I've been reporting on NARAM via NARAM Live! for several years. One problem with linking to the site is that, after the event, the content of the main pages are moved to an archive directory. So, ... [Read More]
As you all are aware, NARAM-51 is just around the corner. It will be held near Johnstown, PA on August 8 - 14, 2009. I sure had fun at NARAM-50 and #51 should be a blast. Unfortunately, even though ... [Read More]
Chris Taylor's NARAM-51 coverage has started . There's not much there yet, but keep your eyes open! This year, he's got a YouTube Channel for his videos. That's good because I've always had codec ... [Read More]
The Saturday coverage was smaller than normal. I didn't spot any particular shots that I thought were amazing. I did spot a handful of NARHAMs and MDRA regulars. Kenny (Performance Hobbies) actually ... [Read More]
If you look around here you'll see what I think is a small model of the MLAS. I also think this is a vendor booth so I'm wondering if there is a kit out there? The big piece of Blue Tube with cones ... [Read More]
There are a 3 pages of photos from Sunday. The last page has photos of the scale and fantasy scale entries. Yes, the MLAS is represented and there is a cool Saturn V outfitted with SRBs. I hope now ... [Read More]
Well, the site error did in fact mean it was being updated, with the first appearing a few minutes after my previous post. On the first photo page , I noticed an Apollo capsule boosting on its abort ... [Read More]
The highlights of page 1 , and of the three photo pages, was Vern Estes and his original Big Bertha - a staple at NARAM. I also liked the 'cherry picker' recovery shots. Here's the best video, a ... [Read More]
Whut I thunk wuz kool: Page 1 - Starting about 3/4 of the way down: A big rocket with a huge Easter egg as the cone. The NARAM equivalent of a bowling ball rocket? A cool sci-fi looking ducted ... [Read More]
Friday was the last day of NARAM-51 and NARAM Live has some good coverage of the scale flights. Here's some of what I liked, but the MLAS (which I've obviously become obsessed with) was the ... [Read More]
Ready-to-Build™ Kits... We have just released our first ten Ready-to-Build™ kits. These have been in the works for some time and incorporate many ideas and suggestions that have come to us over ... [Read More]
NARAM Live! main page with links to current and past NARAMs. NARAM-52 Live! - Flying starts Saturday. Site updates start when Chris gets around to it. I'll be watching and will report ... [Read More]
Some time in the dark of night, Chris uploaded his photos and video from Saturday. I won't highlight any of them as they were all kind of generic. It's great that he put his videos on ... [Read More]
Highlights of Day 3 : A couple of shots of a tube launched rocket. A canted motor Whirlygig. Was that Matthew's original ? The flight and demise of what looked like the big Christmas tree ... [Read More]
Here's what I liked from Monday's update : The first photo is a Quest DC-Y Space Clipper. I've got one of those . Chris got his L1, with on-board video . The town hall meeting photos aren't up ... [Read More]
This is the most boring NARAM Live! that I can remember. From what I hear, this is inversely proportional to what's going on. Tuesday on has one highlight - a nice sequence showing a smokey ... [Read More]
Today's highlights: Tri-F-O's are always cool. I guess Chris was busy going for his L-2 and wasn't as prolific a shooter as in past years. There's a photo of his flight. No videos yet. If they ... [Read More]
Once again, the photos are OK but there is nothing that wowed me in Thursday's album . Not even the coverage of the scale models on page 2. But, the Day 6 videos are now up and are pretty ... [Read More]
So, far, the photos aren't coming up. Maybe there aren't any because Chris has a lot of short slow-motion clips on his Day 8 play list . The best is the clustered N1 . Over all, ... [Read More]
This post presents reviews of various parachutes, several of which were received via EMRR. A couple are out-of-production (OOP) and are only included for historical purposes. RocketChutes - ... [Read More]
The NAR's annual model rocketry contest event, NARAM-53 is now less than a week away. I haven't heard anything but assume Chris will cover it on NARAM Live . This assumption is only ... [Read More]
NARAM will be live again at: http://www.naramlive.com/naramlive-2011/ Once again Chris Taylor will be covering the NARAM. I've attended three NARAMs back in 1975, 76 and 77. For those who can't be ... [Read More]
Royatl has posted some info from the NARAM-53 Manufacturer's Forum [via YORF]: Quest will have new MicroMaxx starters. Quest Thunderjets could appear Fall 2012. (Echoes of NARAM-50...still not ... [Read More]
There are several pages of launch photos and one of the manufacturer's forum . Saw some NARHAMSters, the TRF banner, the Estes booth, and this big upscale Explorer Aquarius. [Read More]
NARAM Live, Day2 - On Sunday, the NARAM activities included FAI quals, sport flying, and scale turn in. Chris didn't cover the sports range, which reportedly wasn't busy (again). I find ... [Read More]
