Dick Stafford's Rocket Dungeon Blog 
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NARAM Live! archives (2009-01-25)
I've been reporting on NARAM via NARAM Live! for several years. One problem with linking to the site is that, after the event, the content of the main pages are moved to an archive directory. So, ... [Read More]
"Rockets Beyond Strange" at NARAM 51!!! (2009-05-30)As you all are aware, NARAM-51 is just around the corner. It will be held near Johnstown, PA on August 8 - 14, 2009. I sure had fun at NARAM-50 and #51 should be a blast. Unfortunately, even though ... [Read More]
NARAM Live 2009 is LIVE! (2009-08-07)Chris Taylor's NARAM-51 coverage has started . There's not much there yet, but keep your eyes open! This year, he's got a YouTube Channel for his videos. That's good because I've always had codec ... [Read More]
NARAM Live - Saturday recap (2009-08-09)The Saturday coverage was smaller than normal. I didn't spot any particular shots that I thought were amazing. I did spot a handful of NARHAMs and MDRA regulars. Kenny (Performance Hobbies) actually ... [Read More]
MLAS model spotted on NARAM Live (2009-08-09)If you look around here you'll see what I think is a small model of the MLAS. I also think this is a vendor booth so I'm wondering if there is a kit out there? The big piece of Blue Tube with cones ... [Read More]
NARAM Live - Sunday update (2009-08-10)There are a 3 pages of photos from Sunday. The last page has photos of the scale and fantasy scale entries. Yes, the MLAS is represented and there is a cool Saturn V outfitted with SRBs. I hope now ... [Read More]
NARAM Live - Monday recap (2009-08-11)Here are the Monday photo pages . Nothing there excited me. I liked the micro Saturn V's on the video page , however. [Read More]
NARAM Live - Tuesday update (2009-08-12)Well, the site error did in fact mean it was being updated, with the first appearing a few minutes after my previous post. On the first photo page , I noticed an Apollo capsule boosting on its abort ... [Read More]
NARAM Live - Wednesday Stuff (2009-08-13)The highlights of page 1 , and of the three photo pages, was Vern Estes and his original Big Bertha - a staple at NARAM. I also liked the 'cherry picker' recovery shots. Here's the best video, a ... [Read More]
Naram Live - Thursday (2009-08-14)Whut I thunk wuz kool: Page 1 - Starting about 3/4 of the way down: A big rocket with a huge Easter egg as the cone. The NARAM equivalent of a bowling ball rocket? A cool sci-fi looking ducted ... [Read More]
NARAM-51, stick a fork in it (2009-08-15)Friday was the last day of NARAM-51 and NARAM Live has some good coverage of the scale flights. Here's some of what I liked, but the MLAS (which I've obviously become obsessed with) was the ... [Read More]
If it's time for NARAM and you aren't there, then it's time for NARAM Live! (2010-07-30)NARAM Live! main page with links to current and past NARAMs. NARAM-52 Live! - Flying starts Saturday. Site updates start when Chris gets around to it. I'll be watching and will report ... [Read More]
NARAM-52 Live! - Day 2 (Saturday) (2010-08-01)Some time in the dark of night, Chris uploaded his photos and video from Saturday. I won't highlight any of them as they were all kind of generic. It's great that he put his videos on ... [Read More]
NARAM-52 Live! - Day 3 (Sunday) (2010-08-02)Highlights of Day 3 : A couple of shots of a tube launched rocket. A canted motor Whirlygig. Was that Matthew's original ? The flight and demise of what looked like the big Christmas tree ... [Read More]
NARAM-52 Live! - Day 4 (Monday) (2010-08-02)Here's what I liked from Monday's update : The first photo is a Quest DC-Y Space Clipper. I've got one of those . Chris got his L1, with on-board video . The town hall meeting photos aren't up ... [Read More]
NARAM-52 Live - Day 5 (Tuesday) (2010-08-03)This is the most boring NARAM Live! that I can remember. From what I hear, this is inversely proportional to what's going on. Tuesday on has one highlight - a nice sequence showing a smokey ... [Read More]
