Does LDRS ever come down South?

[conneryc]

Just wondering if LDRS ever happens down south (Texas). Seems like the HP launch site for Tripoli North Texas (TNT) has plenty of open space and altitude waivers.

 

[ChuckH]

It's up to the individual prefectures to bid on hosting LDRS. So if they want to do it, they'll most likely get it.

 

[Titan II]

https://rocketry.fandom.com/wiki/LDRS

 

[Steve Shannon]

Just wondering if LDRS ever happens down south (Texas). Seems like the HP launch site for Tripoli North Texas (TNT) has plenty of open space and altitude waivers.

It doesn’t move on its own. Tripoli Prefectures bid to have LDRS. The Tripoli board is extremely eager to receive bids. Unfortunately very few bid.
So each year we get complaints that Tripoli doesn’t have it “out east” or “down south” or “up north” or “far enough west”, as if it’s a bias against a region. It’s simple; if you want it, put in a bid. We would love to get more bids.

 

[user 30299]

It doesn’t move on its own. Tripoli Prefectures bid to have LDRS. The Tripoli board is extremely eager to receive bids. Unfortunately very few bid.
So each year we get complaints that Tripoli doesn’t have it “out east” or “down south” or “up north” or “far enough west”, as if it’s a bias against a region. It’s simple; if you want it, put in a bid. We would love to get more bids.

Just out of curiosity, what would be the minimum suggested launch ceiling for a site?

There are plenty of other conditions that factor into site selection, but I'm just curious about the ceiling.

 

[Steve Shannon]

Just out of curiosity, what would be the minimum suggested launch ceiling for a site?

There are plenty of other conditions that factor into site selection, but I'm just curious about the ceiling.

We don’t really set a minimum. This year the hosts had 12k and from all accounts had a wonderful time anyway. Experienced flyers come to LDRS prepared to fly the field, including the altitudes allowed. A lot of fun can be had with a 5,000 foot waiver. Suddenly it’s not about the altitude and you start to see other interesting designs.

 

[PhlAsh]

MDRA hosted it a few years back

 

[Art Upton]

Just wondering if LDRS ever happens down south (Texas). Seems like the HP launch site for Tripoli North Texas (TNT) has plenty of open space and altitude waivers.

Just north of Texas is AIRFest in Argonia Kansas. Many LDRS have been held there as AIRFest is like an LDRS anyway.
Alast, I can't travel like I used to and miss them.

 

[BBrown]

Just north of Texas is AIRFest in Argonia Kansas. Many LDRS have been held there as AIRFest is like an LDRS anyway.
Alast, I can't travel like I used to and miss them.

Art, we miss you as well.
Bob

 

[MClark]

As Steve said it goes to where the bids are. Everyone wants LDRS to be nearby but when it’s suggested and work has to be done they disappear.
So it ends up going to the same locations.

Waiver doesn’t need to be high, flyers will bring something suitable for conditions. Those looking to go high go to Airfest or BALLS.

 

[DAllen]

I was so impressed with the TNT organization last year at Airfest I would make every effort I possibly can to make it to a LDRS that TNT hosts.

The drive will be brutal but I think it would be worth it.

 

[ZEDL1]

Just wondering if LDRS ever happens down south (Texas). Seems like the HP launch site for Tripoli North Texas (TNT) has plenty of open space and altitude waivers.

It was held in Amarillo in 1995 I believe. Great BBQ at the pub across from my hotel. Long drive from Toronto, but worth it.

 

[manixFan]

LDRS 21 (2002) and 25 (2006) were held by POTROCS at their Wayside site, about 45 minutes south of Amarillo, Texas. According to this webpage:

https://rocketry.fandom.com/wiki/LDRS
those were the only ones held in Texas.


Tony

 

[jimzcatz]

15 and 19 were in Orangeburg SC. I was there for both.

 

[Hobie1dog]

I asked one of the head club members at the last launch if they were interested in hosting, and he said, NO

 

[user 30299]

I asked one of the head club members at the last launch if they were interested in hosting, and he said, NO

At least you asked.