Today saw more contest flying and the town hall meeting . The sport range was slow again...I suppose that will continue. Too bad, most of the interesting stuff from NARAM has been historically ... [Read More]
Check out posts 3 - 6 in this TRF thread . Some points I found interesting from the Estes section:
The Estes rep said the quality of their black powder is not as good as it used to be and this ... [Read More]
Coverage of the 4th day of flying included Micromaxx (1/8A) streamer and the auction. There are also a couple of interesting FlisKits or Fliskits-like objects from the sports range - the mu ... [Read More]
Launch Day 5 included more contest coverage and some sports flights . Not as many as I'd have liked, but beggars can't be choosers. I do love those 4" Quaker Oats bins! Launch Day 6 was ... [Read More]
Well, NARAM is wrapped up and I was disappointed on the lack of coverage of the sports range. By all accounts, it was not nearly as busy as in prior years. Others have voiced that they ... [Read More]
All the NARAM Live Manufacturer's Forum videos are on the site and running! Go right to the NARAM Live YouTube Channel HERE Just look for the videos that don't have many views to see the ones that ... [Read More]
As expected, NARAM Live! is going to cover this year's event. There is also a YORF thread being populated with news and photos. I am interested in the price of the new NCR kits and ... [Read More]
NARAM Live! has the photos from yesterday posted. They are clearly from the sport range - it's good to see that LDRS does not have a monopoly on odd-rocs! I included a photo of a really cool ... [Read More]
And, you thought trees, corn and soybeans suck Via the TRF post, I see that the NARAM field has a hazard that stinks both figuratively and literally - a waste water treatment pond. ... [Read More]
NARAM Live! has posted a bunch of photos from Wednesday , including a couple of sets from other rocketeers. There is also a tally of the contest standings. I saw several shots of NARHAMSter ... [Read More]
Those are Odd'l Rocket kits and accessories hanging along the top of the Sirius Rocketry tent at NARAM 54 held last week in Muskegon, Michigan. David Miller sold some kits, I had a ... [Read More]
Once again, Chris Taylor has posted great pictures from the NARAM 54 meet: http://www.naramlive.com/naramlive-2012/naramlive/index.html For those who couldn't be there it's great photo ... [Read More]
The NARAM 54 Manufacturer's Forum videos are ready for viewing http://www.youtube.com/user/naramlive53 Scroll down to N54 Day 2 VIDEO 1 0:00 ARA Press 2:35 NARTS 4:00 BMS 13:50 Red River ... [Read More]
From Semroc: “We have just released five new kits just before NARAM-55. The two “War in Space” kits from Centuri are done. The Satellite Killer™ and ... [Read More]
Once again the N ational A ssociation of R ocketry A nnual M eet (NARAM) is online at: http://www.naramlive.com/naramlive-2013/naramlive/index.html
Thanks to Chris Taylor for setting up the ... [Read More]
David Miller from Sirius Rocketry sent this picture - Odd'l Rockets made an appearance at NARAM 55! The kits are hanging on the right side of the tent awning. [Read More]
Bob Sanford (Initiator 1 on YORF) Posted this NARAM 56 welcome sign. Vanna, I'll take an "E" . . . NARAM Live isn't operating yet. http://www.naramlive.com/naramlive-2014/
[Read More]
Chris Taylor is once again bringing NARAM LIVE! to computers everywhere. Photos, videos and live streaming (I haven't looked at the later). Here's a teaser that I lifted from the Saturday ... [Read More]
From Saturday night, the NARAM Manufacturer's Forum is running - http://www.ustream.tv/channel/naram-56/theater Audio was hard to follow in some spots. I hope I heard everything correctly. You just ... [Read More]
My Ranger made it to NARAM in one piece! This was my entry for voting into the Seattle Museum of Flight Model Rocketry display. 12 models will be picked. I counted 15 entries so I've got a ... [Read More]
The next best thing to being there! NARAM LIVE is back with complete coverage. I always look forward to the Scale pictures and Manufacturers Forum. Check it out: CLICK HERE [Read More]
I was curious about new products usually announced at the NARAM Manufacturer's Forum. It seems it wasn't recorded this year. On TRF, Kevin J posted:
Here is the twitter roundup of ... [Read More]
NARAM 58 is up and running! The NARAM Live website is starting to post some great pictures from Saturday: CLICK HERE For those who can't make the meet, it's the next best thing to being there! [Read More]
It appears that I've been asleep at the wheel as I didn't realize NARAM 58 had started. And, as usual, Chris Taylor's NARAM Live! is up and running. Day 1 is a very good place to start. Day 2 is also ... [Read More]
While I'm in California taking care of family business, I looked through some of my old files and found this. I had thought it was lost . . . It's dated September, 1979, from Grant Boyd. ... [Read More]
An interesting Blast! Deflector back story from YORF:
The MPC starter kit pictured earlier featured a unique parabolic blast deflector. The design made its first ... [Read More]
Last night I happened to be perusing through my collection of Model Rocketry Magazine issues , looking for some rocket plans I had recalled seeing. I happened upon the October 1969 issue which ... [Read More]
