Model Rocket Building Blog 
Model Rocket Building Posts
NARAM 53 Live! (2011-07-22)
NARAM will be live again at: http://www.naramlive.com/naramlive-2011/ Once again Chris Taylor will be covering the NARAM. I've attended three NARAMs back in 1975, 76 and 77. For those who can't be ... [Read More]
NARAM Live Manufacturer's Forum Videos (2011-08-15)All the NARAM Live Manufacturer's Forum videos are on the site and running! Go right to the NARAM Live YouTube Channel HERE Just look for the videos that don't have many views to see the ones that ... [Read More]
Odd'l Rockets at NARAM 54 (2012-08-06)Those are Odd'l Rocket kits and accessories hanging along the top of the Sirius Rocketry tent at NARAM 54 held last week in Muskegon, Michigan. David Miller sold some kits, I had a ... [Read More]
Naram 54 - Naram Live! (2012-08-08)Once again, Chris Taylor has posted great pictures from the NARAM 54 meet: http://www.naramlive.com/naramlive-2012/naramlive/index.html For those who couldn't be there it's great photo ... [Read More]
NARAM 54 Manufacturer's Forum (2012-08-12)The NARAM 54 Manufacturer's Forum videos are ready for viewing http://www.youtube.com/user/naramlive53 Scroll down to N54 Day 2 VIDEO 1 0:00 ARA Press 2:35 NARTS 4:00 BMS 13:50 Red River ... [Read More]
NARAM Live! Online Coverage (2013-07-22)Once again the N ational A ssociation of R ocketry A nnual M eet (NARAM) is online at: http://www.naramlive.com/naramlive-2013/naramlive/index.html Thanks to Chris Taylor for setting up the ... [Read More]
Odd'l Rockets at NARAM 55 (2013-07-26)David Miller from Sirius Rocketry sent this picture - Odd'l Rockets made an appearance at NARAM 55! The kits are hanging on the right side of the tent awning. [Read More]
NARAM 56, Pueblo, CO (2014-07-26)Bob Sanford (Initiator 1 on YORF) Posted this NARAM 56 welcome sign. Vanna, I'll take an "E" . . . NARAM Live isn't operating yet. http://www.naramlive.com/naramlive-2014/ [Read More]
NARAM Live Manufacturer's Forum Video (2014-07-28)From Saturday night, the NARAM Manufacturer's Forum is running - http://www.ustream.tv/channel/naram-56/theater Audio was hard to follow in some spots. I hope I heard everything correctly. You just ... [Read More]
My Ranger at NARAM (2014-07-29)My Ranger made it to NARAM in one piece! This was my entry for voting into the Seattle Museum of Flight Model Rocketry display. 12 models will be picked. I counted 15 entries so I've got a ... [Read More]
Dave Fitch's Entry in NARAM Concept Scale (2014-07-30)I hope Dave got high scores for originality. Bob Sanford Picture [Read More]
NARAM Live Is Back! (2015-07-25)The next best thing to being there! NARAM LIVE is back with complete coverage. I always look forward to the Scale pictures and Manufacturers Forum. Check it out: CLICK HERE [Read More]
NARAM Live Scale Pics Posted (2015-07-28)The Scale turn-in pictures have been posted at the NARAM Live website: CLICK HERE [Read More]
Manufacturer's Forum at NARAM (2015-08-05)I was curious about new products usually announced at the NARAM Manufacturer's Forum. It seems it wasn't recorded this year. On TRF, Kevin J posted: Here is the twitter roundup of ... [Read More]
NARAM Live Site is Active! (2016-07-25)NARAM 58 is up and running! The NARAM Live website is starting to post some great pictures from Saturday: CLICK HERE For those who can't make the meet, it's the next best thing to being there! [Read More]
Job Opportunity At Centuri? 1979 (2017-03-20)While I'm in California taking care of family business, I looked through some of my old files and found this. I had thought it was lost . . . It's dated September, 1979, from Grant Boyd. ... [Read More]
NARAM Model Decals (2018-05-07)I want to put name decals on my NARAM competition models. The names are going to be very generic, the paint (if any) will be simple. I always liked the font Centuri picked when their catalogs went to ... [Read More]
NARAM Memories, Transporting Rockets - Old School! (2018-06-24)In 1975 I was on the way to NARAM 17, getting on a connecting flight from Atlanta to Orlando. Across from me was a guy sitting with a cardboard box with body tubes sticking out of it. I asked: "Are ... [Read More]
