Dick Stafford's Rocket Dungeon Blog 
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Sport Rocketry / Launches / Launch Photos, Videos, and Reports / Club and Group Launches / MDRA (Centreville, MD)Rocketry Club: Maryland Delaware Rocketry Association
Videos of my flights from MDRA's ESL-134 (2009-08-11)
You can now find a videos of my flights (Aeroshell CATO, D-Fusion Bomb, and Stink Bomb) in Peter Abresch's area of the MDRA ESL-134 gallery . [Read More]
Another MDRA ESL-136 report, with rocket girls (2009-09-20)Rockets and Such reports a successful launch day. He had a successful J350 flight and even brought bunch of rocket girls. They might not have been rocket girls when they came, but they are now. [Read More]
And yet another MDRA ESL-136 report, with...ants (2009-09-20)Dr. Zooch has a humorous report on a "horrific" event - a under-power lawn dart. Luckily, nobody was harmed, even the ant-stronauts, who were released back into the wild. Their Dr. even gave them a ... [Read More]
MDRA's RG 8 album is UP (2010-04-21)Check out the initial update of photos and video . I see that Pete Abresch posted the flight of my Landshark 2.0 (labeled as 'Black Rocket')...all the way until it disappeared into the stream. ... [Read More]
alt.mdra-weather (2010-07-06)The MDRA website compiles launch site weather reports from several sources. Should you want to know the weather on the bay, you can find out from NOAA's station at the Thomas Point Lighthouse ... [Read More]
Some of my MDRA photos, a video and a tip (2010-07-23)Not that these aren't already posted here (plus more) via OurPlanet, but some of my photos have finally migrated to the MDRA archives: ESL-145 and ESL-146 . I had noticed that none of my ... [Read More]
High Power Rocketry magazine, September 1999 (featuring a rocket Safari and MDRA history) (2010-10-10)Yesterday, I pulled out a random back issue of High Power Rocketry ...and it was one of my favorites. This is mainly because of the features on the 'Safari' launches. I also found a report ... [Read More]
Random MDRA Red Glare X (2011-04-10)MDRA Red Glare X , originally uploaded by BrianWh . Click thru for the rest of the series. [Read More]
Coin-sized spacecraft at MDRA? (2011-06-29)Via the club prez. If you're a member, you can attend. If not, you can join. If you join, you can fly rockets. On the July 21 club ... [Read More]
MDRA Red Glare XI, the Official Album (2011-11-25)I have pointed to a couple of RG albums, but haven't tried to keep up with them all. However, I will point out that the official MDRA archive has awakened from its fall slumber and ... [Read More]
MDRA tree project update (2011-11-29)This will be yet another image free, and likely content free, post. No reason to snap a photo until its done. First, the answers to the questions I posed to myself: Cheap foam-safe ... [Read More]
MDRA'er is one step closer to space (2012-02-27)As announced on MDRA's Facebook page: Folks, one of our members, Savan Becker, made it into the Video Finals for the Seattle Space Needle's Space Race 2012 Contest. He has been told he is ... [Read More]
MDRA: 3; Me: 0 (2012-03-12)Well, it looks like I missed my 3rd MDRA launch of the year. The club had most excellent weather for ESL-166 this past weekend. The flight reports began trickling in yesterday (ain't the ... [Read More]
MDRA member one step closer to space (2012-05-07)MDRA member Savan Becker is one of five finalists in the Space Needle contest. The winner, who will be selected Wednesday, will win a trip to space provided by Space Adventures: The c ... [Read More]
The next MDRA club project starts with... (2012-05-17)...two tubes, 24" in diameter and 21' long. Follow the project here . [Read More]
Newly updated MDRA Photo Galleries (2012-11-25)I just saw that not only is the Red Glare 13 album being populated, but the albums for ESL-168 through ESL-173 are also now there (these had previously been MIA). The latter consist mostly of videos ... [Read More]
MDRA-abilia (2013-04-02)Today, I wore my oldest MDRA tee-shirt and found it is full of holes. I guess it will retire to the 'only suitable for launches and lawn mowing' pile. [Read More]
Launch Report 2013-4 (2013-07-14)Location: Central Sod Farm, Centreville, MD (MDRA ESL-182) Weather: 88 degrees, felt like 98; mostly sunny; wind from 0 to 10 mph Total flights: Today - 6 ; YTD - 22 Total motors: Today - 7; YTD - ... [Read More]
MDRA ESL-189 videos (2014-03-26)Peter Abresch has a set of videos from the March MDRA launch. He has it listed as ESL-189, I thought it was ESL-190 per my Facebook invite. I guess the latter was off because the February launch was ... [Read More]
Rocket oddness at MDRA's ESL-193 (2014-08-09)Peter Abresch caught a couple of my flights at ESL-193 - my AquaShuttle water rocket and the Cohete Gigante balloon rocket. When I launched the Shuttle, it went back over my head and, when I saw it ... [Read More]
Christmas Spirit, the MDRA way (2014-12-16)[Read More]
Launch Report 2015-3 (MDRA) (2015-05-17)Location: MDRA, Price, MD (ESL-203) Weather: high in low 80s; drizzle turning to mostly cloudy to mostly sunny; ground level wind non- existent ; upper level wind highly variable Total ... [Read More]
Launch Report 2015-4 (MDRA) (2015-06-14)Location: MDRA, Price, MD (ESL-204) Weather: High 80's, sunny, hot, wind was low (6 mph, mas o menos) Total flights: Today - 7; YTD - 25 Total motors: Today - 8; YTD - 26 Motors by class YTD: MMX-2; ... [Read More]
Launch Report 2015-5 (MDRA) (2015-07-12)Location: MDRA, Central Sod Farm, Centreville, MD (ESL-205) Weather: wind 0-5, sunny/hazy, high in the mid 80's Total flights: Today - 7; YTD - 32 Total motors: Today - 9; YTD - 35 Motors by class ... [Read More]
Launch Report 2015-8 (MDRA) (2015-09-19)Location: Central Sod Farm (MDRA ESL-207) Weather: mid 80's, a little windy, sunny Total flights: Today - 5; YTD - 58 Total motors: Today - 12; YTD - 69 Motors by class YTD: MMX-2; A-3; B-3; C-16; ... [Read More]
Launch Report 2015-10 (MDRA ESL-208) (2015-10-10)Location: Central Sod Farm, MDRA Weather: sunny, mid 60's, wind started at 15+ but started calming after 1PM Total flights: Today - 5; YTD - 70 Total motors: Today - 9; YTD - 85 Motors by class YTD: ... [Read More]
Launch Report 2016-7 (MDRA) (2016-07-16)Location: Central Sod Farm, Centreville, MD Weather: mid to high 80s, humid, mostly overcast, wind 0+ Total flights: Today - 5; YTD - 57 Total motors: Today - 15; YTD - 70 Motors by class YTD: MMX-1, ... [Read More]
Launch Report 2016-8 (MDRA) (2016-09-17)Location: Central Sod Farm, Centreville, MD, ESL-219 Weather: 75-80, mostly overcast, wind 0-10 Total flights: Today - 5; YTD - 62 Total motors: Today - 10; YTD - 80 Motors by class YTD: MMX-1, ... [Read More]
Launch Report 2016-9 (MDRA) (2016-10-15)Location: Central Sod Farm, Centreville, MD, ESL-220 Weather: sunny, mid 60's, wind ~5 Total flights: Today - 4; YTD - 66 Total motors: Today - 4; YTD - 84 Motors by class YTD: MMX-1, 1/2A-2, A-17, ... [Read More]
Launch Report 2016-10 (MDRA) (2016-11-19)Location: Central Sod Farm, Centreville, MD, ESL-221 Weather: sunny, mid 60's, wind ~15mph Total flights: Today - 3; YTD - 69 Total motors: Today - 6; YTD - 90 Motors by class YTD: MMX-1, 1/2A-2, ... [Read More]
Full scale (2017-01-22)[Read More]
