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bibbster

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jan 23, 2018
Messages
446
Reaction score
214
Location
Memphis TN
Finally getting around to an informal introduction after joining a couple weeks or so ago.

My first rocket was an Alpha (go figure) back in 1989 that I built as part of a project in drafting class. I designed a launch pad that I drew by hand and then took that drawing with me to shop class and built it. My teacher gave me the Alpha kit to go with my launch pad. Sadly, I no longer have either of them, and what's worse, I never did launch that rocket.

Fast forward to a couple months ago...my daughter built a rocket and launched it as part of her 6th grade technology class. She came home super excited and the rest, as they say, is history.

We've amassed a nice collection of rockets already, and of those, we've built five of them. Well, we built two, she built the other three.

We're looking forward to many more builds and many great launches. I'll post some pics of our builds and such soon.

This form seems like a great place to be from the lurking that I've been doing since joining. Thanks for allowing us to be a part of it. Fun times!
 
Welcome. We're just a bunch of enablers around here, but it sounds like you might not need much of that. Five rockets in a couple months is a great start.

Kudos to you for doing this with your daughter.
 
Last edited:
Thanks sir! I'll admit, when I jump into a new hobby I probably go overboard. Case and point, my daughter looked at the kits that we have waiting assembly last week and said, "Dad, I think we have enough now." :lol:

She's a fun kid and we enjoy doing projects together, so this is right up our alley!
 
Thanks sir! I'll admit, when I jump into a new hobby I probably go overboard. Case and point, my daughter looked at the kits that we have waiting assembly last week and said, "Dad, I think we have enough now." :lol:

She's a fun kid and we enjoy doing projects together, so this is right up our alley!

Just be careful not to burn out! This hobby can last a lifetime. Welcome to the madness!
 
...Case and point, my daughter looked at the kits that we have waiting assembly last week and said, "Dad, I think we have enough now." :lol:

That may be the first time anyone has said that on this forum.
 
Welcome. We're just a bunch of enablers around here, but it sounds like you might not need much of that.

Ain't that the truth. I went from this to this in just a few years, because of the enablers here!

Welcome, Bibbster! The best piece of advice I can give you, is to find a club to launch with. Your enjoyment will increase exponentially.


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I note that HE didn't say that they had enough...he said daughter said that :). welcome to the madness we call the forum. I would suggest caution when asking about glue, those threads can get 'windy'. Right, my guess is March or April for the OP to discover mid-power madness and the Dark Side :).
Rex
 
I forgot to mention, if there are no photos, it didn't happen...
 
What rockets have you built? And what do you have in the build pile? And the shopping list? And...
 
I forgot to mention, if there are no photos, it didn't happen...

WOW! It took nine posts to get out the MOST important rule!

Welcome Bibbster, not only are pic's mandatory, but we also love details. And questions. And launch reports. The list goes on, but we will start with that.
What did you buy?
Have you launched any yet?
Any clubs near you?
CAUTION, meeting other rocketeers will quickly lead you to the dark side...:dark:. Bigger rockets, bigger motors, and empty wallets.
 
view
Okay, okay. The details... :lol:

Our list of built kits:
Estes Swift
Estes Flip Flyer
Estes Flying Colors
Estes Atomic Aqua
Estes Jetliner

And some pictures:
view
view
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1z3S8KeIgbaNsOxC-Ho-G8ciPER5FtZYy/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8nG4RF1_SPEa3hhTjU0T0lwS3l6eVY1WFUzOV9FNlg3WjBv/view?usp=sharing

Here are some pics of our first launch, the Flip Flyer. We snuck it in just before it got dark. The wind was about 10mph so we adjusted the launch pad accordingly. The nose assembly came down about two feet from the launch pad and the helicopter base came down about 30 feet from the launch pad. Everything went great for our first launch! We used cellulose instead of wadding, and launched with the recommended first flight B6-4. I'll say that the helicopter recovery didn't really work. It seems like there just wan't enough height for it to start working. It was still a 'blast' though. :)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8nG4RF1_SPEX3ZpUjRVdk03UkxyZ1hCcC13MndnUDhaRmk0/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8nG4RF1_SPEcDctOVBfSWdMdm5kWU4wdkRoRi1zekxlMnlv/view?usp=sharing