The answer is always No if you don't ask. lol

 

[tsmith1315]

15 and 19 were in Orangeburg SC. I was there for both.

I was there for 15, too!

 

[Rob Campbell]

I was there for 19. I wish they'd had an award for the person who travelled the furthest. I would have won hands down. I was stationed at Andersen AFB, Guam at the time.

 

[John Kemker]

Did my original L3 at 19. Youngest daughter took her first steps on the field at 19. (My three biological daughters all took their first steps on a sod farm whilst I was flying rockets. The older two at Ft. Valley, GA and the youngest at LDRS 19.)

 

[rharshberger]

I asked one of the head club members at the last launch if they were interested in hosting, and he said, NO

That's not surprising actually, most clubs are run by a very small cadre of reliable volunteers in some cases 5 or less (my club TCR is pretty much run by 4 people plus a few regular volunteers). Running a launch the size of LDRS requires a bit larger cast of volunteers to keep everything running smooth and to deal with operational and safety issues asap.

 

[Joshua Smith]

Just wondering if LDRS ever happens down south (Texas). Seems like the HP launch site for Tripoli North Texas (TNT) has plenty of open space and altitude waivers.

It was at Argonia, KS not long ago IIRC

 

[Steve Shannon]

It was at Argonia, KS not long ago IIRC

LDRS 38, 2019 as I recall.

 

[ZEDL1]

LDRS 21 (2002) and 25 (2006) were held by POTROCS at their Wayside site, about 45 minutes south of Amarillo, Texas. According to this webpage:

https://rocketry.fandom.com/wiki/LDRS
those were the only ones held in Texas.


Tony

I may have made an unintentional mistake.

 

[ZEDL1]

15 and 19 were in Orangeburg SC. I was there for both.

Myself as well. Pretty darn hot, but much great fun, great people and good food.

 

[ZEDL1]

LDRS 21 (2002) and 25 (2006) were held by POTROCS at their Wayside site, about 45 minutes south of Amarillo, Texas. According to this webpage:

https://rocketry.fandom.com/wiki/LDRS
those were the only ones held in Texas.


Tony

I just checked another website, that notes LDRS was held in Amarillo, TX in July of 2002. I remember the 30 hour drive to get there from Toronto, and the 33 hour drive home, and the great BBQ, cols beer and hot on-site temps.
As a Canadian, perhaps Wayside is close to Amarillo and called other than Amarillo, but to the best of my knowledge I was in Amarillo. Maybe my hotel was there but the drive to the launch site took us into Wayside? I really don't remember. I shared a room with Ken Zuner, God Bless him.
It really doesn't matter...

 

[manixFan]

@ZEDL1 – the confusion about the location is easy to understand. The hotels and meetings for LDRS 21 and 25 were in Amarillo, but the launch site itself was near Wayside, TX. Here’s the text from the LDRS 21 website: “Our launch site is located two and one half miles west of Wayside, Texas on Wayside Road, approximately 35 miles southeast of Amarillo, Texas.”


Tony

 

[3stoogesrocketry]

15 and 19 were in Orangeburg SC. I was there for both.

19 was my first LDRS. I sat by the pool at holiday Inn next to Frank Kosdon and built my first load (38/640 J450) with his direct supervision . Truly a honor I never fully understood at the time. You are missed Frank.

 

[John Kemker]

19 was my first LDRS. I sat by the pool at holiday Inn next to Frank Kosdon and built my first load (38/640 J450) with his direct supervision . Truly a honor I never fully understood at the time. You are missed Frank.

Kewl!

I remember shooting off fireworks in the parking lot of said Holiday Inn, including the Rocketflite stick-rocket that landed on the roof.

 

[3stoogesrocketry]

Kewl!

I remember shooting off fireworks in the parking lot of said Holiday Inn, including the Rocketflite stick-rocket

I was two rooms down from you lol. Small world

 

[John Kemker]

I was two rooms down from you lol. Small world

Ayup. I remember talking to someone who was doing a big project and suggesting they try using an electrician's braid for their shock line. They did, and it worked well!