I’m sure at some point, many of us have purchased and built an Estes rocket kit, launched it, and even recovered it in one piece. But rarely does fine-scale modeling cross over with flying model rockets. Estes set itself the task of blurring those lines with its new 1/48 scale Pro Series II Soyuz model kit.
The large box contains the 108 parts for a model that, when built, measures over 41 inches tall. In addition to 84 injection-molded plastic parts, the kit includes six “blown” plastic parts — the center core, the four boosters, and the upper stage — that are a combination of injection-molded and vacuum-formed parts. But don’t let the unusual manufacturing process throw you, because the parts all exhibit good detail.
The injection-molded parts look good, too, like the rocket motor nozzles, core tunnels, and engine plates. The four guide vanes (that look like square fence panels) on the sides of the upper stage were injection-molded plastic, too. However, I think they would have shown more finesse and scale authenticity if Estes had opted for photo-etched metal parts instead. (I painted the inside of those parts gray and dry-brushed them white to suggest shadow.) The flame evacuation structure (just below the orange band midships) is a 3D-printed part.
The main body is a high quality cardboard tube. It does have spiral lines on the surface as a result of the manufacturing process, but these are hidden behind the massive boosters.
Remember, Estes is bridging the gap between a detailed static model and one that is flyable. That means it includes parachutes, string, shock cords, and everything else you need to make a flying model rocket. No, it doesn’t come with F15-4 engines or a launch pad!
Decide up front if you want a static model or one that flies. If you decide the latter, attention to the clear, well-organized instructions is a must. The steps breakdown helps prevent mistakes by making each subassembly its own section. For instance, assembling the engine mount has three steps, and preparing the body tube has seven steps.
In my opinion, the instructions fall flat with the painting and marking guide. It shows four side views of the Soyuz, but all in black and white, small, and provided no specific colors or paint brands. The box art did a lot of work helping me finish the rocket, as did the internet.
For such a large model, I ruled out using an airbrush and sprayed the green areas Rust-Oleum Sage Green straight from the can. To my eye, the color appeared to be a close match to the real rocket. The rest of the colors were handled with Tamiya paints, also applied from the can. The water-slide decals laid down without any trouble at all.
Building the Estes 1/48 scale Pro Series II Soyuz model kit was a great experience. Sure, it might lack a bit in the refinement you might find in a fully static display model, but the trade-offs are minor when you consider you could actually launch your model into the sky if you chose to. I found the risk of losing or damaging my model too dear a price to pay. It builds into an impressive model, and I think it looks good in my collection. I wouldn’t change a thing.