We modified one of our controllers so that we could easily spool the wire and store the controller in our launch box without making a mess. We dug through the 'electrical' drawer and found a couple molex plugs. Not the exact pin count we needed but the larger plugs make it easier to plug/unplug.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8nG4RF1_SPEUUIwWGJMWjh3VWU4TVFlRUpOSEMtZXlEbjZj/view?usp=sharing

And last but not least, the list of kits on our workbench. Out with the 1/32 slot car parts and in with the rocket kits!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8nG4RF1_SPEcTlkcG9qV0N4cW9HdWhjMVJDdXlzSllGelM4/view?usp=sharing

Estes:
Alpha
Big Bertha
Super Big Bertha
Curvilinear (1 stock, 1 to customize)
Flying Colors (this will be a custom)
Fletcher Mini
Twister
Tandem X Set
Comanche 3
Mini Comanche 3
Firebolt
Conquest
Prowler
Trajector
Majestic
Mercury Redstone
Saturn V (if it shows up)
Condor
Silver Arrow

MPC:
Duck Dodgers Invader
Duck Dodgers Cadet
Duck Dodger Traveler

Custom:
Galileo

I think that's all of them. :D

The nearest club is in Memphis, which is a bit over an hour away. I did make contact with a local fella that said he contact us the next time he goes to launch. He did, but we were unavailable at the time.

I've already told myself that E engines are my limit. I've already broke the proverbial bank with the above kits. :lol:
 
Wow you certainly jumped in with both feet! Nice list and enjoy that Super Big Bertha - it will love the Composite E and F motors!

Sure, sure E motor max. :wink: Wait until you go to a launch and see a flash of your future!

Nice that you are doing it with your daughter. :)
 
view
Okay, okay. The details... :lol:

Our list of built kits:
Estes Swift
Estes Flip Flyer
Estes Flying Colors
Estes Atomic Aqua
Estes Jetliner

And some pictures:
view
view
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1z3S8KeIgbaNsOxC-Ho-G8ciPER5FtZYy/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8nG4RF1_SPEa3hhTjU0T0lwS3l6eVY1WFUzOV9FNlg3WjBv/view?usp=sharing

Here are some pics of our first launch, the Flip Flyer. We snuck it in just before it got dark. The wind was about 10mph so we adjusted the launch pad accordingly. The nose assembly came down about two feet from the launch pad and the helicopter base came down about 30 feet from the launch pad. Everything went great for our first launch! We used cellulose instead of wadding, and launched with the recommended first flight B6-4. I'll say that the helicopter recovery didn't really work. It seems like there just wan't enough height for it to start working. It was still a 'blast' though. :)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8nG4RF1_SPEX3ZpUjRVdk03UkxyZ1hCcC13MndnUDhaRmk0/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8nG4RF1_SPEcDctOVBfSWdMdm5kWU4wdkRoRi1zekxlMnlv/view?usp=sharing

We modified one of our controllers so that we could easily spool the wire and store the controller in our launch box without making a mess. We dug through the 'electrical' drawer and found a couple molex plugs. Not the exact pin count we needed but the larger plugs make it easier to plug/unplug.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8nG4RF1_SPEUUIwWGJMWjh3VWU4TVFlRUpOSEMtZXlEbjZj/view?usp=sharing

And last but not least, the list of kits on our workbench. Out with the 1/32 slot car parts and in with the rocket kits!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8nG4RF1_SPEcTlkcG9qV0N4cW9HdWhjMVJDdXlzSllGelM4/view?usp=sharing

Estes:
Alpha
Big Bertha
Super Big Bertha
Curvilinear (1 stock, 1 to customize)
Flying Colors (this will be a custom)
Fletcher Mini
Twister
Tandem X Set
Firebolt
Conquest
Prowler
Trajector
Majestic
Mercury Redstone
Saturn V (if it shows up)
Condor
Silver Arrow

MPC:
Duck Dodgers Invader
Duck Dodgers Cadet
Duck Dodger Traveler

Custom:
Galileo

I think that's all of them. :D

The nearest club is in Memphis, which is a bit over an hour away. I did make contact with a local fella that said he contact us the next time he goes to launch. He did, but we were unavailable at the time.