I want to put name decals on my NARAM competition models. The names are going to be very generic, the paint (if any) will be simple. I always liked the font Centuri picked when their catalogs went to ... [Read More]
In 1975 I was on the way to NARAM 17, getting on a connecting flight from Atlanta to Orlando. Across from me was a guy sitting with a cardboard box with body tubes sticking out of it. I asked: "Are ... [Read More]
My 30+ year old competition rockets (Click to enlarge)
During the first 25 years or so of model rocketry, the elite rocketeer was not one who had completed a level 3 ... [Read More]
This is an Odd'l Rockets product teaser - There is more to it than just another body tube! (If I shared this new product concept with you in conversation, please don't give it away in the comments ... [Read More]
Let's just say I took a day off. Preparing for NARAM is a lot of work. Too many shock cords to attach, pop-lugs and parachutes to make. Add to that a fairly good sized order from ERockets to box up ... [Read More]
Good thing I looked over the NARAM Classic Competition Rules. I needed to put together some documentation about my entry, the Dragon Ship 7. I needed references to where I got my clone information, ... [Read More]
I haven't done a long drive since the early 1980s. I would drive alone from California to Florida in three days, averaging 1,000 miles a day! I'm older now, I gave myself a four day travel ... [Read More]
The first day of launches at the NARRAM field was a sport launch. A few were testing their boost gliders and streamer duration models. I was very surprised to see Brian Urban from Tampa, TTRA and ... [Read More]
Saturday, August 4th, 2018, I made the 80 mile trip from Castle Rock to Pueblo to attend a much anticipated event - the NAR 60 year anniversary Rocketeer Reunion. Despite traffic delays on ... [Read More]
Sunday was another full day of Sport Flying at the field. Lots of Mid Power launches. The Estes tour and the first competition launches start tomorrow. There were nine vendors presentations. ESTES: ... [Read More]
I participated in the Manufacturer's forum on Sunday night with new products from Odd'l Rockets. On the right is the new BT-20H, heavy walled BT-20 tubing. It has the same wall thickness as a BT-55 ... [Read More]
I'm going to start this reunion series on a more personal note. This is a picture of myself and one of my best friends who happened to travel out here from Virginia to attend the reunion - Mr. ... [Read More]
While making another circuit of the meeting room floor early in the event, I came across one of the display tables on which some new items had appeared....
And I knew exactly who ... [Read More]
Estes gave two tours for forty guests each. I was signed up for the 10:0 a.m. tour. Here's the tour group waiting at the door. To the right is a pickup truck. That was once Vern Estes parking place. ... [Read More]
Halfway through the reunion activities, the central stage and podium were open to presentations by the various NAR dignitaries who were present. To start things off, Reunion Coordinator Trip Barber ... [Read More]
The FlatCat Boost Glider was designed by G. Harry Stine back in the earlier days of model rocketry. It is arguably the quintessential example of a standard front engine pop-pod ... [Read More]
Last night was the NARAM Town Hall and turn-in of the Classic and Sport Scale entries. I might have a shot at a place in the Classic Model Competition. There was some standout entries in Scale and ... [Read More]
The NAR 60th Year Reunion proved to be a once in a lifetime opportunity for me to meet all of the big names in model rocketry, so naturally I had brought along a few items to be ... [Read More]
Today was a slower schedule for me. I had the Estes Mini A Heli ready with some A10-3t engines. John Boren (the designer) was at the return table. He jokingly said: "You changed the fin design, I ... [Read More]
Actually there were more than a few in attendance at the reunion... Here is a pic of Tom and Linda Milkie:
Back in the old days, I used to read and re-read all of the fine articles and plans ... [Read More]
This picture probably should have been posted earlier. Here's the entrance to the Hudson Ranch SCORE field off highway 78. That's a great launch field landmark. I was checking in my 1/2A Parachute ... [Read More]
After being introduced by NAR president John Hochheimer, Bill Stine took the podium. Bill related the story of the beginnings of the hobby of model rocketry, starting with how his father, G. Harry ... [Read More]
Here's the static judging high point model in the Classics Competition. The build is by Chris Kidwell. Clean work and great presentation. I thought I was going to do better with my Dragon Ship 7 but ... [Read More]
Spectators brought out their lawn chairs to watch today's launches. The Classic Model Judge apologized for my low static score on the Dragon Ship 7. Like I assumed, the supplemental data I supplied ... [Read More]
Another one of the display tables held a large collection of early Canaroc model rocket kits. This presentation was provided by Mr. Denis Lufkin (NAR 96987).