Coming Soon to NARAM - BODY TUBES! (2018-07-20)This is an Odd'l Rockets product teaser - There is more to it than just another body tube! (If I shared this new product concept with you in conversation, please don't give it away in the comments ... [Read More]
No Sunday Post? (2018-07-29)Let's just say I took a day off. Preparing for NARAM is a lot of work. Too many shock cords to attach, pop-lugs and parachutes to make. Add to that a fairly good sized order from ERockets to box up ... [Read More]
Last Minute NARAM Prepping! (2018-07-31)Good thing I looked over the NARAM Classic Competition Rules. I needed to put together some documentation about my entry, the Dragon Ship 7. I needed references to where I got my clone information, ... [Read More]
Arrived (Early) in Pueblo! (2018-08-02)I haven't done a long drive since the early 1980s. I would drive alone from California to Florida in three days, averaging 1,000 miles a day! I'm older now, I gave myself a four day travel ... [Read More]
NARAM 60 Saturday, August 4, Rocketeer Reunion (2018-08-05)The first day of launches at the NARRAM field was a sport launch. A few were testing their boost gliders and streamer duration models. I was very surprised to see Brian Urban from Tampa, TTRA and ... [Read More]
NARAM 60 Sunday, August 5, Manufacturer's Forum (2018-08-06)Sunday was another full day of Sport Flying at the field. Lots of Mid Power launches. The Estes tour and the first competition launches start tomorrow. There were nine vendors presentations. ESTES: ... [Read More]
NARAM 60 Monday, August 6, Estes Tour and Boost Glide Competition (2018-08-07)Estes gave two tours for forty guests each. I was signed up for the 10:0 a.m. tour. Here's the tour group waiting at the door. To the right is a pickup truck. That was once Vern Estes parking place. ... [Read More]
NARAM 60 Tuesday, August 7, Streamer Duration and Payload Altitude (2018-08-08)Last night was the NARAM Town Hall and turn-in of the Classic and Sport Scale entries. I might have a shot at a place in the Classic Model Competition. There was some standout entries in Scale and ... [Read More]
NARAM 60 Wednesday, August 8, Helicopter Duration and B Cluster Altitude (2018-08-09)Today was a slower schedule for me. I had the Estes Mini A Heli ready with some A10-3t engines. John Boren (the designer) was at the return table. He jokingly said: "You changed the fin design, I ... [Read More]
NARAM 60 Thursday, August 9, 1/2A Parachute Duration and C SuperRoc Altitude (2018-08-10)This picture probably should have been posted earlier. Here's the entrance to the Hudson Ranch SCORE field off highway 78. That's a great launch field landmark. I was checking in my 1/2A Parachute ... [Read More]
NARAM 60 Thursday, August 9, Evening - Classic and Sport Scale Static Judging (2018-08-10)Here's the static judging high point model in the Classics Competition. The build is by Chris Kidwell. Clean work and great presentation. I thought I was going to do better with my Dragon Ship 7 but ... [Read More]
NARAM 60 Friday, August 10, Classic and Sport Scale Model Launch (2018-08-11)Spectators brought out their lawn chairs to watch today's launches. The Classic Model Judge apologized for my low static score on the Dragon Ship 7. Like I assumed, the supplemental data I supplied ... [Read More]
NARAM 60 Saturday, August 11, Observations and the Long Drive Home (2018-08-13)I learned a lot from the past week at the NARAM. 1. A week seems too long. A four or five day NARAM would have been about right. EDIT: As it turns out, the next NARAM will be only four ... [Read More]
More NARAM Pictures (2018-09-01)Here's more shots from NARAM 60. The opening weekend was all Sport Launches. I knew I'd taken more pictures, these were in my other camera. Bob Kaplow launched a plastic saucer with a long burning ... [Read More]
NARAM - 61 Manufacturer's Forum Video (2019-08-15)To find out what's coming in Model Rocketry - Watch the NARAM 61 Manufacturer's Forum To see the video: CLICK HERE Garth Illibrun let us know of the Apogee video on the Estes Model Rocket ... [Read More]
Old Range Box Part 2 (2010-07-30)Check out the old stickers on the inside lid! Those go back to NARAM 17 and 18. The upper shelf holds (clockwise from the upper left) 1. Engine mount adapters and heavy twine. 2. Igniters from Estes ... [Read More]