I've already told myself that E engines are my limit. I've already broke the proverbial bank with the above kits. :lol:

Cool! I’m not even familiar with all of these kits. It looks like a great selection. But just to feed the madness, I think you are missing some rockets in the middle range between the A, B, C 18mm motors and the big 29mm E and F kits like the Prowler, Trajector, etc. You need something in the 24mm motor mount size for C11, D12, E12, and E9 motors.

One rocket I like in that range is the Maxi Alpha 3. It’s very easy to build, and it is a good sized rocket for D and E motors. It doesn’t go too high, but it puts on a good show. And kids like it because it is a great big platform for custom decorating. You can paint it, or put on stickers, wrap it with tape, whatever you like.
 
Thanks, guys, for the warm welcome. I'll take a look at the Maxi Alpha 3. What's one more, right?
 
Every time I have stepped up in motor class, I have said to myself, "I can't imagine ever wanting to fly something bigger than this." I am now considering when and how I might launch on an O motor. :facepalm:
 
Every time I have stepped up in motor class, I have said to myself, "I can't imagine ever wanting to fly something bigger than this." I am now considering when and how I might launch on an O motor. :facepalm:

'O' my word! I'm imagining...
 
I added a couple to the list above that I forgot about. Go figure.

Estes Comanche 3 and Mini Comanche 3.
 
I added a couple to the list above that I forgot about. Go figure.

Estes Comanche 3 and Mini Comanche 3.

You should really launch a three stager at a club launch. And ask for advice BEFORE you launch it. They can be very tricky and with three parts to track on the way down recovery is challenging. I don't think I have ever seen a Commanche launched AND recovered intact.
 
Bibbster,
It is important that we promote women in the tough sciences, and math. All women can do it. We as parents need to step up. Rocketry is a great way to start. Good luck to you and your daughter. Always have fun. Tim
 
Welcome to the forums! Looks like you have a great start! Take your time and enjoy, ask lots of questions, as the peeps here are very helpful!! As for the dark side... :dark: one moment I was fine, the next I'm working on my L2 which should be for St. Paddy launch!
join NAR and/or Tripoli and your local club!
 
view
Okay, okay. The details... :lol:

Our list of built kits:
Estes Swift
Estes Flip Flyer
Estes Flying Colors
Estes Atomic Aqua
Estes Jetliner

And some pictures:
view
view
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1z3S8KeIgbaNsOxC-Ho-G8ciPER5FtZYy/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8nG4RF1_SPEa3hhTjU0T0lwS3l6eVY1WFUzOV9FNlg3WjBv/view?usp=sharing

Here are some pics of our first launch, the Flip Flyer. We snuck it in just before it got dark. The wind was about 10mph so we adjusted the launch pad accordingly. The nose assembly came down about two feet from the launch pad and the helicopter base came down about 30 feet from the launch pad. Everything went great for our first launch! We used cellulose instead of wadding, and launched with the recommended first flight B6-4. I'll say that the helicopter recovery didn't really work. It seems like there just wan't enough height for it to start working. It was still a 'blast' though. :)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8nG4RF1_SPEX3ZpUjRVdk03UkxyZ1hCcC13MndnUDhaRmk0/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8nG4RF1_SPEcDctOVBfSWdMdm5kWU4wdkRoRi1zekxlMnlv/view?usp=sharing

We modified one of our controllers so that we could easily spool the wire and store the controller in our launch box without making a mess. We dug through the 'electrical' drawer and found a couple molex plugs. Not the exact pin count we needed but the larger plugs make it easier to plug/unplug.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8nG4RF1_SPEUUIwWGJMWjh3VWU4TVFlRUpOSEMtZXlEbjZj/view?usp=sharing

And last but not least, the list of kits on our workbench. Out with the 1/32 slot car parts and in with the rocket kits!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8nG4RF1_SPEcTlkcG9qV0N4cW9HdWhjMVJDdXlzSllGelM4/view?usp=sharing