NARAM-52 Live! - Day 6 (Wednesday) (2010-08-04)Today's highlights: Tri-F-O's are always cool. I guess Chris was busy going for his L-2 and wasn't as prolific a shooter as in past years. There's a photo of his flight. No videos yet. If they ... [Read More]
NARAM-52 Live! - Day 7 (Thursday) (2010-08-06)Once again, the photos are OK but there is nothing that wowed me in Thursday's album . Not even the coverage of the scale models on page 2. But, the Day 6 videos are now up and are pretty ... [Read More]
NARAM-52 Live! - Day 8 (Friday) - The End of the Road (2010-08-07)So, far, the photos aren't coming up. Maybe there aren't any because Chris has a lot of short slow-motion clips on his Day 8 play list . The best is the clustered N1 . Over all, ... [Read More]
Mega Review: Parachutes (2011-01-24)This post presents reviews of various parachutes, several of which were received via EMRR. A couple are out-of-production (OOP) and are only included for historical purposes. RocketChutes - ... [Read More]
NARAM-53 at T-5 days, 8 hours (2011-07-17)The NAR's annual model rocketry contest event, NARAM-53 is now less than a week away. I haven't heard anything but assume Chris will cover it on NARAM Live . This assumption is only ... [Read More]
NARAM scuttlebutt (2011-07-23)Royatl has posted some info from the NARAM-53 Manufacturer's Forum [via YORF]: Quest will have new MicroMaxx starters. Quest Thunderjets could appear Fall 2012. (Echoes of NARAM-50...still not ... [Read More]
NARAM Live, Day 1, Saturday (2011-07-24)There are several pages of launch photos and one of the manufacturer's forum . Saw some NARHAMSters, the TRF banner, the Estes booth, and this big upscale Explorer Aquarius. [Read More]
NARAM Live, Day2, Sunday (2011-07-24)NARAM Live, Day2 - On Sunday, the NARAM activities included FAI quals, sport flying, and scale turn in. Chris didn't cover the sports range, which reportedly wasn't busy (again). I find ... [Read More]
NARAM Live, Day 3, Monday (2011-07-25)Today saw more contest flying and the town hall meeting . The sport range was slow again...I suppose that will continue. Too bad, most of the interesting stuff from NARAM has been historically ... [Read More]
Detailed recap of the NARAM Manufacturer's Forum (2011-07-26)Check out posts 3 - 6 in this TRF thread . Some points I found interesting from the Estes section: The Estes rep said the quality of their black powder is not as good as it used to be and this ... [Read More]
NARAM Live, Day 4, Tuesday (2011-07-27)Coverage of the 4th day of flying included Micromaxx (1/8A) streamer and the auction. There are also a couple of interesting FlisKits or Fliskits-like objects from the sports range - the mu ... [Read More]
NARAM Live, Day 5 and 6, Wednesday and Thursday (2011-07-29)Launch Day 5 included more contest coverage and some sports flights . Not as many as I'd have liked, but beggars can't be choosers. I do love those 4" Quaker Oats bins! Launch Day 6 was ... [Read More]
NARAM Live, Day 7, Friday (The End) (2011-07-31)Well, NARAM is wrapped up and I was disappointed on the lack of coverage of the sports range. By all accounts, it was not nearly as busy as in prior years. Others have voiced that they ... [Read More]
Estes Asteroid Hunter debut at NARAM-53 (2011-08-03)Via Wallyum on Flickr. He has lots of NARAM photos! [Read More]
NARAM-54 is underway (2012-07-29)As expected, NARAM Live! is going to cover this year's event. There is also a YORF thread being populated with news and photos. I am interested in the price of the new NCR kits and ... [Read More]
NARAM Live! - Saturday (2012-07-29)NARAM Live! has the photos from yesterday posted. They are clearly from the sport range - it's good to see that LDRS does not have a monopoly on odd-rocs! I included a photo of a really cool ... [Read More]
This NARAM-54 post stinks (update) (2012-08-01)And, you thought trees, corn and soybeans suck Via the TRF post, I see that the NARAM field has a hazard that stinks both figuratively and literally - a waste water treatment pond. ... [Read More]
NARAM-54 is in its home stretch (2012-08-02)NARAM Live! has posted a bunch of photos from Wednesday , including a couple of sets from other rocketeers. There is also a tally of the contest standings. I saw several shots of NARHAMSter ... [Read More]