Launch Report 2017-3 (MDRA) (2017-05-21)Location: Central Sod Farm, ESL-226 Weather: high of 68, wind 10+, overcast Total flights: Today - 6; YTD - 16 Total motors: Today - 6; YTD - 17 Motors by class YTD: B-1; C-7; D-1; E-4; F-1; ... [Read More]
Launch Report 2017-10 (MDRA) (2017-10-14)Location: Central Sod Farm, ESL-231 Weather: overcast; high 60s; wind 0-5 Total flights: Today - 6; YTD - 38 Total motors: Today - 11; YTD - 50 Motors by class YTD: MMX-1; A-6; ... [Read More]
Launch Report 2018-2 - MDRA ESL-239 (2018-06-16)Location: Central Sod Farm Weather: mid-80's, wind 0-5, clear Total flights: Today - 5; YTD - 14 Total motors: Today - 6; YTD - 17 Motors by class YTD: A-2, B-1, C-4, D-2, E-5, F-2, I-1 This was a ... [Read More]
FAA issues final ruling on FAR 101 NPRM FAA-2007-27390 (2008-12-03)Rocketry Planet reports that the FAA's has issued its final ruling on the NPRM that redefined the classification of, and rules surrounding, amateur rockets (aka sport or hobby rockets). The new ... [Read More]
Rockets Mag V3 I5 Dec 2008 - the 'Black Rock Edition' (updated) (2008-12-20)I call it the Black Rock Edition because most of the enclosed material originated there: one article on the Rocket Mavericks July launch and three on Balls 17. Where else other than Black Rock will ... [Read More]
The Dungeon's Top 10 of 2008 (2008-12-23)All and all, 2008 was a momentous year here in the Dungeon. On a personal basis, it started poorly but ended on a high note. But, since this is a rocketry blog, my top 10 is limited to on-topic ... [Read More]
Rockets Magazine V3 I6 Feb 2009 - including FAA analysis (2009-02-13)I found this to be one of the better issues of Rockets . It features two solid tech articles - one on chain-stitching 'chute lines and one on molding fiberglass parts. I doubt if I'll use either, ... [Read More]
Steve Eves' Saturn V launch date (2009-02-23)I just saw the article on Rocketry Planet regarding Steve Eves' 1:10 scale Saturn V and suddenly it struck me that I've been remiss in announcing the launch date has been set. The big Saturn V will ... [Read More]
A poof on the Potomac (2009-03-25)DCist has a couple of shots of today's FX explosion on the Potomac. Meh. I wouldn't even have been concerned had I seen it and not been forewarned. But then, thanks to the good folks at MDRA. I'm ... [Read More]
Steve Eves' 1:10 scale Saturn V is burning up the Internet (2009-04-19)Scheduled for launch next Saturday, April 25th at MDRA's Price, MD launch site, Steve's ginormous Saturn V has been covered my many local (to Steve's home) TV channels and many more web sites. ... [Read More]
Who's your Big Daddy? updated, already! (2009-04-24)Here is my mostly completed, 29mm Big Daddy. 'Mostly' because I won't install the nose cone bulkhead and any required weight until I lay hands on one of Quests new F12 BP motors . (see note below!) ... [Read More]
Steve Eves' Saturn V ROCKED Maryland's Eastern Shore (2009-04-25)After testing the winds with a 'tiny' Nike Smoke on a J350, Steve Eves' Saturn was launched into the beautiful Maryland skies at around 1PM local. The central 'P' and eight 'N' motors (that's 'R' ... [Read More]
Quest F12 test flight (2009-06-02)Here's a video showing a Quest F12 being prepped for flight. This was a private launch hosted by MDRA member, formally known as FooseFest. One of the attendees employee in the sport rocketry ... [Read More]
Launch Report 2009-3 (update) (2009-06-13)Location: Central Sod Farm, Centreville, MD ( MDRA ESL-133) Weather: 80's, calm to a light breeze, no thunder bumpers Total flights: Today - 8; YTD - 24 Total motors: Today - 8; YTD - 29 Another ... [Read More]
It's not 'research' but what is it? (2009-06-19)Last year, I ordered a 3-pack of F24 RMS loads that was missing a ton of parts including 2 of the 3 delay assemblies. I contacted AeroTech and, after emailing some evidence, they promptly replaced ... [Read More]
18mm RMS dilemma solved (2009-07-24)This photo shows my modified delay charge holder. Instead of the stock cap, that won't fit through my rocket's motor retention components, I made one from a piece of MicroMaxx tubing. I built-up the ... [Read More]
Launch Report 2009-5 (2009-07-25)Location: Central Sod Farm, Centreville, MD ( MDRA ESL-134) Weather: high 80's to low 90's, clear, 10+ mph winds Total flights: Today - 8; YTD - 41 Total motors: Today - 8; YTD - 48 The day started ... [Read More]
Video of yesterday's Spaceport America launch (with updated commentary) (2009-08-05)Here's a cool report from Spaceport America by KRQE. It gives a good look at Moog's rocket boosted UAV and has great launch and landing footage. At the end it shows the Lunar Lander pads and the ... [Read More]
Saucer OOPS --> RIP (2009-08-10)You can now find a video of this 'flight' in Peter Abresch's area of the MDRA ESL-134 gallery . [Read More]
MicroMaxx Alien UFO on 'Roids (2009-08-19)Since I have two...I thought I'd cut and grind one of them up. I cut the MicroMaxx motor mount out with my mini-Leatherman and then took the Dremel to the inner ring until an 18mm tube fit. The cuts ... [Read More]
Launch Report 2009-7 (2009-08-23)Location: Location: Central Sod Farm, Centreville, MD ( MDRA ESL-135) Weather: mid-80's, calm to slightly breezy Total flights: Today - 9; YTD - 60 Total motors: Today - 14; YTD - 72 Paul was there ... [Read More]
Of Warthogs and Binders (Extreme Rocketry 80) (2009-08-26)I just got hold of some issues of Extreme Rocketry . Issue 80's (April 2009) cover story is a report on MDRA's Red Glare V. Author/photographer Mark Canepa really gets around as he is also a big ... [Read More]
ROCKETS Magazine, August 2009 (2009-09-05)Well, that was quick, eh? First, it turns out the rechargable trimmer was quick and easy to assemble, charge and use. Second, I haven't actually read the whole magazine. But, here goes anyway. I'll ... [Read More]
Launch Report 2009-8 (2009-09-19)Location: Location: Central Sod Farm, Centreville, MD ( MDRA ESL-136) Weather: mid-70's, not too breezy, but the wind was in an unfavorable direction Total flights: Today - 5; YTD - 65 Total motors: ... [Read More]
ROCKETS Magazine, October 2009 (2009-10-28)This month, Bob and Neil's editorial discusses the state of rocketry magazines. During the last 4 months or so, we have lost 50% of our rocket magazines - both LAUNCH and Extreme Rocketry succumbed ... [Read More]
Pushing Reg Glare 7 off the queue (2009-11-23)What I mean by that is that the first post today will push my Red Glare 7 flight report off my top page (it is obviously still there, but visitors will have to look for it). I was hoping to ... [Read More]
Second iteration of the Frankenstein MLAS sims (2009-12-10)The following was posted as a response to the previous post on this subject, but I decided to make a new post too. Both KenKzak and Tim Wilson recommended a bigger motor than I was planning. I mulled ... [Read More]
ROCKETS Magazine, December 2009 (2010-01-04)Among other things, the holidays (along with the cold weather) have pushed my rocketry reset button. My two ongoing project need paint and that isn't happening any time soon. To the ... [Read More]
When (Xmas) Trees Attack: ESL-140 from the air (updated, and now minty fresh) (2010-01-18)The Vimeo video was accidentally deleted...but who cares as long as there is YouTube? (You can view the other videos via my launch report post or the MDRA gallery .) Check out this awesome ... [Read More]
