Can someone clear up "The Launch Pad" Mystery?

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airwolfe1

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There seems to be a lot of controversy regarding the true status of Chuck Barndt and his line of "The Launch Pad" kits.
Some claim they have had orders in since last Spring with no response while others claim kits are being shipped and can be found at Performance Hobbies. The web site is no longer available and e-mails are reported to have been returned with addrerss not valid.

Anyone know the true story?
 
It looks like he cashes all checks but only delivers to a chosen few. Believe me, I know. I lost a very large sum of money in the deal.
 
I find it hard to believe that with such a popular product line as "The Launch Pad" he would want to risk losing his reputation and so many potential sales. If he's having a hard time keeping up with demand, just say so. Most people are pretty understanding if they just have an explanation.
 
Originally posted by airwolfe1
I find it hard to believe that with such a popular product line as "The Launch Pad" he would want to risk losing his reputation and so many potential sales. If he's having a hard time keeping up with demand, just say so. Most people are pretty understanding if they just have an explanation.

Exactly what I'm thinking. If he would just answer my emails and calls and say "I'm backed up. Gimme a little more time", that would be a HUGE help, but I get nothing.
 
Yeah Johnnie Paul, I saw those before and then the subject surfaced again on this thread https://www.rocketryforum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=10068
I was just hoping "The Launch Pad" or someone close to him would post something to let everyone know the "skinny" and put this to rest.

If they are shipping why are there disgruntled vendors who claimed to be waiting on orders paid almost 6 months ago?
 
I wish we could get some of those kits over here in the u.k. but i think we are going to have a real long wait.
 
I emailed saying I was going to contact the "BBB".
That got got me this reply " Sorry I was out of the country. I'm filling your order now." That was on May 16 2004.
Still haven't recieved a thing.
 
If he is still selling, then it's STEALTH selling! If he is shipping, it's STEALTH shipping! I sure don't see it! My distributors (and only a few in the country carried LP) can't get any & one of them is real big when it comes to rocket that they carry. I called the number I had & its ng. The last shipment was in early April 2004. My dist said the kits came out of the blue without any contact! Was real strange! Maybe the little people were makeing them at nite!
I sure don't know! Some friends sent in orders in Feb, one did in March & one after I told him not to in April-guess what, the checks cleared but NO kits!
:kill:
 
Originally posted by stevecarr
I emailed saying I was going to contact the "BBB".
That got got me this reply " Sorry I was out of the country. I'm filling your order now." That was on May 16 2004.
Still haven't recieved a thing.

Messing over one person is a shame. Messing over a bunch is a crime. If via USPS, it's mail fraud. If electronic, it's wire fraud. Both are federal offenses. If people got togther and compiled notes they could have charges filed. They might recover their money then, or even with the threat of impending filing. If he files for bankruptcy first, everyone loses.

Last time around I got the phone number from the web site. That's gone now.
 
Originally posted by arthur dent
I wish we could get some of those kits over here in the u.k. but i think we are going to have a real long wait.

Deepsky used to stock the full range . That was when Andy ran the company and it was based in Carnforth (not a million miles from you) Sorry you missed them they are (were) a superb range of kits. They were some of the first 'specialised' US kits to be available in UK and I'm sure there were still odd ones available at UKRA 2004 (possibly at Rockets & Things)
 
I talked to Ken Allen of Performance Hobbies at NARAM about Chuck Barndt and Launch Pad. Chuck has had massive health problems over the past couple of years, following (but not related to) a serious accident involving farm equipment. He used to be a member of our section but dropped out of sight and moved to Richmond a few years ago. "If it weren't for bad luck, he wouldn't have any luck at all" as the saying goes. He is not good about answering phone calls or e-mails, Ken drops in on him in person to get product Not defending Chuck's policies on cashing checks or running a business, just passing on some of the background.

Trip Barber
 
You can't answer the phone when you phone number is not connected & you can't answer email when yor email is no good!
Whoope do for Ken! Is he really getting new kits or making up LP ones himself? I am not accusing any one; but it sounds real funny to me! No one gets kits but him? I just know what I see, and it looks funny-sounds funny!
What I do know is that I sent an order in on June 2003 & received no kits or answers! Hey-yes I am mad! Too bad if some don't like me being blunt!:kill:
 
Libs right. I work hard for my money. I try to be Ethical and moral.
It just sucks that somebody does this and has no remorse.
I did not send him money with the intent to not recieve anything in return. I hope more people come out of the woodwork.
 
It seems so odd that some vendors get kits and some don't.
I was in Commonwealth displays last week and he has a wall full of TLP kits.
Red Arrow Hobbies was at our club launch this past Saturday and he too had a box full of TLP kits.
I know Chuck has had some serious health problems but that certainly does not excuse cashing checks for undelivered merchandise.
 
Hello,

I amazed by the number of rocket kit manufacturer owners that have health problems. I have heard reports from this forum that the owners of BSD and TLP both have had serious health problems. What I don't understand is why they don't let there customers know what is going on. Stop taking orders until there health improves. Offer refunds on orders they can't fill. Is it ego or pride that keeps them from doing the right thing? Can't they turn down an order? It is also weird how some still vouch for them. Like they take care of one group while stealing from another.

Brian
 
I'm not condoning the business practices of Chuck Barndt and TLP, but he has had health problems, he is getting better and he is producing kits. As Trip Barber mentioned (welcome to TRF by the way) Ken Allen of Performance Hobbies has gotten new stock from Chuck recently. Ken has the luxury of stopping by Chuck's house and picking up the merchandise in person. Does that make it right? No. Is it fair to other vendors/customers that have paid for orders and received nothing? No. But those are the facts...

Chuck's address and phone number are easy to find on the web if you need them. Go to the following web address:

https://www.networksolutions.com/en_US/whois/index.jhtml

and search on "the-launch-pad.com". Whether he responds or not is another question.
 
Don't those facts make us all feel dandy now? I feel bad for every one who

is out-a kit &/or money! It makes it looks bad for every single small-kit manufacturer!
Can't wait to see the next post!:kill:
 
Originally posted by Hobbyman
Don't those facts make us all feel dandy now?
I wasn't expecting it to make anyone feel dandy. Chuck has gone through some tough times and I thought it was encouraging that he is making progress. I know it doesn't in any way make the people who paid money and have gotten nothing in return feel any better.
 
Now I feel good, my money is in his bank & myself & others have no kits! Hey! we are making progress YES!!!!!!
Well, his balsa was doo doo any way, put CA on it- HOW ABOUT USING BETTER GRADE BALSA!!!! ( On some LP kits I ended up changing the balsa!)
It sure was not Mid-West brand, their balsa is first rate!
But still; I am not turned off by the small guys & no one should, they have some first rate kits & one bad apple can happen even with big companies! So let keep supporting these small guys who give us what the big ones don't!
not a lib
a BAR
 
Well I guess with masive health problems its easier to go to the bank than to return emails.
 
Well I guess with masive health problems its easier to go to the bank than to return emails.

......or to be out of the country ! ?
 
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