Loadstar II Tribute — 3D Printed Flying Rocket

A 3D-printable tribute to the classic Estes Loadstar II (model 3227), designed and printed with my grandson as a weekend project. This is a full-size flying replica with a tangent ogive nose cone, BT-60 to BT-55 conical transition, and a clear payload bay for altimeters, cameras, or just showing off your payload to the launch crew.

What's included:

• Tangent ogive nose cone (hollow, vase-mode friendly)
• BT-60 to BT-55 conical transition piece
• Motor mount sized for standard 24mm motors
• Fits a clear polycarbonate or PETG payload tube (BT-55 ID, ~1.325" / 33.6mm)

Recommended print settings:

• PLA for all structural parts
• 0.12mm layer height for the nose cone (smoother surface = better aerodynamics)
• 0% infill on the nose cone (vase mode works great), 2-3 walls
• Supports only where overhangs require — most parts print cleanly without
• PETG recommended but not necessary for engine tube & screw on cap

Motor recommendations:

• Estes D12-3 — perfect first flight, gentle altitude (~400-500 ft)
• AeroTech E20-4W — drops right into the 24×70mm mount with no modifications, ~900 ft
• Quest Q-Jet E26-4W — composite alternative when Estes E motors are out of stock

Finished weight: ~0.70 lbs (317g) ready to fly

Built with love (and a lot of patience) with my grandson. Hope your family enjoys building it as much as we did.

— Poppa Prints