More Centuri Pronunciations (2010-08-05)A while back I did a post about the correct way to say Centuri. I've never known the correct pronunciation of Lee Piester's last name. Until now - I was watching the YouTube ... [Read More]
Sky Hook Build Part 1 (2010-08-05)I read a post on YORF from Carl at Semroc. He talked about how Bill Simon was at NARAM and signing the Semroc Sky Hook kit giveaways to the participants. Carl wrote he had an extra kit and would ... [Read More]
Sky Hook Entry Story for TRF (2010-08-06)Carl from Semroc said there was one more Bill Simon autographed Sky Hook kit left from NARAM . He asked for Sky Hook stories. Here's mine: Back in the spring of '72, Estes mailed Model Rocket News ... [Read More]
The End of SEMROC? (2010-08-11)I'm sure by now most have read this thread: http://www.rocketryforum.com/showthread.php?p=123088#post123088 It's a sad day for rocketry. After all the good will shown at the recent NARAM, Estes/Cox ... [Read More]
Enerjet 1340 Paint Schemes Part 7 (2010-08-17)Bob (Initiator001 from YORF ) said it would be okay to show his three versions of the Enerjet 1340. Thanks Bob! From left to right: This prototype version was seen on the cover of the Enerjet flyer ... [Read More]
Contest - Full Circle (2010-08-20)I got a small package in the mail today from Semroc . I wasn't expecting an order, that came last week. I was surprised to receive a special edition Sky Hook kit signed by Bill Simon. ... [Read More]
Corkscrew 2 Build Backstory (2011-03-05)Here's a fun, easy to build design by Bruce Levison . The CORK SCREW won him first place in the FlisKits Design of the Month Contest in October, 2003. Here's how Bruce described his entry: October ... [Read More]
Happy Birthday G. Harry Stine! (2011-03-26)Here's a great YouTube video on the G. Harry Stine legacy - HERE I met Mr. Stine at my first NARAM in Orlando, Florida back in 1975. He took the time to meet and talk with all the ... [Read More]
The New BMS MIGHTY D Launch Controller (2011-08-06)Here's the newest from Balsa Machining Service: The MIGHTY D 12v Launch Controller It's a innovative design - 12 volts of power in a 7" long X 5" tall box. It'll fire any igniter from a Micromaxx to ... [Read More]
A NAR Section Newlsetter Done Right! (2011-11-12)If you are ever looking for inspiration on how a section newsletter should be produced, check this out: http://www.masa-rocketry.org/planetonline.htm This is the website to go to with a good cup of ... [Read More]
BMS IMP Kit - $.99 ! (2012-07-29)Bill Saindon of Balsa Machining Service announced a new kit last night at the NARAM manufacter forum. It's the IMP , a BT-5 based model made for 13mm "T" engines. Featherweight ... [Read More]
Letter from Nik Bergenske (2013-01-04)Hi Chris, I was feeling a little sentimental today after helping my son put together some space models - and it prompted me to google my dad's former business - Model Rocket Industries. I enjoyed ... [Read More]
Meatball Rocketry Website (2013-06-01)The Meatball Team won the scale competition at NARAM 50. Stop by their website and find out why! You'll find Plenty of scale information and build tips. http://meatballrocketry.com The articles on ... [Read More]
New SEMROC Kits! (2013-07-20)Five new Semroc kits have been released just in time for NARAM 55! Three are Centuri based models - The SATELLITE KILLER, REDEYE and EGG CRATE. Two more "Groonies" - YUNG'UN's NUKE and the SNAKE ... [Read More]
Rocketry Items on EBAY (2014-04-25)The finished 1969 catalog Estes ALPHA is up for bidding on EBAY HERE this is the same Alpha built on this blog. No plastic, all balsa with custom decals to match ... [Read More]
Mosquitos, Anyone? (2014-05-29)The Estes BT-5 Mosquito could be considered a downscale of the Estes STREAK The Streak was BT-10 based. The BT-10 was a clear Mylar tube, close to a BT-20 size. The face card says "Ideal for ... [Read More]
Jeff Taylor's Steampunked ACME Spitfire (2014-07-27)Jeff Taylor (FatBoy on TRF) "Steampunked" his FlisKit ACME Spitfire. The finished results are amazing! CLICK HERE There are hundreds of rivets and plenty of cardstock trim. I especially like the ... [Read More]