On ... [Read More]
I learned a lot from the past week at the NARAM. 1. A week seems too long. A four or five day NARAM would have been about right. EDIT: As it turns out, the next NARAM will be only four ... [Read More]
The next member of model rocketry royalty to give a talk was Lee Piester, the man behind Centuri Engineering.
Lee gave a very interesting speech, relating the story of his conversion from ... [Read More]
The last item on the row of meeting room tables was my own small display of NARAM-11 ephemera.
Included was an official meet program that was distributed to visitors to ... [Read More]
Well, boys and girls, This post pretty much completes the series on the NAR 60th Year Rocketeer Reunion. I had nearly as much fun writing and putting together this material as I had ... [Read More]
Here's more shots from NARAM 60. The opening weekend was all Sport Launches. I knew I'd taken more pictures, these were in my other camera. Bob Kaplow launched a plastic saucer with a long burning ... [Read More]
I recently had the pleasure of meeting a fellow old-timer model rocketeer who lives right here in the Castle Rock area - Mr. Jim Gazur. Jim was heavily involved in model rocketry back in ... [Read More]
To find out what's coming in Model Rocketry - Watch the NARAM 61 Manufacturer's Forum To see the video: CLICK HERE Garth Illibrun let us know of the Apogee video on the Estes Model Rocket ... [Read More]
Today's post topic goes back nearly 51 years - all the way to August, 1969.
The place: The United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado.
The event: NARAM 11.
... [Read More]
All and all, 2008 was a momentous year here in the Dungeon. On a personal basis, it started poorly but ended on a high note. But, since this is a rocketry blog, my top 10 is limited to on-topic ... [Read More]
Lead article is coverage of the 17th World Spacemodeling Championships that were held in Lleida, Spain. Other than spotting NARHAMSter Ed Pearson, this one didn't really interest me. Nor did the ... [Read More]
Just got the new issue and am a little disappointed. Not due to the quality of the articles but their subjects just didn't excite me. Hopefully, this curmudgeonly post will be taken with a grain of ... [Read More]
Here is my mostly completed, 29mm Big Daddy. 'Mostly' because I won't install the nose cone bulkhead and any required weight until I lay hands on one of Quests new F12 BP motors . (see note below!) ... [Read More]
Clark Lindsey points to this Aviation Week piece on the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory's (AFRL) Reusable Booster System (RBS) request for information (RFI). A YORF user found another reference , ... [Read More]
The NARAMS ECRM launch was on despite the threat of rain and afternoon thunderstorms. The weather reports looked like there might be breaks in the rain so I staged my stuff last night. This morning ... [Read More]
Besides hosting the Old Rocketeer's Reunion during NARAM-50, Aurora Flight Sciences designs and builds cool flying things. Wired's Danger Room discusses the flight test of their prototype Excalibur ... [Read More]
My quest for clear square tubing continues without success. It appears I'll pay for gasoline but not shipping costs. Looks like I need to scrape up some new project as my one active one is stalled. ... [Read More]
George Gassaway has compiled a cool competition website for NARAM-51. I especially liked the scale, peanut scale and fantasy scale pages, which include lots of reference links. It's of course too ... [Read More]
So, this morning I found NARAM Live's Tuesday page wasn't updated. TRF is giving database errors. There are no breaking news reports from the manufacturer's forum at NARAM. And, to top it off, the ... [Read More]
