Space Transporter America
Kit# 1338
Version 2 Rainbow Paper Hang Tag - Large Letters
Images by Gerry Fortin
Designers: Wayne Kellner and Keith Niskern
Production Years: 1980-1981
Retail Pricing Range: $7.00-$7.75
Rarity: Very Scarce
Description: The Space Transporter America model rocket kit #1338 appeared only in the 1980 and 1981 Estes catalogs. The kit's packaging includes a Version 2 rainbow hang tag (large letters) in combination with a multi color facecard that illustrates a silver Space Transporter America rocket being launched with launch tower against a darker blue night time background.
The Space Transporter America is a skill level 3 scale like model of America's potential SSTO (Single Stage To Orbit) launch vehicle. It is powered with 18mm engines and employs an 18" parachute for safe recovery. I have not seen a completed Space Transporter America rocket in person or on eBay.
Kit Contents: The kit features main body tube, plastic nose cone, bulkhead and nozzles, two die cut balsa sheets, die cut card sheet, an 18mm engine mount, multi color decal sheet, launch lug and instruction sheet.
Availability: This kit is considered to be very scarce and desireable due to infrequent eBay appearances along with only two years of catalog availability. It is a sought after kit by the Estes model rocket collecting community. Locating a kit with problem free rainbow hang tag will take patience as the paper is thin and prone to becoming brittle with age. Most kits are found with curling and some damage to the hang tags. The above illustrated kit is a typical example of hang tag condition.
Additional information can be found at the following link;
Ye Olde Rocket Shoppe Kit Plan Link: Estes1338
Specifications: Length: 21.75", Diameter: 1.637", Wing Span 7.0", Weight: 2.5 oz.
Recommended 18 mm Engines: B4-2, B6-4, C6-5
Estes Catalog Artwork