John Boren's Navaho Cruise Missile (2014-07-31)There's a good reason why John Boren works in R&D at Estes. If you haven't followed the Navaho build thread on YORF you should check it out - CLICK HERE John's scale entry at NARAM 56 ... [Read More]
EBAY Rocket Listings (2014-08-19)The Estes Reflector is up for bidding on EBAY - CLICK HERE The same model built was here on the blog. Also for sale is the 1976 ESTES NARAM Contestants Package. Check out the ... [Read More]
New EBAY Items (2014-09-04)I've put up some rocketry items for bidding on EBAY. First is the Estes Black Brant III made from the nose and tail cone from the Crossfire kit. CLICK HERE Fins are cut from basswood and scale ... [Read More]
Custom P.O.N.G. at Seattle Museum of Flight (2014-11-26)Bill Stine referred my name to Custom Rockets about building a Custom PONG kit for the Seattle Museum Of Flight rocketry display. I had one upstairs, finished and never flown! CLICK HERE The is ... [Read More]
Coming Soon from Estes (2015-06-27)Estes has some new kits unveiled in their Coming Soon page - CLICK HERE A larger Maxi-Brute sized HONEST JOHN was shown at a past NARAM. This one is smaller, BT-60 based. To me, a more ... [Read More]
Old Estes Building (2015-07-09)On TRF, Steven asked: I always wondered what happened to the building you saw in many of the catalogs. For those TRF posts, CLICK HERE From the 1971 Estes catalog: "The Estes plant now ... [Read More]
Estes (Centuri) Little Joe II !!! (2015-10-02)Just added to the Estes Coming Soon page - This is based on the older Centuri Little Joe II, the BIG one. It'll use the D12-3 engine instead of a cluster. CLICK HERE to see the Estes webpage. ... [Read More]
My BIG Deal and Steal - An Old Story (2015-10-12)I went to the 1975 NARAM, held in Orlando, Florida. Near the end of the meet a fellow flyer was distributing a mimeographed list of rocket kits for sale. If memory serves, his name was Warren Cisco. ... [Read More]
Star Wars . . . (2016-02-11)I finally went to see the newest Star Wars movie. I know, about time, right? At my age I don't feel a need to camp out for the Midnight premiere. I wasn't blown away. It was nice to see some of the ... [Read More]
Throwback Thursday Pic 2 (2016-02-25)Here's a picture of the first time I saw Vern Estes in person. This goes back to 1975 at NARAM 17 in Orlando, Florida. Mr. Estes walked into the room and you could hear the whispering: "Hey look, ... [Read More]
Throwback Thursday Pic 3 (2016-03-03)Here's another picture from NARAM 17, 1975 in Orlando, Florida. That's the Centuri booth. Behind the table is Bob DelPrincipe, one of the Centuri designers. The sign says: "Pre-Production Super ... [Read More]
Throwback Thursday Pic 5 (2016-03-17)Here's another shot from NARAM 17 in 1975. That's Vern Estes test firing an engine in a thrust measuring device. He designed it, the company was under Gleda's name. Putting it under his wife's name ... [Read More]
Throwback Thursday Pic 7 (2016-06-30)Another picture from NARAM 17. NARAMs are a great place to meet to meet vendors. On the right is Col. Howard Kuhn of Competition Model Rockets. When CMR was up and running, you'd see many of his ... [Read More]
Vahson Valkyrie 2 Complete! (2020-03-06)Back Story: The first real model rocket I owned was a Vashon Valkyrie 2. In 1969 you couldn't get black powder motors in California without special permits. While I waited for the permit ... [Read More]
Semroc Andromeda Chrome Wrap Fix, Tips, Part 1 (2020-06-28)My Semroc Andromeda was a pre-production kit, given to me to help produce the instructions. I got the kit at NARAM 60, almost two years ago. I built the kit without problems as I did the line ... [Read More]
NARAM Manufacturer Forum - New Products (2020-07-28)I tried to get i n on the virtual NARAM Manufacturer's Forum last night, but the NARAM website wouldn't load! Here's some of the comments from TRF this morning from some who did see it: ... [Read More]
NARAM 2020 Manufacturer forum (2020-07-29)The recent NARAM Virtual Manufacturer's Forum has been posted on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIt9u6sPh9E&feature=youtu.be [Read More]
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