Brief:
Single Stage, 18mm fantasy rocket from Estes. It didn't live long (1991-1992)
so I was lucky to find one. I found it at Ace in September, 2004 and was
shocked to see that it was there.
Construction:
The Photon Probe is a skill level 2 build and came in a cheap plastic bag,
which had a slightly dented body tube, along with a sheet of balsa, launch lug,
nose cone (cloning is hard because you cannot find this part), 18mm engine
hook, 18" parachute kit, shock cord, decals, and balsa strips.
This kit has quite a bit of lumber on it. You first build the motor mount,
then sand the balsa strips to an angle, followed by attaching fins, attaching
the shock cord by the classic 3-fold paper mount, and assembling the parachute.
I hate assembling parachutes! I almost ruined it this time but got lucky. Last
is attaching the nose cone and you're done. Take your time on assembling the
fins. I managed to build mine in under 1 1/2 hours with Testor's wood cement,
hobby knife, scissors, and Elmer's glue.
Pros: Pretty easy to assemble. Why a skill level 2?
Cons: Dang parachute assembly! Otherwise none.
Finishing:
Finishing is by painting the entire rocket white, and painting the middle of
the body tube a hot pink. Then apply the water-slide decals and clear coat it.
Construction Rating:
5
out of 5
Flight:
For its first flight, I used a B4-4. Retention is with the old metal hook. It
needs about 6 squares of wadding.
It flew just as I predicted: quick, high, and arrow straight. The Photon
Probe just zips on a B4. I'm even afraid to fly it on a B6 with how high it
went.
Recovery:
Pros: Nice and easy. No damage after the flight.
Cons: None
It came down neither too fast nor too slow. No damage upon recovery.
Flight Rating:
5
out of 5
Summary:
This is a very good rocket that should of been made at least for a few more
years. Estes, give your rockets a chance before you kill them off!
Overall Rating:
5
out of 5
Flight Log
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