muddymooose
Hoopy Frood
Back when I was 13-17 years old (1990-1994) I built and flew about a dozen LPR Estes rockets. My favorite was the 1284 Space Shuttle kit because of the glider component. The last rocket I built was a 2065 Maxi-Force. I was attracted by the relatively powerful cluster of 3 D12-7 motors, but this kit also came with a booklet on how to obtain FAA permission to fly it. Because of that hurdle (and my newfound appreciation for the opposite sex) I never got around to flying it. Cue the dark age.
A couple of years ago I got back into Lego (after a similar dark age), and a few weeks ago I finished their 21309 Saturn V Rocket set. That seemed to be the catalyst that made me start thinking about rocketry again.
One of my first sources for rocketry information was this forum. I've spent a couple of weeks reading it in earnest, catching up on the sport and learning the newest technology, standards, and rules. I was really pleased to learn the FAA regulations have since been liberalized.
Last week I dug out my old Maxi-Force and Command Control launch controller. I no longer had a launch pad but I build custom machines for a living, so I welded an all-steel one together. I bought a couple of new 7.2V battery packs, some D12-7 motors, igniters, and wadding, and put that thing into the sky. The launch and recovery were textbook and left me thirsting for more.
I went over to Hobby Lobby and got the biggest rocket they had, an Estes Ascender, as well as a pair of F15-6 motors. I didn't use the 40% off coupon, but I did pick up some cool ancient Sumerian artifacts for cheap. This was my biggest launch yet and I was excited. After correcting for the wind the rocket ended up landing 100 yards up-range (in part due to tangled shroud lines), so I backed off on my wind correction. The second launch brought the rocket right back to me and made me giggle like a schoolgirl.
Then I went back to Hobby Lobby to score more looted Iraqi treasures as well as a booster for the Ascender and F15-0 and F15-8 motors. I had never launched a multi-stage before, but again this went off without a hitch. The ante was quickly upped again.
Now I'm waiting to receive a Jolly Logic AltimeterThree, Aerotech F20-7W motors for the Ascender, and a Public Missiles Ariel because I know this is all leading toward HPR certification. I also ordered 1010 rail and rail buttons and redrew plans for a better launch pad in anticipation of going bigger.
My biggest hurdle at the moment seems to be finding a local source for G motors for the Ariel. The HAZMAT fee for online orders seems ridiculous.
I joined the NAR and I'm looking at local clubs, planning to attend some launches and apply for L1. Although I've been out of the scene for 23 years, over the last two weeks I've come rushing back in. It's really cool to get back into something after a long hiatus, after I've developed experience and manufacturing skills that now suddenly have a renewed and interesting application. I haven't been this excited about anything in years.
Anyway I'm glad to have found this forum because it has been an invaluable resource. Thank you and hello!
A couple of years ago I got back into Lego (after a similar dark age), and a few weeks ago I finished their 21309 Saturn V Rocket set. That seemed to be the catalyst that made me start thinking about rocketry again.
One of my first sources for rocketry information was this forum. I've spent a couple of weeks reading it in earnest, catching up on the sport and learning the newest technology, standards, and rules. I was really pleased to learn the FAA regulations have since been liberalized.
Last week I dug out my old Maxi-Force and Command Control launch controller. I no longer had a launch pad but I build custom machines for a living, so I welded an all-steel one together. I bought a couple of new 7.2V battery packs, some D12-7 motors, igniters, and wadding, and put that thing into the sky. The launch and recovery were textbook and left me thirsting for more.
I went over to Hobby Lobby and got the biggest rocket they had, an Estes Ascender, as well as a pair of F15-6 motors. I didn't use the 40% off coupon, but I did pick up some cool ancient Sumerian artifacts for cheap. This was my biggest launch yet and I was excited. After correcting for the wind the rocket ended up landing 100 yards up-range (in part due to tangled shroud lines), so I backed off on my wind correction. The second launch brought the rocket right back to me and made me giggle like a schoolgirl.
Then I went back to Hobby Lobby to score more looted Iraqi treasures as well as a booster for the Ascender and F15-0 and F15-8 motors. I had never launched a multi-stage before, but again this went off without a hitch. The ante was quickly upped again.
Now I'm waiting to receive a Jolly Logic AltimeterThree, Aerotech F20-7W motors for the Ascender, and a Public Missiles Ariel because I know this is all leading toward HPR certification. I also ordered 1010 rail and rail buttons and redrew plans for a better launch pad in anticipation of going bigger.
My biggest hurdle at the moment seems to be finding a local source for G motors for the Ariel. The HAZMAT fee for online orders seems ridiculous.
I joined the NAR and I'm looking at local clubs, planning to attend some launches and apply for L1. Although I've been out of the scene for 23 years, over the last two weeks I've come rushing back in. It's really cool to get back into something after a long hiatus, after I've developed experience and manufacturing skills that now suddenly have a renewed and interesting application. I haven't been this excited about anything in years.
Anyway I'm glad to have found this forum because it has been an invaluable resource. Thank you and hello!