I don't normally leave reviews, but I felt compelled after opening this box and realizing what Estes has done to the once-glorious Space Shuttle Rocket (EST 1284).
I grew up in the 80s, and the original Estes Space Shuttle - the full stack with orbiter, external tank, and solid boosters - was one of the most impressive and rewarding kits I ever built. It wasn't just a rocket; it was a real project. You built it from scratch. You painted it. You aligned everything perfectly so that when it launched, the shuttle would glide back to earth while the boosters came down on a parachute. It was majestic, challenging, and unforgettable.
Fast forward to now, and I find the Estes 3227 - a pre-built, styrofoam-like shuttle with none of the craftsmanship, none of the detail, and none of the engineering that made the original so iconic. The "glide" is laughable at best. The booster is an afterthought. And the whole thing feels like a toy rather than a tribute to one of the most historic spacecraft of our time.
I understand today's market leans more toward Ready-to-Fly kits, but you've replaced an incredible builder's experience with a cheap-feeling, uninspired product that barely honors its namesake. For those of us who grew up dreaming of space, this isn't it.
To Estes: You have a loyal base of builders and collectors who would GLADLY pay for a reissue of the original shuttle kit- the full stack, with glide recovery, and real build process. Please consider bringing it back, even as a limited release or commemorative edition. The 3227 doesn't hold a candle to what you used to make. And honestly, it's heartbreaking.