NARAM 56 is LIVE! (2014-07-27)Chris Taylor is once again bringing NARAM LIVE! to computers everywhere. Photos, videos and live streaming (I haven't looked at the later). Here's a teaser that I lifted from the Saturday ... [Read More]
NARAM 58 is Live! (2016-07-25)It appears that I've been asleep at the wheel as I didn't realize NARAM 58 had started. And, as usual, Chris Taylor's NARAM Live! is up and running. Day 1 is a very good place to start. Day 2 is also ... [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]
Sport Rocketry, January/February 2009 (2009-01-10)Lead article is coverage of the 17th World Spacemodeling Championships that were held in Lleida, Spain. Other than spotting NARHAMSter Ed Pearson, this one didn't really interest me. Nor did the ... [Read More]
Sport Rocketry, March/April 2009 (2009-03-09)Just got the new issue and am a little disappointed. Not due to the quality of the articles but their subjects just didn't excite me. Hopefully, this curmudgeonly post will be taken with a grain of ... [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]
The USAF looks at reusability (again) (2009-05-14)Clark Lindsey points to this Aviation Week piece on the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory's (AFRL) Reusable Booster System (RBS) request for information (RFI). A YORF user found another reference , ... [Read More]
Saturday 06.20.2009 (2009-06-20)The NARAMS ECRM launch was on despite the threat of rain and afternoon thunderstorms. The weather reports looked like there might be breaks in the rain so I staged my stuff last night. This morning ... [Read More]
Aurora Flight Sciences (2009-07-23)Besides hosting the Old Rocketeer's Reunion during NARAM-50, Aurora Flight Sciences designs and builds cool flying things. Wired's Danger Room discusses the flight test of their prototype Excalibur ... [Read More]
Lack of status (2009-08-03)My quest for clear square tubing continues without success. It appears I'll pay for gasoline but not shipping costs. Looks like I need to scrape up some new project as my one active one is stalled. ... [Read More]
Rocket competition tips and resources (2009-08-09)George Gassaway has compiled a cool competition website for NARAM-51. I especially liked the scale, peanut scale and fantasy scale pages, which include lots of reference links. It's of course too ... [Read More]
SNAFU Wednesday (2009-08-12)So, this morning I found NARAM Live's Tuesday page wasn't updated. TRF is giving database errors. There are no breaking news reports from the manufacturer's forum at NARAM. And, to top it off, the ... [Read More]
So, do I even need/want clear fins on my MLAS? (2009-08-15)For some reason, I've been chicken about its stability. However, the RSim model I'm basing mine on was made by someone on the NASA team that directed its development and he stated his model agreed ... [Read More]
Project Pluto (2009-08-15)I've always thought the Project Pluto Supersonic Low Altitude Missile (SLAM) was cool looking and would make a fun scale subject. As I mentioned earlier, there are photos of one flying at NARAM . ... [Read More]
Another use for a small fan blade (2009-08-19)From the NARAM-51 sports range . [Read More]
Direct staging APCP to BP motors (2009-09-30)TRF member rocket999 provided a link to the following interesting article: Direct Non-electronic Staging From Reloadable Composite Motors To Black Powder Motors , Jay Calvert, NAR # 71767 C Division, ... [Read More]
Sport Rocketry Nov/Dec 2009 (2009-11-09)This is the NARAM 51 edition and my main feeling after thumbing through it is...I wish I had attended! The coverage is typical to past NARAMs and includes plenty of photos. It started ... [Read More]
Interesting discussion: Sparkies to come under fire at NFPA: Who Made The G? (2010-01-24)A few days ago, Rocketry Planet published a great article regarding the coming meeting of National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)'s Technical Committee on Pyrotechnics in Salt Lake City, ... [Read More]
