Astron Star Blazer

Kit# K-31

1970 Countdown Hang Tag - Damon Era

Version I $1.25 Facecard

   

Images by Gerry Fortin

Designer: Bill See

Production Years: 1968-1973 Catalog Years: 1970-1971

Retail Pricing Range: $1.25

Rarity: Rare

Description: Horizontal image: Damon era Astron Star Blazer kit was only listed in Estes 1970 and 1971 catalogs. The above kit shows the combination of the Pre-Damon era facecard design coupled with a Damon era countdown hang tag. Interestingly, the Semroc Classic Kit website indicates the Star Blazer was produced from 1968 through 1973. The Semroc information may be more accurate since the Star Blazer kit is found without a hang tag and suggests a 1968 production phase before conversion to the yellow Pre Damon era hang tag followed by the countdown hang tag. Members of the Ye Olde Rocket Forum are in consensus that the Star Blazer was primarily offered as a free kit by Estes during 1968-1969 before being marketed within the 1970 and 1971 catalogs. We believe the Star Blazer free kits were an incentive to use the Estes 18mm Short Engines.

The Version I white background facecard is part of the instruction sheet. The Star Blazer rocket is illustrated within a red frame on the facecard. There is no mention of the "Astron" name on the facecard instead marked as K-31 in black letters and printed price of "Only $1.25". Estes marketed the Star Blazer as a sport flyer with Series III engines only.

The Star Blazer design is quite attractive with a convincing space ship look, forward cockpit canopy, structural fairing strips and streamlined fins.

The kit features two body tubes, a balsa nose cone, two sheets of balsa fin stock, 12" parachute, engine mount, launch lug, and instructions.

Additional information can be found at the following links;

Rocketshoppe.com Plan Link: Estes K31

Essense Model Rocket Reviews: 180% Upscale of K31 Star Blazer

Specifications: Length (12.5 in), Weight (1.0 oz), Diameter (0.736 in)

Recommended 18 mm Short Engines: 1/2A6-2S, A5-2S, A5-4S

 

Comparison of Star Blazer Version I $1.25 and Version II $1.75 Facecards

 

Estes Catalog Artwork

 

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