For some reason, I've been chicken about its stability. However, the RSim model I'm basing mine on was made by someone on the NASA team that directed its development and he stated his model agreed ... [Read More]
I've always thought the Project Pluto Supersonic Low Altitude Missile (SLAM) was cool looking and would make a fun scale subject. As I mentioned earlier, there are photos of one flying at NARAM . ... [Read More]
TRF member rocket999 provided a link to the following interesting article: Direct Non-electronic Staging From Reloadable Composite Motors To Black Powder Motors , Jay Calvert, NAR # 71767 C Division, ... [Read More]
This is the NARAM 51 edition and my main feeling after thumbing through it is...I wish I had attended! The coverage is typical to past NARAMs and includes plenty of photos. It started ... [Read More]
A few days ago, Rocketry Planet published a great article regarding the coming meeting of National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)'s Technical Committee on Pyrotechnics in Salt Lake City, ... [Read More]
In this issue: Performance analysis of 6 vs. 7 tube fin rockets by Larry Brand; a 'bulletproof' Estes build; a Member Photo Blast featuring plastic and cork; Baffles and More ; rockets to ... [Read More]
With the announcement of the P aul M iller F arewell L aunch at the next MDRA launch on June 26th, I wanted to grab a quick photo of my Paul Miller Recycled Fleet. Left-to-right and back-to-front: ... [Read More]
EMRR is back after a month hiatus with a respectable number of new reviews. The winners of the Kitbash Virtual Contest have been announced. Which mostly reminds me that I need to tale a ... [Read More]
The Backdraft is probably the most unique rocket kit I've built. The rocket boosts on a short delay motor, ejects the booster unit, the upper section comes in ballistic and, if all goes as ... [Read More]
Semroc just released a new line of kits with initially 10 new rockets. These are largely downscales of, as you'd expect, classics. The name is a play on words since all kits are ... [Read More]
Check out the old stickers on the inside lid! Those go back to NARAM 17 and 18. The upper shelf holds (clockwise from the upper left) 1. Engine mount adapters and heavy twine. 2. Igniters from Estes ... [Read More]
NARAM-52 Live! is shaping up well. The Friday non-rocket photos includes a rocket girl. Would steal it if it actually included a rocket. I cut the fuse for the Backdraft flight. ... [Read More]
A while back I did a post about the correct way to say Centuri.
I've never known the correct pronunciation of Lee Piester's last name.
Until now -
I was watching the YouTube ... [Read More]
I read a post on YORF from Carl at Semroc. He talked about how Bill Simon was at NARAM and signing the Semroc Sky Hook kit giveaways to the participants. Carl wrote he had an extra kit and would ... [Read More]
Carl from Semroc said there was one more Bill Simon autographed Sky Hook kit left from NARAM . He asked for Sky Hook stories. Here's mine: Back in the spring of '72, Estes mailed Model Rocket News ... [Read More]
I'm sure by now most have read this thread: http://www.rocketryforum.com/showthread.php?p=123088#post123088 It's a sad day for rocketry. After all the good will shown at the recent NARAM, Estes/Cox ... [Read More]
The jury here is a jury of two, Carl and Rick. It looks like the legal unpleasantness of late will indeed work out . So, all the disgruntled rocket geeks can re-establish their orders ... [Read More]
Bob (Initiator001 from YORF ) said it would be okay to show his three versions of the Enerjet 1340. Thanks Bob! From left to right: This prototype version was seen on the cover of the Enerjet flyer ... [Read More]
I got a small package in the mail today from Semroc .
I wasn't expecting an order, that came last week.