Calling all Starfighter fans (2010-01-20)Or, at least anyone who wants to scratch build one. The Unwanted Blog features a diagram that would be a great guide. [Read More]
Almost Scientific rocketry...well not really (2010-02-02)From the MAKE:blog , I found Almost Scientific's annals of the West Oakland Rocketry Club, a self-professed "Art Rocketry" club. In the name of 'art', these folks take odd-rocs to the extreme. ... [Read More]
No launch after the snowpocalypse (2010-02-16)As I expected, MDRA has canceled our February launch since there is still up to 3' of snow on the field! [Read More]
ROCKETS Magazine, February 2010 (2010-02-22)GPS101...Rocket Mavericks 2009...Arizona State Fair...Freedom Launch, Orangeburg, SC...In Memorium Erik Gates...On-board Cameras...Balls 18...UMERG at Balls 18...In Memorium Ken Zeuner...Copper ... [Read More]
New highly classified project started (clarification) (2010-03-05)It will fly on 29mm motors and will spin wildly. That's all I can say. The weather is looking up and I hope I can make the next MDRA launch! PS - It is not a scratch build so if I told ya', ... [Read More]
Sunday rocket reports (added a Blue Ball aftermath photo) (2010-03-21)Clark Lindsey found this video of Mastens' Xombie fliying at FAR. That is an awesome perspective. The flight went to just over 1000' at a speed of 60mph both up and down. Unreasonable Rocket ... [Read More]
Paper rocket launch in Baltimore/fire and smoke at Price, MD (2010-04-13)Paper Rocket Launcher , originally uploaded by jonlesser . The Baltimore Node , a collaborative DIY group, will be launching paper rockets at the Mid-Atlantic Mini Maker Faire at Robotfest on April ... [Read More]
Launch Report 2010-4 (Red Glare 8) (2010-04-17)Location: Higgs Farm, Price, MD ( MDRA ) Weather: high 50's; partly cloudy; very windy and chilly Total flights: Today - 2; YTD - 21 Total motors: Today - 2; YTD - 21 As usual, I planned to ... [Read More]
The X37-B is up there somewhere... (2010-04-22)Or, at least that is what Spaceflight Now is reporting . T+plus 19 minutes, 58 seconds. SPACECRAFT SEPARATION! The Centaur upper stage has deployed the X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle following today's ... [Read More]
Landshark 3.0 rain delay (2010-05-03)The payload section, which won't carry a payload, is ready for paint. Fillets are complete with just a small amount of sanding needed at front and back edges. It looks like today will be too ... [Read More]
Launch Report 2010-5 (2010-05-15)Location: Central Sod Farm, Centreville, MD ( MDRA ESL-144) Weather: sunny, high 70's, windy Total flights: Today - 12; YTD - 33 Total motors: Today - 12; YTD - 33 The day started badly - the Beltway ... [Read More]
Paul is gone, but won't be forgotten (2010-05-23)Gone to Aridzone, that is. Yesterday, Warthog and Mrs. W. hosted a nice going away party for our rocket buddy, Paul. They covered all the food groups: grilled meat, BBQ, sausage ... [Read More]
My initial PMFL line up (updated) (2010-05-24)With the announcement of the P aul M iller F arewell L aunch at the next MDRA launch on June 26th, I wanted to grab a quick photo of my Paul Miller Recycled Fleet. Left-to-right and back-to-front: ... [Read More]
12-Pack essentially done, less custom GSE (2010-06-04)It's not worth another set of photos, but I laid 2 coats of Future on, added 2 additional plastic pop-rivets to keep the removable motor mount securely in place, updated the Rsim model with actual ... [Read More]
Hump day rocketry vacuum (2010-06-09)Not much going on today in the Interwebs. I was kinda down about not being at LDRS, which starts tomorrow (or today if this post is slow). Should be interesting. I've heard about ... [Read More]
Launch Report 2010-7 (2010-06-26)Location: Central Sod Farm, Centreville, MD ( MDRA ESL-145) Weather: clear, high 80's, wind ~5MPH Total flights: Today - 9; YTD - 52 Total motors: Today - 22; YTD - 66 This was a really good day on ... [Read More]
ESL-145 videography! (2010-06-29)MDRA video-laureat Peter 'shaken not stirred' Abresch has posted 16 videos from MDRA's ESL-145 this past weekend. These include the Paul Miller streamer launch and my own 12-Pack flight . The ... [Read More]
My new 8 x 24mm cluster (2010-07-03)I added the four boosters to the Raygun Gothic Hojo...ready to fly at MDRA on Four D12-5's and four C11's. I haven't computed the single motor equivalent but it should be around a small G and ... [Read More]
It's Tuesday and I am in a rocketry vacuum (2010-07-13)I have nothing on the bench (again), nothing interesting appeared on my feed reader this AM, the forums didn't have anything, EMRR hasn't updated in a month, and the photos that I submitted ... [Read More]
Hat of Death status report (update) (2010-07-15)Scratch - Sweat-Stained Clifton Tracking Station Hat of Death: 53 flight(s) /26 configurations(s) Your Flights - 2x Est SU D12-0, 4x Est SU D12-P, 9x Est SU A8-3, AT EconoJet F20-P, AT ... [Read More]
Launch Report 2010-8 (2010-07-18)Location: Central Sod Farm, Centreville, MD ( MDRA ESL-146) Weather: low 90's, clear, wind ~5-10 mph Total flights: Today - 9; YTD - 68 Total motors: Today - 18; YTD - 91 Another great day...good ... [Read More]
Thoughts on 24mm HPR (2010-07-19)I just read a post about the new CTI F240 V-max motor. While this is cool, I have no 24mm rockets that could take this motor. Or any G or H motor for that matter. From the start of my MPR ... [Read More]
Back into the Backdraft (2010-07-22)The Backdraft is probably the most unique rocket kit I've built. The rocket boosts on a short delay motor, ejects the booster unit, the upper section comes in ballistic and, if all goes as ... [Read More]
For purple metallic, over spray ain't the way (2010-07-30)I decided to test over spraying the Metalcast purple metallic with the silver basecoat. I took the top section of my Ringer and gave it a try. I figured the 'finish' on the yarn-wrapped cone ... [Read More]
Resistor 224...stick a fork rocket motor in it! (2010-07-30)It is what it is and that's all that it is. Ready for MDRA! (Please ignore what >100 degrees and water restrictions do to grass. Permanently dormant :eek:) [Read More]
Early Saturday hodgepodge post (2010-07-31)NARAM-52 Live! is shaping up well. The Friday non-rocket photos includes a rocket girl. Would steal it if it actually included a rocket. I cut the fuse for the Backdraft flight. ... [Read More]
Mapping the Sod Farm (2010-08-13)Original image by Google, via MDRA . Wind vector's s'posed to be ENE. Distances via Wikimapia . [Read More]
Launch Report 2010-9 (2010-08-14)Location: Central Sod Farm, Centreville, MD ( MDRA ESL-147) Weather: mostly sunny, low 80's, wind 5mph - 10mph Total flights: Today - 10; YTD - 78 Total motors: Today - 13; YTD - 104 The wind was not ... [Read More]
The Grand Whazoo is dead, and plans for a replacement (2010-08-16)The Grand Whazoo was an 5' 4" tall, 8" diameter rocket that weighed in just under 3.3 lbs loaded up with a G80. On the 5th flight of the latest configuration, I suffered my first blowby. It ejected ... [Read More]
