans of the two MRN pages showing the SPEV.
__________________
Bob S.A.M. # 0014 |
#2
|
||||
|
||||
Bob-
That one looks to be in very good shape. Good snag! I have one, open in the bag. I'm not a huge Estes collector and I never had this kit as a kid (was not aware of it at the time...only had Centuri catalogs in those years), but you are right; the SPEV does not come up too very often. One was listed on eBay recently, but the upper balsa reducer had already been glued in place, etc., though I think all parts were present. I had thought about getting the Semroc version, but never did. Good find! Earl
__________________
Earl L. Cagle, Jr. NAR# 29523 TRA# 962 SAM# 73 Owner/Producer Point 39 Productions Rocket-Brained Since 1970 |
#3
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
Thanks Earl. One thing I would like to know is how many SPEV kits were produced by Estes. Does anyone know how to contact Bill Simon (SPEV designer)? Maybe he would know.
__________________
Bob S.A.M. # 0014 |
#4
|
||||
|
||||
I always wore a white tie when launching the SPEV.
__________________
Hans "Chris" Michielssen Old/New NAR # 19086 SR www.oddlrockets.com www.modelrocketbuilding.blogspot.com http://www.nar.org/educational-reso...ing-techniques/ Your results may vary "Nose cones roll, be careful with that." Every spaceman needs a ray gun. Look out - I'm the Meister Shyster! |
#5
|
||||
|
||||
Quote:
The tie is fine, but oooh that shirt! |
#6
|
|||
|
|||
I cloned it one weekend in 2004 using BMS parts. Flew it at B6-4 Field on a B6-4. It's floating down near the edge of the trees on one of the $1 checkerboard tablecloth parachutes that I got via eBay. As soon as I took the pic, I knew it was going to be good, and it's one of my favorites to this day.
__________________
Bill Eichelberger NAR 79563 http://wallyum.blogspot.com/ I miss being SAM 0058 Build floor: Centuri Design Contest F-150 Hurricane Estes - Low Boom SST Semroc - Gee'Hod, Shrike, SST Shuttle In paint: Canaroc Starfighter Scorpion Estes F-22 Air Superiority Fighter, Solar Sailer II Semroc Cyber III Ready to fly: Estes - Multi-Roc, Solar Sailer II Semroc - Earmark, Snake Jumper |
#7
|
||||
|
||||
Quote:
Except for people like me and Mark Bundick. I got a SPEV kit in '73 but didn't build it until 1976 or 7. I changed the fin shape to be a little larger, straked, and slightly swept, and called mine the "Uprated SPEV" (if I can find it I'll insert the first launch picture here) Quote:
Not sure how I came across another SPEV kit, but I was able to trade it, even stephen, for a Centuri Little Joe II. That original SPEV lasted nearly 40 years, one of the four fins replaced, all the others re-attached many times, spent a week hanging from an electric line, engine mount twice replaced, and TA6070 adapter replaced. Until finally it was lost on a decent flight with a quest C6-5.
__________________
Roy nar12605 |
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
Display Modes | |
|
|