Dick Stafford's Rocket Dungeon Blog 
Rocket Dungeon Posts
Rocketry Club: National Association of Rocketry Headquarters Astro-Modeling Section
NARHAMS photos (2009-03-23)
My photos from last weekend's launch can be found here . [Read More]
NARHAMS launch captured on Google Maps!?! (2009-10-06)A NARHAMS member noticed that it looks like one of our launches was captured on Google Maps . The launch site is located at the Old National Pike Park, Mt. Airy, Maryland. There is not ... [Read More]
Launch report 2013-9 (NARHAMS) (2013-10-19)Location: Mt Airy ( NARHAMS ) Weather: overcast, lot 50's, wind ~5mph Total flights: Today - 12; YTD - 63 Total motors: Today - 12; YTD - 66 Motors by class YTD: Air-5, MMX-3, A-4, B-3, C-24, ... [Read More]
NARHAMS's September 2014 Goddard Launch (2014-09-24)This video, discovered via MAKE , documents the September 7, 2014 NARHAMS/Goddard Public Launch. It includes a description of the club's launch system and features a bunch of 3-D printed rockets ... [Read More]
Video re: NARHAMS' night launch (2014-09-27)My LHS is putting together a video about the yearly NARHAMS night launch. Here's a teaser. [Read More]
Launch Report 2015-1 (NARHAMS) (2015-04-18)Location: NARHAMS, Mt, Airy, MD Weather: wind 0-5, sunny, temp in mid-70s Total flights: Today - 12; YTD - 12 Total motors: Today - 12; YTD - 12 Motors by class YTD: MMX-2; C-5; E-3; F-2 After 6 ... [Read More]
Launch Report 2015-6 (NARHAMS) (2015-07-18)Location: NARHAMS, Mt. Airy Weather: wind variable 0-10, cloudy becoming sunny, high in the mid 80's and humid Total flights: Today - 10; YTD - 42 Total motors: Today - 11; YTD - 46 Motors by class ... [Read More]
NARHAMS Night Launch photos (2015-09-27)A fellow NARHAMSter also took some photos from yesterday's launch AND he stayed for the night launch. Here is one sample. If you like it you should click through and look through David's entire ... [Read More]
Launch Report 2016-1 (NARHAMS) (2016-03-26)Location: NARHAMS/Ag Center Weather: sunny, mid 50's, the wind was very mild Total flights: Today - 10; YTD - 10 Total motors: Today - 10; YTD - 10 Motors by class YTD: MMX-1, C-3, D-1, E-1, F-2, ... [Read More]
Launch Report 2016-2 (NARHAMS) (2016-04-16)Location: NARHAMS/Mt Airy Weather: mid-60's, sunny, wind <5mph, mas o menos Total flights: Today - 12; YTD - 22 Total motors: Today - 12; YTD - 22 Motors by class YTD: MMX-1, A-2, B-2, C-7, D-2, ... [Read More]
Launch Report 2016-3 - NARHAMS (2016-05-28)Location: NARHAMS/Mt Airy Weather: Mid 80's, sunny, wind ~5-7 Total flights: Today - 10; YTD - 32 Total motors: Today - 10; YTD - 32 Motors by class YTD: MMX-1, A-3, B-2, C-13, D-3, E-5, F-3, G-2 ... [Read More]
Launch Report 2016-5 (NARHAMS) (2016-06-18)Location: Mt Airy/NARHAMS Weather: mid 80's sunny, wind 0-5 Total flights: Today - 11; YTD - 49 Total motors: Today - 12; YTD - 50 Motors by class YTD: MMX-1, 1/2A-2, A-7, B-2, C-19, D-3, E-8, F-4, ... [Read More]
Launch Report 2017-1 (NARHAMS) (2017-03-25)Location: Mt. Airy, MD Weather: cloudy to sunny to cloudy; 71 -79 degrees; wind 3 - 6 mph Total flights: Today - 10; YTD - 10 Total motors: Today - 11; YTD - 11 Motors by class ... [Read More]
Notes from yesterday's launch - UPDATED (already) (2017-03-26)I wanted to capture one observation and one tip that I picked up yesterday. Mainly for my future reference. First, 7 of my flights were started with Estes' new starters. 7-for-7 worked. Contrast ... [Read More]
Launch Report 2017-8 (NARHAMS) (2017-09-16)Location: Old National Pike Park, Mt. Airy Weather: wind <3, 81 degrees, sunny to partly cloudy Total flights: Today - 11; YTD - 41 Total motors: Today - 11; YTD - 48 Motors by class YTD: ... [Read More]
Launch Report 2017-11 (NARHAMS) (2017-10-21)Location: Mt. Airy Weather: sunny; mid 70s; wind 0-3 Total flights: Today - 12; YTD - 50 Total motors: Today - 12; YTD - 62 Motors by class YTD: MMX-1; A-9; B-4; C-21; D-3; E-7; ... [Read More]