I was surprised to receive a special edition Sky Hook kit signed by Bill Simon. ... [Read More]
I've seen many, and built one, rocket with pop gliders. Here's my Mirror Image featuring two Guillow's Shuttles. But, now I see the Model Rocket Building blog is featuring the OOP MPC Martian ... [Read More]
I was looking forward to this weekend's NARAMS launch but it looks like life has gotten in the way. P L =0. I also feel bad for the rest of the club because the weather report is saying the ... [Read More]
Although it almost didn't survive my grandson, I am finally looking at the latest issue of Sport Rocketry. (I only got it a few days ago but, more typically, I at least scan it right away.) ... [Read More]
The Hat of Death is a UFO-type rocket made from an old fishing hat. The hat is removable in case I forget a ball cap - wouldn't want to sunburn the top of my head. Logging 57 flights to-date on ... [Read More]
Semroc's V2 xKit is a reproduction of Estes K-22, which was originally released in 1965. Like the original, it flies on 18mm motors and features balsa nose and tail cones. The xKits don't come ... [Read More]
This is a fantasy-scale model of the Fireball XL5 spacecraft, which was the subject of an old TV show. My motivation came from a thread on the The Rocketry Forum. Inspired by a model being developed ... [Read More]
This is a description of my G-powered upscale of the Estes BLU-97B Cluster Bomb. The body consists of two 5" Quaker Oats bins. Here it is next to it's Estes cousin. The nose cone tip was turned ... [Read More]
The Deuce XL5 was my Descon-13 entry and, for the record, the following were the attributes as they applied to the contest:
no Micro-Maxx, x2 cluster, sci-fi, comedy(?), most parts from a ... [Read More]
I couldn't believe it when my wife spotted the Guillow's foam Shuttles on clearance at Michael's Crafts. I am finally getting her fully trained to spot rocket components. Anyway, I bought two more ... [Read More]
I built this kit in the late 1980's. This model really looks cool and, despite the number of parts, was not that difficult to put together. It is a futuristic space fighter reminiscent of ... [Read More]
When one of my rocketry buddies decided to hold a building session, I was scrambling to decide what to work on. I decided to use a 50% off Michael's coupon to grab an Estes SS1 kit for bashing. I ... [Read More]
This is a sci-fi-style model inspired by the Star Wars Y-Wing Fighter. When I converted an Estes SpaceShipOne into the SpaceShipSqrt(-1) , I had the fin set left over. Mix these fins with a pill ... [Read More]
This rocket is made from a sports water bottle that was donated by a local talk radio station, hence the name. It has a 24mm mount, recovers by parachute, and uses 'plate fins'. 'High tech' features ... [Read More]
Art's Double Helix is new twist on the monocopter (pun intended)--it has two wings and flies on two motors. In fact, it's more or less two Helix Monocopters stuck end to end. Technically, it's not a ... [Read More]
When buying some parts and supplies, I decided to go ahead and grab a Golden Scout to commemorate Vern and Gleda Estes' 50 years of contributions to this educational and fun hobby. Without their ... [Read More]
This was a Beta test version Art’s popular Stealth Qubit that was specifically designed exclusively for the new Quest D5-P 20mm diameter, long burn motor. The motor's long burn and thin wall, ... [Read More]
This is a Halloween-themed oddroc based on a toy coffin. It features a 24mm mount and patented Coffin Lid Recovery . Construction: The parts list: * One pine (basswood?) coffin from Michael's * Three ... [Read More]
Here are my motor reviews from EMRR. AeroTech G77R (updated!) AeroTech G79W (updated!) Quest D5-0 Plugged Ellis Mountain SU J110 (out-of-production) Ellis Mountain SU J228 (out-of-production) ... [Read More]
The Heavenly Hobbies Backdraft is a BT-60-based, 24mm-powered rocket that on face value looks like a standard 2-stager. If you've read the previous reviews, you'll know that there is one major ... [Read More]
This post presents reviews of the Modeler's Notebook Model Design & Blueprinting and the CultTVMan Ultimate Modeling Guide to Classic Sci-Fi Movies . Modeler's Notebook - Model Design & ... [Read More]
This post describes: a Quest Nike Smoke modified for 29mm motors; a cloned, stretched Smoke with a functional nose cone; and some Nike Smoke parts merged with a Tiny Tim booster. Nike Smoke (29mm) ... [Read More]
Chris Michielssen posted the following from a discussion on TRF.
Posted on TRF from Oliver - European Rocketeer: "But seriously, our German Quest distributor is currently developing a new engine ... [Read More]
Here's a fun, easy to build design by Bruce Levison . The CORK SCREW won him first place in the FlisKits Design of the Month Contest in October, 2003. Here's how Bruce described his entry: October ... [Read More]
This issue really makes up for the last one (which I thought was the least interesting issue since I re-joined the NAR). Here's a cover-to cover walk through: The cover features the Rocket ... [Read More]
Here's a great YouTube video on the G. Harry Stine legacy - HERE
I met Mr. Stine at my first NARAM in Orlando, Florida back in 1975. He took the time to meet and talk with all the ... [Read More]
I'll start with what I think was the most significant news contained within the pages of this issue. In a short but deep article, David Chance reflects on how "rocketry can teach you lessons ... [Read More]
I've been waiting for various amounts of time for:
The NARAM Live Wednesday update (hope this means it's big and full off odd-rocs).