Too Rolling (Red)Stoned - wrapping it up (2010-08-29)I've decided that building a huge paper rocket requires 6 hands and more coordination that I have. Furthermore, I've also decided to only document my progress and not the growing list of minor ... [Read More]
It fits...but barely! (update) (2010-09-18)Just finished 90% of the packing for MDRA and found one thing I didn't think of when building the Too Rolling (Red)Stoned . That is, ITS GOTTA FIT IN MY SMALL SUV! It just barely ... [Read More]
Launch Report 2010-11 (2010-09-18)Location: Central Sod Farm, Centreville, MD ( MDRA ESL-148) Weather: crystal clear, low 70's, wind 5-10mph Total flights: Today - 7; YTD - 97 Total motors: Today - 12; YTD - 130 Another wonderful ... [Read More]
Too Rolling (Red)Stoned - the movie (2010-09-21)As promised, Peter 'Shaken, Not Stirred' Abresch's video of the Too Rolling (Red)Stoned is posted in MDRA's photo gallery Low, slow, but schweeet! He also caught Gone Batty ... [Read More]
It ain't heavy, it's my Hermes (2010-09-30)Final tweaks were made to the RockSim model and lead was measured out. I swapped the stock screw eye for a small eyebolt so will be securely buried in the lead/epoxy slurry. It weighs 3 oz ... [Read More]
Practice Genie round on trailer (2010-10-28)Practice Genie round on trailer , originally uploaded by wbaiv . Couldn't resist another photo of the Genie. Someday, I gotta build one of these. A smaller one of course. I wonder how hard it ... [Read More]
Where's Waldo Dave Weber? (2010-10-31)Here's a nice panorama of Red Glare IX. To find Dave, click the thumb, go to the 'actions' pull down menu, click 'view all sizes', and select the biggest one. [Read More]
ROCKETS Magazine, October 2010 (2010-11-19)In my short reviews/overviews of ROCKETS, I have often lamented that there isn't a wider variety of articles. For example, I'd like to see articles about professional rocketry, historical ... [Read More]
I couldn't attend the launch, but I'm wearing my T-shirt anyway! (2010-11-20)I was unable to attend MDRA's ESL-150, which is being held this weekend. The weather looks pretty good and I'm crossing my fingers for milder than predicted winds. In any event, I'm ... [Read More]
The Dungeon's Top Ten of 2010 (updated) (2010-12-05)Here is my yearly recap of what I think was most significant in and around the Dungeon. As originally mentioned, I jumped the gun on posting the list. It's now 100% complete! In no ... [Read More]
Mega-Review: Modified Art Applewhite Standard Flying Saucers (LONG) (2010-12-16)Art's standard saucers fly great, but sometimes you just want to try something different. Details are hidden below the page break. Convert a 38mm, 12" saucer to a 3x 24mm cluster. Brief: When he was ... [Read More]
Review: Madcow AQM-37 Jayhawk (2010-12-16)My review of the Madcow AQM-37 Jayhawk is below the page break. You can also find out more about this kit by following the tag at the bottom of this post. Enjoy! Brief: This is a nice ... [Read More]
Review: First Flight Hobbies Under Dawg (Beta) (2010-12-18)The First Flight Hobbies Under Dawg is a large (58" x 2.22" - 5.6oz) , 4FNC, 2-stager. It features a BT-70 body that transitions to BT-60, an appealing set of booster/sustainer fins and a small ... [Read More]
Review: Odd'l Rockets Wedgie (2010-12-18)The Odd'l Rockets Wedgie is a tetrahedron (3-sided pyramid) that flies on 18mm motors and recovers via a rear-eject streamer. I want to thank Chris for letting me test out this cool oddroc kit. Mine ... [Read More]
Review: Odd'l Rockets Raise (2010-12-18)The Odd'l Raise is an adjustable standoff for 1/8" rods. One of them apparently dropped into the box when my Wedgie kit was shipped so I thought I'd add a short review. You can now put your clothes ... [Read More]
Review: Art Applewhite 29mm Helix Monocopter (2010-12-18)The 29mm Helix is the latest member of Art's Helix fleet , although I'm sure he's planning to up the ante. This version provides some very impressive flights! Construction: I won't go ... [Read More]
Reviews: Heavenly Hobbies Resistor 224 (and H.H. Simit) (2010-12-18)The Resistor 224 Planetary Defense Weapon is the latest offering from Heavenly Hobbies . This futuristic, dual motor, 24mm design features their ‘Amaze’ ejection baffle, laser cut plywood fins, ... [Read More]
Review: Sweat-Stained Clifton Tracking Station Hat of Death (2010-12-19)The Hat of Death is a UFO-type rocket made from an old fishing hat. The hat is removable in case I forget a ball cap - wouldn't want to sunburn the top of my head. Logging 57 flights to-date on ... [Read More]
Review - Whirlygig-24 (2010-12-19)When I first saw Matthew McFarland's Whirlygig in FlisKits' Deuce Bash Contest, I immediately knew I had to build one. This is a 24mm version of this odd, helicopter design. Since there was little ... [Read More]
Review: Too Rolling (Red)Stoned (2010-12-19)The Too Rolling (Red)Stoned is is a semi-scale version of a Mercury Redstone. It is a large, light rocket that is built using card stock and foam board and is basically a 4” rocket in an 8” ... [Read More]
Review - The Grand Whazoo (2010-12-20)The goal of this project was to build an eight inch diameter rocket that was light enough to be flown on a mid-power motor. I decided to use foam board for the fins and centering rings, and thick ... [Read More]
Review: CrayShipOne (2010-12-22)This Crayon bank rocket was obviously motivated by the SpaceShipOne, but is not anywhere close to scale. It is also my EMRR MonsterROC contest entry and flies on 38mm H motors. Major compone ... [Read More]
Review: Fireball XL5 (2010-12-23)This is a fantasy-scale model of the Fireball XL5 spacecraft, which was the subject of an old TV show. My motivation came from a thread on the The Rocketry Forum. Inspired by a model being developed ... [Read More]
Review: Goonball XL5 (2010-12-24)This 'goony' version of the Fireball XL5 sci-fi spacecraft is based on the Estes SpaceShipOne kit. That rocket is now my favorite kits to bash. The modifications included replacing the stock ... [Read More]
Review: Shai-Hulud (Desert Squid type rocket) (2011-01-01)I found the description of 'desert squids' on Tripoli-Pittsburg's Website. These are rockets that use dowel rods in place of fins. They look cool and since I had some BT-80 tubes and rings, I ... [Read More]
Review: FAT BOI-NK (2011-01-03)The FAT BOI-NK is a scale version of a popular fat rocket. The body is made from foam rubber and the fins from foam poster board. I wanted to build something out of a pool noodle for a long time, and ... [Read More]
Two reviews: Raygun Gothic Birdhouse and HoJo (2011-01-07)These are two reviews of scratch rockets inspired by the Raygun Gothic Rocketship , which debuted at Burning Man 2009 and is now on display in San Francisco's Embarcadero. When I found the ... [Read More]
Review: SpaceShipSqrt(-1) (2011-01-08)When one of my rocketry buddies decided to hold a building session, I was scrambling to decide what to work on. I decided to use a 50% off Michael's coupon to grab an Estes SS1 kit for bashing. I ... [Read More]
Mega Review: Art Applewhite Double Helix Monocopters (2011-01-11)Art's Double Helix is new twist on the monocopter (pun intended)--it has two wings and flies on two motors. In fact, it's more or less two Helix Monocopters stuck end to end. Technically, it's not a ... [Read More]
