Dick Stafford's Rocket Dungeon Blog 
Rocket Dungeon Posts
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]
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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