Photon Probe

ESTES Model #3026

Description

The Estes Photon Probe is a “Classic Series” re-issue of a futuristic kit which was originally released in 1991.

Additional Information

• Length: 23″
• Diameter: 1.33″
• Weight: 3.45 oz.
• Recovery: 18″ Parachute
• Altitude: 575′
• Recommended Motors:
  • B4-4, B6-4, C6-5

Instructions

Photo Gallery

Build History

• 12/27/2013 – Purchased Estes Photon Probe from Estes for $3.97 (Retail $21.99).
• 05/23/2020 – Took pictures of package and components. Scanned plans and components. Measurements are on page 62 Book #4. Made copy of tube marking guide, shock cord mount and cut the out.
• 05/26/2020 – Sanded balsa fin stock sheet. Sanded fins. Cut flash from plastic nose cone. Marked motor mount tube at 1″ and 2-1/2″. Cut a 1/8″ slit into the 2-1/2″ mark and fitted engine hook into it. Glued one centering ring at 2-1/2″ and other at 1″ mark. Rounded leading edges of all fins.
• 05/27/2020 – Measured 4″ along launch lug line and made a mark. Made a mark at 2-3/4″ on end of fin guide line. Glued largest fins along each line flush with aft end. Cut each wood strip at 45 degree angle and marked each at 5/8″ and 2-3/8″.
• 05/28/2020 – Filled fin joints and wood strip joints.
• 05/29/2020 – Glued shock cord to mount. Glued shock cord mount 2″ from forward end of body tube. Tied end of shock cord to nose cone. Filleted launch lug joints.
• 09/16/2023 – Sanded balsa parts with 120 & 220 grit sandpaper and entire rocket with 600 grit sandpaper. Wiped with alcohol wiper. Spray painted entire model with Rust-o-leum # 328373 High Gloss White.
• 10/01/2023 – Masked aft end from 7-1/2″ and forward from 3-1/4. Spray painted with Krylon #3928 Purple Shimmer Metallic.
• 12/10/2023 – Cut decals from decal sheet and applied water slide decals to model. One decal ripped while trying to remove from backing therefore printed a decal sheet from plastic adhesive material and appliedmit to model. This completes construction of Estes #3026 Photon Probe model rocket. Took picture of finished model rocket.

Flights