Saturn 1B launch announcement (2011-01-11)Via Neil's ESL-152 announcement: Special Note: This is your chance to become part of rocketry history. MDRA will be launching Steve Eves’s 1:9-scale two-stage Saturn 1-B and Vern Hoag’s 1:9-scale ... [Read More]
Review: Margin of Error (2011-01-12)I really love the 5" Quaker Oats bins (and I like the contents too - tastes good, helps your cholesterol, and even is relatively low carb). My previous rocket was made out of three bins (four if you ... [Read More]
Reviews: Two Birdhouses (the original ones) (2011-01-15)After seeing David Jarkey's flying birdhouse, I grabbed several coupons and went to Michael's Crafts. I bought a couple, one hexagonal and one round, on a 2-for-1 sale (and used the coupons for ... [Read More]
Review: DG&A Lazarus (2011-01-16)The DG&A Lazarus was a straight-forward high power rocket kit with a 38mm motor mount. It would make a good Level-1 cert rocket and has a small payload bay suitable for your electronics. ... [Read More]
Review: Massive Gassive (2011-01-22)This is a cluster rocket based on a Crayon bank, which will help eat up my stash of D12-0s. It has one central 24mm motor mount surrounded by a ring of six motor mounts. On three sides, there is an ... [Read More]
Review: 58mm JATO (2011-01-23)The 58mm JATO is a 29mm-powered rocket that resembles a rifle cartridge. The lower section is 3" in diameter and it transitions to 54mm. I bounced around between names and settled on this one, which ... [Read More]
The best of the r.m.r. DesCon (2011-01-25)Here are rockets that I think are worth checking out - for the first time or again. Links are to the new EMRR (except for my entries). There are so many good ones that are not listed. ... [Read More]
Review: Heavenly Hobbies - Backdraft (2011-01-26)The Heavenly Hobbies Backdraft is a BT-60-based, 24mm-powered rocket that on face value looks like a standard 2-stager. If you've read the previous reviews, you'll know that there is one major ... [Read More]
Rocket Videos: Tape v. DVD (2011-01-26)This post describes the Point 39 Productions LDRS XIX (on VHS tape) and the ROCKETS Magazine/Liberty Launch Systems Red Glare IV (on DVD) videos. Point 39 Productions - LDRS XIX Ever since ... [Read More]
Review: Quickburst - Rocket Rack (2011-01-27)This is a brief review of QuickBurst's 18" PVC rocket rack. This is a simple product and there isn't much to add to QuickBurst's own description: The 18-inch Rocket Rack is made of lightweight, ... [Read More]
Reviews: Three Nike Smoke-like objects (2011-01-27)This post describes: a Quest Nike Smoke modified for 29mm motors; a cloned, stretched Smoke with a functional nose cone; and some Nike Smoke parts merged with a Tiny Tim booster. Nike Smoke (29mm) ... [Read More]
Review: Squishy Foam Rockets (2011-01-28)Rigid foam is commonly used in rocketry, mostly for custom nose cones. However, you don't see flexible foam rubber, such as that used in pool noodles, very often. Way back in 2001, EMRR ... [Read More]
Review: Three scratch saucer-like objects (2011-01-28)This post documents three totally different saucer-like designs. The Half-Spool Jack-o-Lantern is made from a used CD-ROM and a small jack-o-lantern, the Instructables Frisbee Saucer is a paper ... [Read More]
Review: 12 Pack (2011-01-31)Just your basic 3" rocket with twelve 18mm motor mounts. Made with mailing tube and an Aqua-Pod water bottle as a nose cone. Construction: The basic components are six 'stiffy' 18mm tubes from Uncle ... [Read More]
Mega Review: Four missile-aneous scratch builds (2011-01-31)This post includes: Scrap Rocket 2 - once of my oldest, no wadding required One Shot - may not have broken Mach, but who could tell? Mini-Toobah - my tiniest tube finned rocket Spikor ... [Read More]
Warthog Build Session 2011-2 (2011-02-06)The subject build session was conducted yesterday. My thanks to the host and the givers of food and beer. If you weren't there, you probably won't be interested in what's here. In fact, ... [Read More]
High Power Rocketry magazine, October 1999 (2011-02-09)Last night, I had a few minutes to kill so I randomly grabbed an old issue of HPR. I'll briefly review the contents and point out that the last item is really what prompted me to post. The ... [Read More]
In my dreams... (2011-02-16)Last night, I dremt about an MDRA launch. As usual, my memory of the dream wasn't very persistent. However, I remember the details of one flight. I was going to fly my RocketVision ... [Read More]
ROCKETS Magazine, Feb. 2011 (2011-03-10)How many times since ROCKETS first appeared in my mailbox have I complained about the contents mostly being launch reports? Well, a lot. Less when there was coverage of launches I ... [Read More]
Launch Report 2011-01 (2011-03-20)Location: Price, MD ( MDRA ESL-154) Weather: partly cloudy, low 50's, wind 0 - 5 MPH Total flights: Today - 11; YTD - 11 Total motors: Today - 21; YTD - 21 I left very early under the light of the ... [Read More]
Review: I Build Rockets' Ballistic Chicken (2011-03-21)Watch out Chicken Little , the Ballistic Chicken is loose! The Ballistic Chicken is a basic 3FNC, 18mm-powered rocket...with a cool chicken-head nose cone. It is the first offering from ... [Read More]
Review: Tarkus II (2011-03-21)The motivation for this 29mm, sci-fi-inspired rocket began with a container from a bottle of Highland Park single-malt scotch. The truncated oval tube screamed spaceship. From there, the rocket ... [Read More]
Review: Hermes A-1 (2011-03-22)This review explains how I converted a sport scale Semroc V-2 xKit to a Hermes A-1. Construction The following parts are required: One Semroc V-2 xKit, using the scale fin option 3/32” balsa stock ... [Read More]
Massive rocket indecision (2011-04-03)OK, so I now have my still un-named rocket primed. Progress! Well, not so fast! As I was pondering my recent posts about 'what-if' Saturn variants, I noticed the similarity my SRBs have to the ... [Read More]
Monday Miscellany (2011-04-11)Reader Artemi sent me another link from Russia . I haven't had time to fully explore it but it looks like it has a lot of rocket aero-philately (rocket mail) related posts. I didn't run the ... [Read More]
Hump day hodgepodge post (2011-04-13)Houstonians and some ex-Houstonians can't believe JSC isn't getting a Shuttle Parabolic Arc presents The All-Female Symbolic Crew (via Mars500 and Yuri?s Night). A virtual crew still ... [Read More]
New photo galleries - RG-X and Saturn 1B (2011-04-20)I see ROCKETS Magazine has a Saturn 1B launch day gallery and that MDRA's Red Glare-X photo album is being populated. [Read More]
Seminar announcement (MD/DC/NoVA area) (2011-05-10)As spotted on MDRA's website: "Investments in our Future: Exploring Space through Innovation and Technology," an Evening with Dr. Bobby Braun, NASA Chief Technologist ... [Read More]
ROCKETS Magazine, April 2011 (2011-05-31)I'll start with what I think was the most significant news contained within the pages of this issue. In a short but deep article, David Chance reflects on how "rocketry can teach you lessons ... [Read More]
Pool Noodle 'boink' rocket - status update (2011-06-16)First off, I found that the name Ankyo, followed by a long series of numbers, is marked on a fin. Sounds like a rocket name to me. So, the rocket is now named the Ankyo234 (using the first 3 ... [Read More]
