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  #1  
Old 03-19-2011, 03:09 AM
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Default New Maxi Alpha 3

I just picked up a new Maxi Alpha 3, and I'm here to report that it is almost exactly the same as the original Maxi Alpha 3 from 1979 (though the nose cone is white instead of red) and the re-release from 2000 (which differed with stick-on decals).

The only differences from the 2000 version that are significant are the E-sized motor hook, and 1/4" launch lugs.
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Last edited by Royatl : 03-19-2011 at 07:44 AM. Reason: added detail about stick-on decals.
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Old 03-19-2011, 04:45 AM
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At Narcon I asked John (of Estes)if they featured the same easy to break plastic fins - I think he was a little miffed at my question

But they are the same plastic fins that attach to 2 rings in the body
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Old 03-19-2011, 07:27 AM
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Does it have the stick on vs. water slide decals?
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Old 03-19-2011, 07:42 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cas2047
Does it have the stick on vs. water slide decals?


Stick-on, like the 2000 version. The original, indeed, had waterslide (which was a b***h to deal with out in the field when you were building one an hour for a demo flight!)
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Old 03-20-2011, 01:30 AM
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I noticed in the 2011 Estes catalog that they are coming out with a starter set for this. Now I am wondering if they are including an E launch set or the regular?
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Old 03-20-2011, 06:34 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by evo666
I noticed in the 2011 Estes catalog that they are coming out with a starter set for this. Now I am wondering if they are including an E launch set or the regular?


With a 1/4" lug set, and the E motor capability, that almost certainly would be the E pad and controller.
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Old 04-25-2011, 12:57 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by evo666
I noticed in the 2011 Estes catalog that they are coming out with a starter set for this. Now I am wondering if they are including an E launch set or the regular?


I have an extra E launch set if you guys are interested?
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Old 03-21-2011, 04:04 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Royatl
Stick-on, like the 2000 version. The original, indeed, had waterslide (which was a b***h to deal with out in the field when you were building one an hour for a demo flight!)


That's what I thought, and I hear you, with that much surface to cover, waterslide could be a pain.

I'm still not a big fan of the stick on decals though. I've got a few Estes Silver Comets laying around and I'd like to build at least one, but without waterslide decals I'm just not too excited about the prospect of building the rocket.

With the Maxi Alpha 3 though I can definitely live with the stick-on's.
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Old 03-19-2011, 07:39 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bazookadale
At Narcon I asked John (of Estes)if they featured the same easy to break plastic fins - I think he was a little miffed at my question

But they are the same plastic fins that attach to 2 rings in the body


exactly the same. no change at all. (I was hoping, as you said, for thicker fins, or fins that were closer to t he normal Alpha planform)
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Old 03-22-2011, 08:02 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bazookadale
At Narcon I asked John (of Estes)if they featured the same easy to break plastic fins - I think he was a little miffed at my question

But they are the same plastic fins that attach to 2 rings in the body


Well bummer....
That was the issue with the original kit. The fins would snap off the rings and the repair would never be as strong as the original joint.

The Maxi Alpha III was my first "Big" D powered kit, back when I was much younger. After all, back then, I was acclimatized to the idea that a Bt-60 was massive.

The memory of that first flight will never fade....
The launch button was pushed and I remember being astounded by the smoke, flame and roar of the mighty D engine. My initial thought was, "Geez, this looks like a real missile!"


Dang it! Now I want to scratch one together.
Who started this thread??
Off with their head!!
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