Estes MK-109

pseudo-scale sport model

The MK-109 is a sharp appearing pseudo-scale military missile from Estes. It is part of their E2X series of easy to build models. This looked like an easy model to put together during lunch hours at work and it does not require painting, so I picked one up at Wal-Mart.

The fins, nose cone, motor mount cannister and several other parts are injection-molded styrene plastic. As such, standard plastic model cement is required for much of its construction. The kit went together easily except for one point. My kit had two notched engine mount sections and only one un-notched section, whereas it *should* have had two UN-notched sections and only one notched section. The second notched section interfered with the rear engine ring. I was able to work around this problem by trimming the extra notched engine mount section with a hobby knife so it cleared the rear engine ring.

I have heard (reading RMR) that the model can be unstable when launched with a C motor, so I added a lump of modelling clay (about 1/2"x1/2"x1/4") inside the tip of the nose cone for more stability. Roll the clay into a snake, install it through the small hole in the base of the nose cone and tamp it into place using a length of dowelling.

This model uses transparent stick-on decals for its detailing. There are several strips (to be used as rings around the body tube) and some fin markings. I have often had trouble lining these up nicely, but with a little care these went on pretty well. Caution - handle the decals as little as possible after removing them from the backing. The adhesive on the decals is *not* particularly aggressive and I had to use some thin CA to re-adhere the edges of a couple of the decals.

All-in-all, this kit builds very quickly into a nice looking model. I look forward to flying it at our club launches.

Built:  :   Nov/Dec, 1997
Launches:
    21 June, 1998 - MRFF-98
    13 June, 1998 - club launch
    31 May, 1998 - 14AL-98
Repairs:
none, *yet*
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Last Updated: 25 June, 1998
Author: Alan Rognlie
Email: arrognli@execpc.com

© Copyright 1997, 1998

unless otherwise noted, all images are copyright © 1997, 1998 by Jeanne Rognlie - all rights reserved