Launch Report 2011-2 (2011-06-18)Location: Central Sod Farm, Centreville, MD ( MDRA ESL-157) Weather: partly cloudy, high 80s, wind 0-5 MPH Total flights: Today - 10; YTD - 21 Total motors: Today - 12; YTD - 33 The traffic through ... [Read More]
MRBR-1, completed (2011-06-25)I was torn between painting it like the image on the tag or some more real-rocket-like scheme. I didn't do either, but somewhat blended these options. I didn't really fill anything except ... [Read More]
Gustave Eiffel probably would shudder (2011-06-25)I completed Phase 1 of the Eiffel Tower, er, build. I didn't figure a way to implement a recovery system, so there isn't one. One good thing about MDRA is they are amenable to trying ... [Read More]
Launch Report 2011-3 (2011-07-16)Location: Central Sod Farm, Centreville, MD ( MDRA ESL-158) Weather: clear, mid 80s, wind 5-10 MPH Total flights: Today - 7; YTD - 28 Total motors: Today - 7; YTD - 40 The weather was nearly perfect ... [Read More]
"Have mercy, Been waitin' the the bus website updates all day..." (2011-07-28)I've been waiting for various amounts of time for: The NARAM Live Wednesday update (hope this means it's big and full off odd-rocs). The ESL-158 photo gallery (maybe nothing has been ... [Read More]
Spacecraft on a chip (2011-08-01)I missed the talk about this subject at the last MDRA meeting. Today I found an article on Centauri Dreams - A Swarm of Probes to the Stars . The article also provides a link to the ... [Read More]
Launch Report 2011-5 (2011-08-13)Location: Central Sod Farm, Centreville, MD ( MDRA ESL-159) Weather: partly-rainy, high70s, wind ~5 MPH Total flights: Today - 10; YTD - 48 Total motors: Today - 13; YTD - 63 I almost blew off ... [Read More]
Big a$$ project of the day (2011-08-14)Overheard at MDRA in the aftermath of a rain shower: 20' tall, 20" diameter, 150lb, N2000. Custom tube, 1/16" thick. Lots of discussion on non-standard building techniques ... [Read More]
Reworking the upscale Cluster Bomb (2011-08-14)At this weekend's launch, the 'chute on my Upscale BLU-97B Cluster Bomb tangled and it came in hard.. One foam board fin was totalled and, upon closer inspection, the nose cone (thin glass ... [Read More]
The Cluster Bomb facelift is complete (2011-08-19)As noted early this morning, I found a scan of the Estes decals. I upscaled a few of them and filled in the background with what I thought was a suitable green. It turns out that it ... [Read More]
ROCKETS Magazine, June 2011 (2011-09-01)The big article in this issue is about the two huge Saturn 1B's that flew from MDRA back in April. I have posted lots of info about these projects but, if you want to know what else is ... [Read More]
Zoomie P-51D, the final update (2011-09-02)Well, other than a final clear coat, I guess this rocket is done. The final trim scheme is a very 'goonie' version, incorporating a V2 rocket girl logo, an MDRA logo, and numerical ... [Read More]
Stupid rocket trick #18 (2011-09-09)It's been a while since I made one of these posts. Not that I haven't done anything stupid in between, I just haven't done anything that stood out. Except maybe leaving the ejection charge out ... [Read More]
Launch Report 2011-6 (2011-09-17)Location: Central Sod Farm, Centreville, MD ( MDRA ESL-160) Weather: cloudy, high 60s, wind ~5 MPH Total flights: Today - 4; YTD - 52 Total motors: Today - 4; YTD - 67 The day started poorly with ... [Read More]
Big Brute clone completed (2011-10-01)Well it's ready to fly. As expected, it's a little heavier than the original but should be stable on a 'G' reload without extra nose weight. The final touches included seasonably orange ... [Read More]
Review: Zoomie P-51D (2011-10-04)Recently, TRF user Daddyisabar posted a thread on his Estes SpaceShipOne to P-40E kit bash. I am a big fan of the SpaceShipOne as a subject for kit bashing (ref. the Goonball XL5 and ... [Read More]
Top ten reasons for lack of posting (2011-11-27)C'mon, you really didn't want to hear about it, did you? Meanwhile, MDRA's RG XI photo gallery has grown some. [Read More]
The Tree, revealed (2011-12-01)Here are a couple of shots of my yet unnamed entry into the MDRA Christmas Tree launch 2011 (trees from 2011, to be held in 2012). I found a stash of circular color coded stickers. &n ... [Read More]
Tree (the rocket, not an actual tree) recovery mechanism complete (2011-12-02)I figured out a kluge to add an...er...recovery system to my MDRA Tree (still no real name). I tied a length of rubber band shock cord to one of the motor mounts. I wanted it sproingy in the ... [Read More]
New Tripoli Research rules (2011-12-02)Via an email list, Alan Whitmore (Prefect, Tripoli East NC), announced that Tripoli will be rolling out a new 'research' safety code. The details are sketchy, but it sounds like this will ... [Read More]
More on the new Tripoli Research rules (2011-12-04)My previous post on the subject was inaccurate . My main excitement came from the prospect of NAR members being allowed to fly commercial motors at TRA research events,.albeit in a segregated ... [Read More]
LAUNCH Mag On-Line Edition - updated? (2011-12-17)My news reader had a half dozen or so hits from LAUNCH this morning, including Walt Cunningham's op-ed, " A Tribute to Happy Warrior ." This was at least new to me. If interested, you ... [Read More]
Launch Report 2011-8 (2011-12-17)Location: Higgs Farm, Price, MD ( MDRA ESL-163) Weather: mostly cloudy; high was 41; wind 10+ mph Total flights: Today - 5; YTD - 62 Total motors: Today - 8; YTD - 80 I broke my standard rule of not ... [Read More]
Video of the Flaming Christmas Tree (2011-12-20)Although not published on the main page, the photo gallery for MDRA's ESL-163 is being populated. You'll find Peter's video of the Flaming Christmas Tree of Death (and a still ... [Read More]
The Dungeon's Top Ten of 2011 (2011-12-27)In no particular order.... Early in the year, I completed transferring reviews from the old EMRR (see the My Rocket Reviews Page ). I transferred (and updated) all but eight and, while I ... [Read More]
Rocket name change and a prediction for 2012 (2012-01-02)In this months Fire and Smoke , rocket blogging friends Verna and Randy give their perspective on our impending doom in 2012. That is, it won't happen and we should focus on the really ... [Read More]
Sport Rocketry, January/February 2012 (2012-01-07)I was glad this issue arrived after the previous issue went AWOL and had to be replaced. I feared there was a hiccup after renewing my membership but any worries I had were unfounded. This ... [Read More]
Sunday links and the like, on and off topic (2012-01-08)Back in the 1970's, before there was Mike's Hard Lemonade or Zima, there were cheap flavored wines such as Ripple, Boone's Farm, and Annie Green Springs. These were actual wines vs. ... [Read More]
Warthog build session 2012-1 (2012-01-21)Warthog successfully conducted his first build session of the year despite Mother Nature's attempt to ice us in. He provided his signature pulled pork BBQ and a coleslaw that was as good as I've ... [Read More]
Feed reader stars, tweets and other interesting links (2012-03-13)JSC's methane-fueled Morpheus Lander (built by Armadillo) performed another tethered hover today. Although longer than the last one, it was not different enough to warrant a separate post. ... [Read More]