Estes:
Alpha
Big Bertha
Super Big Bertha
Curvilinear (1 stock, 1 to customize)
Flying Colors (this will be a custom)
Fletcher Mini
Twister
Tandem X Set
Comanche 3
Mini Comanche 3
Firebolt
Conquest
Prowler
Trajector
Majestic
Mercury Redstone
Saturn V (if it shows up)
Condor
Silver Arrow

MPC:
Duck Dodgers Invader
Duck Dodgers Cadet
Duck Dodger Traveler

Custom:
Galileo

I think that's all of them. :D

The nearest club is in Memphis, which is a bit over an hour away. I did make contact with a local fella that said he contact us the next time he goes to launch. He did, but we were unavailable at the time.

I've already told myself that E engines are my limit. I've already broke the proverbial bank with the above kits. :lol:

Gee Wiz bibb, I was going to warn you about how much the TRFers like to help you spend your money but it looks like you don't need any help there. I will never understand the build pile; 11+ years a BAR and I have 1 current build, 4 unbuilt kits and 6 in various stages of paint. I'm the odd man out here. :wink:
 
view
Okay, okay. The details... :lol:

Our list of built kits:
Estes Swift
Estes Flip Flyer
Estes Flying Colors
Estes Atomic Aqua
Estes Jetliner

And some pictures:
view
view
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1z3S8KeIgbaNsOxC-Ho-G8ciPER5FtZYy/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8nG4RF1_SPEa3hhTjU0T0lwS3l6eVY1WFUzOV9FNlg3WjBv/view?usp=sharing

Here are some pics of our first launch, the Flip Flyer. We snuck it in just before it got dark. The wind was about 10mph so we adjusted the launch pad accordingly. The nose assembly came down about two feet from the launch pad and the helicopter base came down about 30 feet from the launch pad. Everything went great for our first launch! We used cellulose instead of wadding, and launched with the recommended first flight B6-4. I'll say that the helicopter recovery didn't really work. It seems like there just wan't enough height for it to start working. It was still a 'blast' though. :)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8nG4RF1_SPEX3ZpUjRVdk03UkxyZ1hCcC13MndnUDhaRmk0/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8nG4RF1_SPEcDctOVBfSWdMdm5kWU4wdkRoRi1zekxlMnlv/view?usp=sharing

We modified one of our controllers so that we could easily spool the wire and store the controller in our launch box without making a mess. We dug through the 'electrical' drawer and found a couple molex plugs. Not the exact pin count we needed but the larger plugs make it easier to plug/unplug.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8nG4RF1_SPEUUIwWGJMWjh3VWU4TVFlRUpOSEMtZXlEbjZj/view?usp=sharing

And last but not least, the list of kits on our workbench. Out with the 1/32 slot car parts and in with the rocket kits!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8nG4RF1_SPEcTlkcG9qV0N4cW9HdWhjMVJDdXlzSllGelM4/view?usp=sharing

Estes:
Alpha
Big Bertha
Super Big Bertha
Curvilinear (1 stock, 1 to customize)
Flying Colors (this will be a custom)
Fletcher Mini
Twister
Tandem X Set
Comanche 3
Mini Comanche 3
Firebolt
Conquest
Prowler
Trajector
Majestic
Mercury Redstone
Saturn V (if it shows up)
Condor
Silver Arrow

MPC:
Duck Dodgers Invader
Duck Dodgers Cadet
Duck Dodger Traveler

Custom:
Galileo

I think that's all of them. :D

The nearest club is in Memphis, which is a bit over an hour away. I did make contact with a local fella that said he contact us the next time he goes to launch. He did, but we were unavailable at the time.

I've already told myself that E engines are my limit. I've already broke the proverbial bank with the above kits. :lol:

Nice start - but I do think you need to add to that list... :wink:
 
Thanks guys! Needless to say, we're looking forward to many more builds and even more launches.

And lawndartman, she made a 93 in math this past semester! Quite proud of her for making great strides in school. She loves to learn!
 
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