........I wonder if another provider who offers similar products (e.g. Tim/Wildman) could purchase the tooling that Curtis was using to produce his FWFG parts (thinking of the mandrels for nosecones/tailcones specifically)?
In short, I wouldn't bet the farm on it.
Since the debacle of a few years ago, Curtis has picked up commercial contracts that are (reportedly) more lucrative than anything rocketry. Simply put, he has continued, and will most likely continue, to produce fiberglass, just not for rocketry as a direct supplier.
In any case, Tim/Wildman has his own source, and has recently taken over as the supplier of fiberglass components/kitting for MadCow. Reportedly (from 2 different independent sources), this has thrown Curtis into somewhat of a tissy fit for a variety of reason, not least of which is that he no longer has leverage to re-purchase the rights to the designs that he sold to MC when they purchased the RW line years ago.
So the likelihood of him selling anything to Tim is also reportedly nil. But then again, there are also folks that have been hit objects falling from orbit, so the chances aren't 100% against it?
In any case, there is no doubt that Ken Allen will definitely also continue to be on the losing end. The stories he tells about his dealings with Curtis, both business and personal, would drive most vendors out of business. I've known Kenny for almost 10 years now, and he's the very soul of optimism and second chances.
According to my info.
