Model Rocket Building Blog 
Model Rocket Building Posts
Rocketry Product: Estes - Gryphon {Kit} (7280) [2019-]
New Gryphon Boost Glider Kit From Estes (2019-07-29)
The new Gryphon boost glider is now available from Estes. The website picture might be of the two Gryphons I recently built for Estes. The Boosted Bertha and Sasha are also shown as now ... [Read More]
Exclusive Hobby Lobby Kits? (2019-08-02)From YORF, BRS Hobbies posted: " I found some new Estes model rocket kits at Hobby Lobby. They were still in a big box, that were ready for hanging up on the walls. One is a Cherokee-E and then a ... [Read More]
Estes Gryphon #7280 Build, Part 1, Parts (2019-08-22)I want to call this one "Gry-fon" but it is pronounced "Griffin". From Wikipedia: The griffin, griffon, or gryphon is a legendary creature with the body, tail, and back legs of a lion; ... [Read More]
Estes Gryphon #7280 Build, Part 2, Cleaning Up The Laser Cut Balsa (2019-08-23)I'll be building this model for Estes as a "show" model. You probably shouldn't fill and paint a glider, the extra weight effects the flight duration. This one will be filled and painted. Looking ... [Read More]
Estes Gryphon #7280 Build, Part 3, Engine Hook Prep & Fill (2019-08-24)Here's the engine pod "hook" parts. That long finger extension on one side of the hook is delicate and can easily break off. Later in the build the launch lug is glued on the extension. All three ... [Read More]
Estes Gryphon #7280 Build, Part 4, Gluing up the Pod Hook (2019-08-25)Pay close attention and do a few dry fits to get an idea how the hook is glued up. Only the upper half of the outside pieces gets glue! Here's one side showing the glue. Set the pieces side by side ... [Read More]
Estes Gryphon #7280 Build, Part 5, Filler/Primer and Body Gluing (2019-08-26)I'm building two Gryphon kits - There was a LOT of balsa to prep and fill. These pieces have already got a coat of CWF and sanded to surface. They are taped down to a cardboard scrap for a ... [Read More]
Estes Gryphon #7280 Build, Part 6, Wing Assembly (2019-08-27)The wings were glued up on a flat, clean counter top. Front two sides first, Rear piece second. Looking at the main body I did a dry fit check of the canard. It seemed too tight, probably because I ... [Read More]
Estes Gryphon #7280 Build, Part 7, Glider Assembly (2019-08-28)A line of glue was set at the center of the canard. It was slid in place. I looked straight on the front of the glider, the canard was canted at a slight angle. TIP: Before the glue could set up, ... [Read More]
Estes Gryphon #7280 Build, Part 8, Gluing Up The Engine Pod (2019-08-29)The filler/primer was scraped off where the hook assembly would be glued. The hook is glued 1/2 forward of the tube end. Flipping over the pod, The launch lug is glued on the balsa finger ... [Read More]
Estes Gryphon #7280 Build, Part 9, Mask & Paint (2019-08-30)A strip of masking tape was pressed into the notch on the engine pod hook. I didn't want paint to stick to the glider body. After the first white undercoat I noticed a few air bubbles and rough ... [Read More]
Estes Gryphon #7280 Build, Part 10, Streamer and Controller Wire Standoff (2019-08-31)The streamer attachment is easy enough. A few inches down from the nose cone base, the streamer is taped to the shock cord. TIP: The launch controller wire stand off should be dry assembled ... [Read More]
Estes Gryphon #7280 Finished (2019-09-01)Here's the finished glider with just the gray paint And with the decals applied. The engine pod is gloss white with a gloss black nose cone. The finished build with the glider and ... [Read More]
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