Sport Rocketry March/April 2010 (2010-03-13)In this issue: Performance analysis of 6 vs. 7 tube fin rockets by Larry Brand; a 'bulletproof' Estes build; a Member Photo Blast featuring plastic and cork; Baffles and More ; rockets to ... [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]
Rocketry in the Inbox (2010-07-15)EMRR is back after a month hiatus with a respectable number of new reviews. The winners of the Kitbash Virtual Contest have been announced. Which mostly reminds me that I need to tale a ... [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]
Semroc's latest - 'Ready to Build' but with advanced features (2010-07-28)Semroc just released a new line of kits with initially 10 new rockets. These are largely downscales of, as you'd expect, classics. The name is a play on words since all kits are ... [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]
The jury is in, and the verdict is...Semroc lives! (2010-08-13)The jury here is a jury of two, Carl and Rick. It looks like the legal unpleasantness of late will indeed work out . So, all the disgruntled rocket geeks can re-establish their orders ... [Read More]
I tawt I saw a Pawl Miller... (2010-08-30)I did, I did...at about 1:40 into this video from NARAM-52. [Read More]
UFO pop 'gliders' (2010-09-10)I've seen many, and built one, rocket with pop gliders. Here's my Mirror Image featuring two Guillow's Shuttles. But, now I see the Model Rocket Building blog is featuring the OOP MPC Martian ... [Read More]
Rocket launch probabilities (2010-10-15)I was looking forward to this weekend's NARAMS launch but it looks like life has gotten in the way. P L =0. I also feel bad for the rest of the club because the weather report is saying the ... [Read More]
Sport Rocketry, November/December 2010 (2010-11-15)Although it almost didn't survive my grandson, I am finally looking at the latest issue of Sport Rocketry. (I only got it a few days ago but, more typically, I at least scan it right away.) ... [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]
Reviews of two V2's (2010-12-19)Semroc's V2 xKit is a reproduction of Estes K-22, which was originally released in 1965. Like the original, it flies on 18mm motors and features balsa nose and tail cones. The xKits don't come ... [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: Upscale BLU-97B Cluster Bomb (2010-12-23)This is a description of my G-powered upscale of the Estes BLU-97B Cluster Bomb. The body consists of two 5" Quaker Oats bins. Here it is next to it's Estes cousin. The nose cone tip was turned ... [Read More]
Review: Deuce XL5 (2010-12-24)The Deuce XL5 was my Descon-13 entry and, for the record, the following were the attributes as they applied to the contest: no Micro-Maxx, x2 cluster, sci-fi, comedy(?), most parts from a ... [Read More]
Review: Mirror Image (2011-01-04)I couldn't believe it when my wife spotted the Guillow's foam Shuttles on clearance at Michael's Crafts. I am finally getting her fully trained to spot rocket components. Anyway, I bought two more ... [Read More]
Review: Estes - Strike Fighter (2011-01-04)I built this kit in the late 1980's. This model really looks cool and, despite the number of parts, was not that difficult to put together. It is a futuristic space fighter reminiscent of ... [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]
Review: SpaceShipY (2011-01-09)This is a sci-fi-style model inspired by the Star Wars Y-Wing Fighter. When I converted an Estes SpaceShipOne into the SpaceShipSqrt(-1) , I had the fin set left over. Mix these fins with a pill ... [Read More]
Review: Talk Radio (2011-01-11)This rocket is made from a sports water bottle that was donated by a local talk radio station, hence the name. It has a 24mm mount, recovers by parachute, and uses 'plate fins'. 'High tech' features ... [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]
Review: Semroc - Golden Scout (2011-01-19)When buying some parts and supplies, I decided to go ahead and grab a Golden Scout to commemorate Vern and Gleda Estes' 50 years of contributions to this educational and fun hobby. Without their ... [Read More]