The wind speed map as a rocket tool? (2012-03-31)When I mentioned the wind speed map ( http://hint.fm/wind/ ) last week, I was focused on the ethereal, dynaic patterns. I didn't really think about what it would be useful for. ... [Read More]
Round 2 of the battle of the Saturn 1B's is ON! (2012-04-07)Until this is formally announced, I won't post any details of where and when, but here's a teaser: The first attempt at launching two massive 800 pound 1:9 Scale Saturn 1B’s was filled with ... [Read More]
Flight report 2012-2 (updated) (2012-04-13)Location: Higgs Farm, Price, MD (MDRA Red Glare XII , day #1) Weather: Clear blue skies, high in the mid 60's, wind started at around 10+ but calmed late in the day Total flights: Today - 6; YTD ... [Read More]
Christmas in April (2012-04-21)Here's a good shot of the flight of the Flaming Christmas Tree of Death at Red Glare, courtesy of Neil McGilvray and ROCKETS . ( Christmas in April was its alias for this one launch.) ... [Read More]
Hobby Lobby report (2012-05-17)Had a chance to pass a HL today, 40%-off coupon in hand. Wanted E12s...found none. Back-up plan was E9's...found none. Drooled over their new Pro-Series MPR kits, especially the 3" ... [Read More]
Air Serpent (2012-05-18)Well, I decided to finish up the Air Serpent for this weekend's MDRA launch. I did so at the expense of some of the finishing details. Some of these can be added should she fly and recover. ... [Read More]
Launch Report 2012-3 (2012-05-20)Location: Central Sod Farm, Centreville, MD ( MDRA ESL-168) Weather: high 60's to low 70's, overcast, wind 5-15 mph Total flights: Today - 11; YTD - 17 Total motors: Today - 11; YTD - 23 Motors by ... [Read More]
Launch Report 2012-5 (2012-06-11)Location: Central Sod Farm, Centreville, MD ( MDRA ESL-169) Weather: sunny, high about 90, wind 5 mph Total flights: Today - 7; YTD - 44 Total motors: Today - 9; YTD - 52 Motors by class YTD: ... [Read More]
X-47B spotted on Maryland freeways (2012-06-14)Credit: @Julieelondon Last night, an X-47B drone made its way down I-270 and around the Beltway on its way to Naval Air Station Patuxent River. Evidently, it ... [Read More]
Rocketaholic provides an amateur rocketry blast-from-the-past (updated) (2012-06-25)Rocketry blogger, the 'Rocketaholic', just dug into his archives and posted photos from a Reaction Research Society class and documentation of his Systeme Solaire SS67B-2 liquid fuel rocket . ... [Read More]
Fixing up the Backdraft (2012-06-28)I'm still rooting around the Dungeon waiting for motivation. My latest tangential project was to renovate my Heavenly Hobbies Backdraft . This crazy rocket boosts on a 24mm motor and ... [Read More]
Planning a Micro Hybrid flight (2012-06-29)Yesterday, I found that I have one NOX cartridge left so I'll fly the Micro Hybrid in July. I normally fly it in an Art Applewhite saucer but thought I'd try something that had ... [Read More]
"In the words of Crazy Jim - "Let the mayhem, chaos and carnage begin!"" (2012-07-15)That pretty much described today's L900 Dark Matter drag race at LDRS. My "Gone to Plaid" (Ludicrous Speed's badder brother) is the rocket on the right just taking off from the pads - Tile, ... [Read More]
The best laid plans... (2012-07-23)The best laid plans often go awry and I can't say my Harpoon plans were best laid. It's looking more and more like the Harpoon will fly without any decals or markings. It is painted and the pop ... [Read More]
Launch Report 2012-9 (2012-07-28)Location: Central Sod Farm, Centreville, MD MDRA ESL-170) Weather: clear, 90's, wind 0-5 mph Total flights: Today - 8; YTD - 74 Total motors: Today - 9; YTD - 89 Motors by class YTD: ... [Read More]
24mm Paper Honest John, part 3 (2012-08-13)Today, I continued building the nose cone by adding the lower sections. The third section (larger-to-smaller diameter) went on well but I hit a snag with the lowest section (straight tube section ... [Read More]
Launch Report 2012-10 (2012-08-19)Location: Central Sod Farm, Centreville, MD MDRA ESL-171) Weather: mid-70's, wind 0+ mph, cloudy Total flights: Today - 6; YTD - 80 Total motors: Today - 6; YTD - 95 Motors by class YTD: MicroHybrid ... [Read More]
Oops (2012-08-28)Apologies for posting a report on September's MDRA launch. I keep my launch line-up in a draft post and accidentally hit 'publish' instead of 'save'. [Read More]
Vern Hoag's 1:9 Saturn 1B at Airfest (2012-09-01)The 700lb scale Saturn 1B flew again at Airfest on four N5800's. No word on whether recovery was successful or on Steve Eves' version. More info on this rocket and its first flight can be ... [Read More]
Rocket status including a new, smaller air Honest John (2012-09-04)The weather and my personal schedule have continued to delay the launch of my air-powered Saturn V. So, this is what I've been up to instead. I wanted to build one of the Honest Johns ... [Read More]
I can't have it all...but I can have a Big Bertha (2012-09-17)They say you can't have it all and they are right in my case. Family stuff cropped up this weekend and nixed the MDRA launch. This was my choice and, while I would have rather done what I did, I was ... [Read More]
The Dungeon's Top-10 for 2012 (2012-12-22)I see Chris Michielssen posted his top ten for 2012. So, I see no reason to wait to post mine: 1. Space Shuttle Discovery buzzes Washington DC . 2. Discovery and Enterprise nose-to-nose at ... [Read More]
I have to admit it, I pass a lot of gas (2013-02-08)I just got my Into the Wind catalog, which reminded me of one of my favorite finds - nylon repair tape . As much as I love this stuff, I haven't heard of any other rocketeers using it. Maybe I'm the ... [Read More]
Launch Report 2013-01 (2013-04-13)Location: Higgs Farm, Price, MD - MDRA (Red Glare XIV) Weather: 50's, mostly sunny, wind 5-10 Total flights: Today - 5; YTD - 5 Total motors: Today - 5; YTD - 5 Motors by class ... [Read More]
ROCKETS Magazine, Volume 7, Issue 4 (2013-04-17)This issue contains a nice variety of articles, along with a products section compiled/written by yours truly. First, East-Coaster Alan Whitmore describes how to build a snap-ring ... [Read More]
Launch Report 2013-2 (2013-06-15)Location: Central Sod Farm, Centreville, MD MDRA ESL-181) Weather: Sunny, mid 80's, wind 0-10 (crossfield, away from the trees) Total flights: Today - 9; YTD - 14 Total motors: Today - 10; YTD - 15 ... [Read More]
Launch Report 2013-3 (solo) (2013-06-26)Location: The Original Rocket Dungeon Weather: hot Total flights: Today - 2; YTD - 16 Total motors: Today - 2; YTD - 17 Motors by class YTD: MMX-2, B-1, C-4, E-5, F-2, G-1, H-2 I began investigating ... [Read More]
This Is (still) Not the Rocket You are Looking For (2013-07-16)I did some real-time design and slapped this together. As expected, I went for an 18mm mount. The tube fits perfectly in base of the fin can. I thought that I might be able to ream the fin can ... [Read More]
Launch Report 2013-5 (2013-08-17)Location: Central Sod Farm, Centreville, MD (MDRA ESL-183) Weather: high 70's, partly to mostly cloudy, wind calm to 10 mph Total flights: Today - 9 ; YTD - 31 Total motors: Today - 10 ; YTD - ... [Read More]
