Sky Raider
Kit# 1290
Black Paper Hang Tag
Version 2 Pink Skill Level Facecard
Designers: Unknown
Production Years: 1981-1983
Retail Pricing Range: $6.25-$7.50
Rarity: Very Scarce to Moderately Rare
Description: Facecard is typical skill level series design with pink color designating a skill level 2 kit but paired with a later generation black paper hang tag of the early 1980's. Facecard is pink and white color with overlaid static Sky Raider rocket in white, gray and black colors. Version 2 pink color background also illustrates the rocket flight sequence from launch through recovery. The kit name is shown with black outlined letters. The lower section of facecard provides kit number, skill level designation as intermediate, kit specifications and engine recommendations.
I would expect to find the Sky Raider kit also with a Version 3 skill level hang tag paired with Version 2 facecard.
The Sky Raider is a 24mm D engine powered sport model with payload section but can be flown on 18mm engines with Estes' EM2050 adapter if not payload is present.
Kit Contents: The 1290 kit contains a plastic nose cone, main and payload body tube, one balsa nose block, one balsa sheet, 24mm engine mount, an 18" parachutes, launch lug, decal and instructions.
Availability: This Sky Raider kit variety with black paper hang tag is rated as very scarce to moderately rare. The kit version with pink skill level hang tag is believe to be more available than its black paper hang tag counterpart.
Additional information can be found at the following links;
JimZ Kit Plan Link: Estes 1290
Specifications: Length 32.75", Weight 2.39 oz, Diameter 1.325"
Recommended 24 mm Engine: D12-5, D12-7
With EM2050 Adaptor: C6-5
Estes Catalog Artwork
