F-61 Starfighter
Kit# 1358
Version 3 Pink Skill Level Hang Tag
Pink Facecard
Images from eBay
Designers: Unknown
Production Year: 1981
Retail Pricing Range: $4.50
Rarity: Scarce
Description: The Estes F-61 Starfighter model rocket kit #1358 only appeared in the 1981 catalog. It was packaged with a Version 3 pink skill level hang tag and pink background facecard. The Starfighter was clearly an exotic design with a molded plastic cockpit canopy and simulated air to air missiles, laser cannons and photon torpedoes.
The fin design is very similar to the #1289 Odyssey kit while the plastic nose cone is a re-use from the #1281 Alien Invader. Estes rated this kit as a skill level 2 build but a skill level 3 designation may have also been appropriate.
Kit Contents: The Estes F-61 Starfighter kit contains a main body tube and separate engine mount tube, plastic nose cone with plastic canopy set, a die cut balsa sheets, wood dowel, two centering rings, two pod body tubes, two plastic fin can assembly for pod tubes, multi color decal sheet, three launch lug, 12" parachute and instruction sheet.
Availability: I consider the F-61 Starfighter kit to be scarce but more available than would be expected as a one year catalog item. The unbuilt kit survival rate is probably higher than normal.
Additional information can be found at the following link;
Ye Olde Rocket Shoppe Kit Plan Link: Estes1358
Specifications: Length: 18.75", Diameter: 0.976", Weight: 1.1 oz.
Recommended 18 mm Engines: A8-3, B4-2, B4-4, B6-2, B6-4, B8-5, C6-3, C6-5
Estes Catalog Artwork