Review: Art Applewhite - Stealth D5 (Beta) (2011-01-21)This was a Beta test version Art’s popular Stealth Qubit that was specifically designed exclusively for the new Quest D5-P 20mm diameter, long burn motor. The motor's long burn and thin wall, ... [Read More]
Review: Boot Hill (2011-01-23)This is a Halloween-themed oddroc based on a toy coffin. It features a 24mm mount and patented Coffin Lid Recovery . Construction: The parts list: * One pine (basswood?) coffin from Michael's * Three ... [Read More]
Mega Review: Motors (2011-01-24)Here are my motor reviews from EMRR. AeroTech G77R (updated!) AeroTech G79W (updated!) Quest D5-0 Plugged Ellis Mountain SU J110 (out-of-production) Ellis Mountain SU J228 (out-of-production) ... [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]
Reviews: Two General Modeling Books (2011-01-27)This post presents reviews of the Modeler's Notebook Model Design & Blueprinting and the CultTVMan Ultimate Modeling Guide to Classic Sci-Fi Movies . Modeler's Notebook - Model Design & ... [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]
New Quest motors on the way? I'm not holding my breath. (2011-02-07)Chris Michielssen posted the following from a discussion on TRF. Posted on TRF from Oliver - European Rocketeer: "But seriously, our German Quest distributor is currently developing a new engine ... [Read More]
Sport Rocketry, March/April 2011 (2011-03-14)This issue really makes up for the last one (which I thought was the least interesting issue since I re-joined the NAR). Here's a cover-to cover walk through: The cover features the Rocket ... [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]
Friday lamentations (2011-07-22)I'm not at NARAM-53 I'm not at NY Power The Shuttle is gone It's 105 degrees out but it feels like 115 [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]
YAHP (yet another hodgepodge post) (2011-08-09)A reader provided links to photo essays about the Russian museum of the "NPP Zvezda" aerospace corporation. http://maksimzaitsev.livejournal.com/37521.html ( translated ) http://ru ... [Read More]
Sport Rocketry November/December 2011 (2011-12-12)The main theme of this issue is NARAM-53, which was held last summer in Cincinnati, OH. As with most contest coverage, I mostly liked gawking at the photos of the sports range and, in this ... [Read More]
Build status or the lack thereof (2012-06-19)This is a rambling rant, so you might want to go elsewhere NOW! I currently all excited about flying again this weekend at NARHAMS new alternate launch site. The weather is looking good and, ... [Read More]
June was great! (2012-06-24)This month, I managed to get out to three days of organized launches and held one 'solo' launch. This was the most flying I've done since NARAM-50 in 2008. I made 36 flights and burned 44 motors. ... [Read More]
LPR/MPR kit news (2012-07-27)Yesterday, Matt Steele posted that the first batch of the new NCR kits have been shipped to Apogee, which is the only distributor. He will also have a few at NARAM-53, should you be going. ... [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]
It's a sad day for rocketry - Carl McLawhorn has passed (2013-08-12)This morning, we learned that Carl passed away last night. For my readers who don't know him, he was a long time sport rocketeer and for the past several years, with his wife Sheryl, was running ... [Read More]
Remembering Jetex (updated...again: new link and photo) (2013-08-13)I recently re-found the jetex.org site. This site is dedicated to all things Jetex, including the motors, fuel, model kits, plans, etc. You youngsters, assuming you haven't already resorted to ... [Read More]
A Magical Mystery Tour Rocket and a rocket Supergirl (2013-09-01)When I got notification that Verna and Randy's September blog update was up, I clicked over to Fire and Smoke . What I saw made me think of the Beatles' Magical Mystery Tour . Click on over ... [Read More]
Sport Rocketry, November/December 2013 (2013-11-15)This issue is largely dedicated to contest rocketry, covering both NARAM 55 and the FAI World Championship flyoffs, wherein the members of the US team were selected. I'm not a contest flier so ... [Read More]
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