The ESL-158 photo gallery (maybe nothing has been ... [Read More]
Here's the newest from Balsa Machining Service: The MIGHTY D 12v Launch Controller It's a innovative design - 12 volts of power in a 7" long X 5" tall box. It'll fire any igniter from a Micromaxx to ... [Read More]
A reader provided links to photo essays about the Russian museum of the "NPP Zvezda" aerospace corporation.
http://maksimzaitsev.livejournal.com/37521.html ( translated )
http://ru ... [Read More]
If you are ever looking for inspiration on how a section newsletter should be produced, check this out: http://www.masa-rocketry.org/planetonline.htm This is the website to go to with a good cup of ... [Read More]
The main theme of this issue is NARAM-53, which was held last summer in Cincinnati, OH. As with most contest coverage, I mostly liked gawking at the photos of the sports range and, in this ... [Read More]
This is a rambling rant, so you might want to go elsewhere NOW! I currently all excited about flying again this weekend at NARHAMS new alternate launch site. The weather is looking good and, ... [Read More]
This month, I managed to get out to three days of organized launches and held one 'solo' launch. This was the most flying I've done since NARAM-50 in 2008. I made 36 flights and burned 44 motors. ... [Read More]
Yesterday, Matt Steele posted that the first batch of the new NCR kits have been shipped to Apogee, which is the only distributor. He will also have a few at NARAM-53, should you be going. ... [Read More]
Bill Saindon of Balsa Machining Service announced a new kit last night at the NARAM manufacter forum.
It's the IMP , a BT-5 based model made for 13mm "T" engines.
Featherweight ... [Read More]
I see Chris Michielssen posted his top ten for 2012. So, I see no reason to wait to post mine: 1. Space Shuttle Discovery buzzes Washington DC .
2. Discovery and Enterprise nose-to-nose at ... [Read More]
Hi Chris, I was feeling a little sentimental today after helping my son put together some space models - and it prompted me to google my dad's former business - Model Rocket Industries. I enjoyed ... [Read More]
The Meatball Team won the scale competition at NARAM 50. Stop by their website and find out why! You'll find Plenty of scale information and build tips. http://meatballrocketry.com The articles on ... [Read More]
Five new Semroc kits have been released just in time for NARAM 55! Three are Centuri based models - The SATELLITE KILLER, REDEYE and EGG CRATE. Two more "Groonies" - YUNG'UN's NUKE and the SNAKE ... [Read More]
This morning, we learned that Carl passed away last night. For my readers who don't know him, he was a long time sport rocketeer and for the past several years, with his wife Sheryl, was running ... [Read More]
I recently re-found the jetex.org site. This site is dedicated to all things Jetex, including the motors, fuel, model kits, plans, etc. You youngsters, assuming you haven't already resorted to ... [Read More]
When I got notification that Verna and Randy's September blog update was up, I clicked over to Fire and Smoke . What I saw made me think of the Beatles' Magical Mystery Tour . Click on over ... [Read More]
This issue is largely dedicated to contest rocketry, covering both NARAM 55 and the FAI World Championship flyoffs, wherein the members of the US team were selected. I'm not a contest flier so ... [Read More]
The finished 1969 catalog
Estes ALPHA
is up for bidding on EBAY HERE
this is the same Alpha built on this blog.
No plastic, all balsa with custom decals to match ... [Read More]
The Estes BT-5 Mosquito could be considered a downscale of the Estes STREAK The Streak was BT-10 based. The BT-10 was a clear Mylar tube, close to a BT-20 size. The face card says "Ideal for ... [Read More]
I'm sending off a pre-NARAM order to Apogee today. Apogee will be at NARAM with a small litter of PIGASUS kits for sale. They will also have other Odd'l products available. As soon as I get another ... [Read More]
Jeff Taylor (FatBoy on TRF) "Steampunked" his FlisKit ACME Spitfire. The finished results are amazing! CLICK HERE There are hundreds of rivets and plenty of cardstock trim. I especially like the ... [Read More]
There's a good reason why John Boren works in R&D at Estes. If you haven't followed the Navaho build thread on YORF you should check it out - CLICK HERE John's scale entry at NARAM 56 ... [Read More]
The Estes Reflector is up for bidding on EBAY - CLICK HERE
The same model built was here on the blog.
