Star Blazer
Kit# 0831
Version 2 Blue Skill Level Hang Tag
Version 1 Blue Skill Level Facecard
Image from eBay
Designer: Unknown
Production Years: 1972-1977
Retail Pricing Range: $1.99-$3.00
Rarity: Scarce
Description: Estes Star Blazer model rocket kit #0831 was part of the Mini-Brute series and produced from 1972 through 1977. The kit featured skill level 3 Estes packaging with blue facecard and hang tag. The Version 1 facecard is blue and white color with overlaid grey and white Star Blazer rocket. Rocket specifications and engine recommendations are found on the lower portion of the facecard.
The Star Blazer is an 13mm engine powered rocket with futuristic space ship look and a forward crew cockpit. The Star Blazer, offered as #0831/TK-31 kit, is a continuation of the previous short engine version kit. Fin design, cockpit design and engine mount are the primary kit differences though I much more prefer the appearance of the original TK-31 with swept back fins and more difficult cockpit build.
TK-31 Short Engine Design #0831/TK-31 Mini Brute Desgin
Kit Contents: The kit contains two main body tubes, plastic nose cone, balsa nose block, die cut fins, a 13mm engine mount, 10" parachute, decal sheet, launch lug and instruction sheet.
Availability: Since the Mini Brute version Star Blazer spans six catalog years, the kit may be found with different version skill level hang tags. This listing is generic for all kit packaging versions with the above images illustrating Version 2 blue skill level hang tag and Version 1 skill level facecard. At this time, no rarity estimate for the difference hang tag variations is possible. It is estimated that the Star Blazer kit is "scarce" across production years while certain skill level hang tag versions may be much more difficult to locate and will be eventually be rated as "scare to rare" depending on further research.
Unfortunately, I've not located building plans for the Mini Brute Star Blazer kit version on any website.
Specifications: Length: 11.4", Diameter: 0.736", Weight: 0.73 oz.
Recommended 13 mm Engines: 1/4A3-2T, 1/2A3-2T, A3-4T, A10-3T
Estes Catalog Artwork