Obsessive Compulsive Rebuilding Disorder v2, completed (2013-08-28)Obsessive Compulsive Rebuilding Disorder v2 002 , a photo by rstaff3 on Flickr. The fins are done! I cut up the packing tube from the G125 that shredded V1 and embedded a chunk in each fin. These ... [Read More]
Launch Report 2013-7 (2013-09-14)Location: Central Sod Farm, Centreville, MD (MDRA ESL-184) Weather: high 60's, wind - 10 mph, partly cloudy Total flights: Today - 7; YTD - 38 Total motors: Today - 7; YTD - 41 Motors by class YTD: ... [Read More]
Rocket activity in the Dungeon (2013-11-04)Here is a photo of my latest build - a Baby Bertha with a 29mm mount. I had considered an Estes screw-on retainer but it is slightly too big in diameter. Plus, it's heavier than some masking tape ... [Read More]
Launch Report 2013-10 (2013-11-16)Location: Central Sod Farm, Centreville, MD (MDRA ESL-186) Weather: overcast with low ceiling; temperature in lower 50's, wind 0 - 3 Total flights: Today - 8; YTD - 71 Total motors: Today - 24; YTD ... [Read More]
You really know you have build fever when... (2013-11-23)...you chop up a perfectly good rocket just to make another perfectly good rocket. I began looking for a rocket to scavenge or modify and decided on my Faux Talos . This rocket had a ton of nose ... [Read More]
The Dungeon's Top 10 of 2013 (2013-12-24)Here is my annual list of things (mostly rocket related) that made me happy and captured my imagination. As usual, in no particular order: 1. Estes released the 29mm E16 and F15 BP motors. ... [Read More]
Introducing the Krampus (2014-01-11)Thinking about the annual Christmas Tree launch at MDRA, my mind wandered to the Flaming Christmas Tree of the Apocalypse . After watching the Christmas episode of Grimm , I had wanted to ... [Read More]
45 degrees F (2014-01-31)Now, that's what I call prime painting weather! (I know this is not optimal but, as usual, I'm antsy.) I got another coat of yellow on the Mega Skeeter. As usual, something went wrong. I was using ... [Read More]
My crazy rocket dream (2014-02-13)I was having a rocket dream when I was rudely awakened to the sound of now blowers and shovels scraping. As usual, I immediately forgot many details but here goes... It was an MDRA launch. I could ... [Read More]
Talos, Block 2 - all done but the trim (2014-03-11)Here are a few photos of the re-built Faux Talos , which I'm now calling the Talos, Block 2 (for now at least). I could have done more sanding and filling but got antsy. It's a rocket that I can ... [Read More]
Launch Report 2014-2 (2014-03-15)Location: Higgs Farm, Price, MD ( ESL-190 ) Weather: 61 degrees, sunny, wind 10-20mph Total flights: Today - 6; YTD - 9 Total motors: Today - 6; YTD - 9 Motors by class YTD: MMX-1, A-2, C-1, E-1, ... [Read More]
Launch Report 2014-7 (2014-05-17)Location: MDRA, Central Sod Farm Weather: mid-60's, sunny, wind ~5mph Total flights: Today - 10; YTD - 51 Total motors: Today - 10; YTD - 43 Motors by class YTD: Water-13, MMX-1, A-3, B-2, C-7, D-6, ... [Read More]
Fixed the Nike Smoke 29mm (2014-06-03)At the last MDRA launch, two of the fins on the plastic fin can snapped off at the root. I had considered it to be retired but decided to fix it up after all. While liquid plastic cement seemed to ... [Read More]
Launch Report 2014-8 (2014-06-22)Location: MDRA, Central Sod Farm Weather: high of 80, cloudy changing to clear, wind 0-5 Total flights: Today - 10; YTD - 61 Total motors: Today - 6; YTD - 49 Motors by class YTD: ... [Read More]
Videos of my flights from ESL-192 (2014-07-09)Peter has posted his videos from ESL-192 in MDRA's YouTube Channel. Ankyo-mcH on a microhybrid FTC-1 water rocket (landed on AMW's trailer) Manatee-2 water rocket ... [Read More]
Estes Mega Mosquito, Steam Punk, Forward Mounted Canted Cluster build thread, part 5 (2014-07-16)Spent yesterday cutting cardstock, placing stick on rivets, and add other missile-aneous trim. I could add more but I want to have it ready for the next MDRA launch and want to take advantage of ... [Read More]
Launch Report 2014-10 (2014-07-26)Location: MDRA, Central Sod Farm Weather: cloudy turning to clear, wind 0 -5, around 90 degrees max Total flights: Today - 8; YTD - 80 Total motors: Today - 9; YTD - 70 Motors by class YTD: ... [Read More]
Sometimes, the real time design of oddrocs just doesn't work out... (2014-08-04)I am all bummed out. I was excited when I acquired the (potential) rocket parts that I presented in the previous post. Unfortunately, my early enthusiasm has hit a wall of reality. I am no closer to ... [Read More]
Redneck science on the Demolition Ranch (2014-08-10)Growing up, we had ample open spaces where you could 'experiment' with things that would land you in jail these days (at least in this neck of the woods). I really miss plinking at things in the ... [Read More]
Due to a lack of rocketry subjects.... (2014-09-09)I don't have anything to blog about so I'll offer a teaser of my double top secret, non-rocket repurposing of my damaged 29/40-120 motor case. The first photo shows some of the damage that occurred ... [Read More]
Launch Report 2014-13 (2014-10-12)Location: MDRA, Central Sod Farm (ESL-196) Weather: 60's, sunny turning to cloudy, wind 0-5 mph at ground level, lower up high. Total flights: Today - 6; YTD - 105 Total motors: Today - 6; YTD - 95 ... [Read More]
A few observations from this morning's social media (2014-12-06)I see some people blasting NASA for a flawless Orion flight. In their opinion if there wasn't a failure the task was too easy. Lots of criticism on the NASA TV feed, which evidently failed during ... [Read More]
Rebuilding the '4F Club' as the '3Fs and 2Ds' (2015-06-17)If you read my last launch report , you will know that the 4F Club didn't work exactly as planned. The sims said it would be up to speed off one of MDRA's long rails, but in merely lobbed off the ... [Read More]
The Chesapeake Sea Monster, the final build post (2015-12-08)Here it is with my typical '10ft paint job'. 'Nuff said about that! You can see that it sports a Maryland-themed blue crab and the MDRA logo. These fit the name just fine! I couldn't find any ... [Read More]
NF-104 (updated) (2016-01-12)I wanted to test a change I made to the way my blog posts appear on Google+... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lockheed_NF-104A http://altrocketdungeon.tumblr.com/post/131394323278/thetestpilo ... [Read More]
A blast from the past heads to the dump (2016-05-23)Prompted by the unrelated relocation of stuff in the Dungeon, I decided that I need to thin the herd. However, when contemplating what should go and how, I find it's going to be very difficult. I ... [Read More]
Baby CSM, after a night's sleep (2016-06-28)I have pretty much decided on three A10's for the first flight. I haven't decided on vintage Q2G2's or a quickmatch bundle. I checked Michael's and Wallymart for A10s with no luck. I hope to snag ... [Read More]
Video of the Chesapeake Sea Monster (2016-07-24)With a hat tip to MDRA (the enablers) and Peter Abresch (the videographer). Very straight flight with no attempt to fly (or ride a cushion of air). [Read More]
The Best of 2016 (2016-12-27)Time again to post my favorite rocket stuff from the past year. For the first time since I've been compiling this list, I didn't come up with 10 items. I was on track to do so, but the weather and ... [Read More]
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