Orion Starfighter/Torellian Invader
Kit# 1343
Black Paper Hang Tag
Images by Gerry Fortin
Designers: Unknown
Production Years: 1980-1983
Retail Pricing Range: $8.00-$11.00
Rarity: Very Scarce to Moderately Rare
Description: The Estes Orion Starfighter and Torellian Invader model rockets were offered as combination kit #1343 and marketed from 1980 through 1983. Both are skill level 3 kits. These two models were released at the same time as the Galatic Pirates (Patrol Cruiser Excaliber and the Dragon Ship 1) theme kits and the Black Hole Space Probe. 1980 can be argued as being the peak of Estes' golden age of exotic model rocket design.
The above Orion Starfighter and Torellian Invader kit packaging includes a black paper hang tag but there is the probability of locating this kit with colorful rainbow hangtag since initial release was during 1980. Since this kit appears so infrequently on eBay, I cannot remember seeing a rainbow hang tag version. The facecard artwork shows a cosmic purple background with both Orion and Torellian rockets flying in parallel formation. The classic Este launch sequence diagram is visible on the lower left side of the facecard.
Kit Contents: Will be updated later.....
Availability: The Orion/Torellian combination kit is consider to be very scare to moderately rare with few appearances on eBay. The above images are take from kit in my collection. Expect to pay in the range of $120 to $200 for a nice problem free example. During August 2012, the most recent kit to sell on eBay brought $198 as a winning bid (including shipping). In the author's opinion, this is one of the prized kits in an Estes kit collection.
Additional information can be found at the following link;
JimZ Estes Rocket Plan Link: Estes1343
Orion Starfighter
Specifications: Length: 20.25", Diameter: 0.976", Weight: 1.12 oz.
Recommended 18 mm Engines: A8-3, B4-2, B4-4, B6-2, B6-4, B14-5, C6-5, C6-7
Torellian Invader
Specifications: Length: 20.0", Diameter: 0.976", Weight: 1.29 oz.
Recommended 18 mm Engines: A8-3, B4-2, B4-4, B6-2, B6-4, B14-5, C6-5, C6-7
Estes Catalog Artwork