Also for sale is the 1976 ESTES NARAM Contestants Package. Check out the ... [Read More]
I've put up some rocketry items for bidding on EBAY. First is the Estes Black Brant III made from the nose and tail cone from the Crossfire kit. CLICK HERE Fins are cut from basswood and scale ... [Read More]
Bill Stine referred my name to Custom Rockets about building a Custom PONG kit for the Seattle Museum Of Flight rocketry display. I had one upstairs, finished and never flown! CLICK HERE The is ... [Read More]
Estes has some new kits unveiled in their Coming Soon page - CLICK HERE A larger Maxi-Brute sized HONEST JOHN was shown at a past NARAM. This one is smaller, BT-60 based. To me, a more ... [Read More]
On TRF, Steven asked: I always wondered what happened to the building you saw in many of the catalogs. For those TRF posts, CLICK HERE From the 1971 Estes catalog:
"The Estes plant now ... [Read More]
Just added to the Estes Coming Soon page - This is based on the older Centuri Little Joe II, the BIG one. It'll use the D12-3 engine instead of a cluster. CLICK HERE to see the Estes webpage. ... [Read More]
I went to the 1975 NARAM, held in Orlando, Florida. Near the end of the meet a fellow flyer was distributing a mimeographed list of rocket kits for sale. If memory serves, his name was Warren Cisco. ... [Read More]
I finally went to see the newest Star Wars movie. I know, about time, right? At my age I don't feel a need to camp out for the Midnight premiere. I wasn't blown away. It was nice to see some of the ... [Read More]
Here's a picture of the first time I saw Vern Estes in person. This goes back to 1975 at NARAM 17 in Orlando, Florida. Mr. Estes walked into the room and you could hear the whispering: "Hey look, ... [Read More]
Here's another picture from NARAM 17, 1975 in Orlando, Florida. That's the Centuri booth. Behind the table is Bob DelPrincipe, one of the Centuri designers. The sign says: "Pre-Production Super ... [Read More]
Here's another shot from NARAM 17 in 1975. That's Vern Estes test firing an engine in a thrust measuring device. He designed it, the company was under Gleda's name. Putting it under his wife's name ... [Read More]
Another picture from NARAM 17. NARAMs are a great place to meet to meet vendors. On the right is Col. Howard Kuhn of Competition Model Rockets. When CMR was up and running, you'd see many of his ... [Read More]
The National Association of Rocketry (NAR) hosts two big launches every year - the National Sport Launch (NSL) at the end of spring and NARAM in the summer. NSL is what we call a "fun fly"; ... [Read More]
Hi, All, I haven't posted here is some time on account of being out traveling and away from the computer. Today, things have returned to normal - however that can be defined - so I can get ... [Read More]
Back Story: The first real model rocket I owned was a Vashon Valkyrie 2. In 1969 you couldn't get black powder motors in California without special permits. While I waited for the permit ... [Read More]
From National Association of Rocketry President, John Hochheimer: NARAM 62 Update: The COVID-19 pandemic creates significant uncertainty associated with holding our planned summer events. Therefore, ... [Read More]
My Semroc Andromeda was a pre-production kit, given to me to help produce the instructions. I got the kit at NARAM 60, almost two years ago. I built the kit without problems as I did the line ... [Read More]
The National Association of Rocketry (NAR) is adapting as best it can to the pandemic. This year, the national contest - NARAM 62 - will not be held in Geneseo, New York as planned. Instead, NAR ... [Read More]
I tried to get i n on the virtual NARAM Manufacturer's Forum last night, but the NARAM website wouldn't load! Here's some of the comments from TRF this morning from some who did see it: ... [Read More]
One of the special events associated with NARCON and NARAM is the manufacturer's forum, where the rocketry vendors gather to announce new products and give us rocketeers a preview of things to come. ... [Read More]
One of the best features of the NAR manufacturer's forum is that you are exposed to new ideas and products beyond your normal hobby experience. This was the case for me and vendor #6, Cris Erving of ... [Read More]
So Pegasus field is still not mowed... Weeds up to your waist make it kind of hard to fly rockets, so it looks like that will have to wait until the first HARA launch of the 2020-2021 flying season. ... [Read More]
Today's mail consisted of the usual junk ads and bills, with one exception - a large envelope with Ed Mitton's return address in Colorado. Ed has been in rocketry as long as I, and he was a NAR ... [Read More]
Ed Mitton left a very interesting comment on my last post about tracking rockets with theodolites... In addition to trying to see a pretty small rocket at apogee, he reminded me of the need for ... [Read More]
In my post about this month's HARA launch, I talked about the NRC B eggloft altitude flights that Doug and I made. As well as providing great help and the use of his launch gear, Brian was also the ... [Read More]
I've been reporting on NARAM via NARAM Live! for several years. One problem with linking to the site is that, after the event, the content of the main pages are moved to an archive directory. So, ... [Read More]