Launch Report 2018-1 @ NARHAMS (2018-04-21)Location: Mt. Airy Weather: 60's, sunny, wind quite variable Total flights: Today - 9; YTD - 9 Total motors: Today - 11; YTD - 11 Motors by class YTD: A-2, B-1, C-3, D-2, E-2, F-1 It was a great day ... [Read More]
"I fell into a Burning Ring of Fire".... (2018-04-21)First off, I want to thank Art Applewhite for this cool birthday present. I love saucer-like AND spinny rockets, so this fits me too a tee! The Ring of Fire is Art's latest kit and, as Art states, ... [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]
"Want to say you have flown a rocket at NASA?" (2009-02-23)NARHAMS sponsors regular rocket launches at the GSFC Visitor center on Sundays. 'The Prez' points out that the April 5th launch is being billed as a part of GSFC's 100 Hours of Astronomy . [Read More]
Launch Report 2009-1 (2009-03-21)Location: Old National Pike Park, Mt. Airy, MD ( NARHAMS ) Weather: up to 48 degs, wind calm to mild, sunny to overcast Total flights: Today - 10; YTD - 10 Total motors: Today - 10; YTD - 10 The ... [Read More]
Sport Rocketry, July/August 2009 (2009-07-11)The main theme of this issue is NARCON 2009. Unfortunately, the descriptions of the sessions can only provide a hint of what was covered. I really would like to have seen the 'dumpster diving' ... [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]
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]
Gallery from the GSFC visitor center + launch schedule (2009-12-18)It's been a long time since I've been to the GSFC visitor center . Here's a Flickr set of recent photos (not mine). For any sport rocketry people in the area, NARHAMS hosts a monthly ... [Read More]
A Call to Arms for NARHAMS (2009-12-28)Over Christmas weekend, I popped over the the NARHAMS site to update my personal 2010 launch calendar and noticed a theme has been set for the February launch - Russian "Cold War models (green with ... [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]
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]
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 2010-6 (2010-06-19)Location: Old National Pike Park, Mt. Airy, MD ( NARHAMS ) Weather: Clear, temps in the mid-80's, mild wind Total flights: Today - 10; YTD - 43 Total motors: Today - 11; YTD - 44 The day was great ... [Read More]
The spirit of Paul Miller just won't give up (2010-07-01)I just learned that the Unknown USAF-Decorated Rocket that I inherited from Paul and lost at the last NARHAMS launch was found the next day. These rockets are the zombies of the rocketry world. [Read More]
Goddard launches to resume (2010-08-03)For years, NARHAMS ran monthly launches at the Goddard Space Flight Center's Visitor's Center. A while back, it came to their attention that Goddard lies within the Restricted Flight Zone ... [Read More]
Old launch photos/reports (2010-08-19)Here is my Grand Whazoo just prior to its maiden flight at a NARHAMS launch in Middeletown Park. I think I've posted this photo before but, since The Grand Whazoo just bit the dust, I thought ... [Read More]
Too Rolling (Red)Stoned - the first photographic evidence (2010-08-20)I cut the fins out and have the lower bulk plate competed. Although you only see black fins, some of the other faces are white. I'll alternate white and black poster board to complete ... [Read More]
World Spacemodeling Championships - LIVE! (2010-08-21)Chris Taylor has once again gone LIVE!. This time with reports on the 2010 World Spacemodeling Championships held in Serbia. Team member George Gassaway will be feeding him material. A ... [Read More]
Launch Report 2010-10 (2010-08-21)Location: Old National Pike Park, Mt. Airy, MD ( NARHAMS ) Weather: overcast, mid 80's, humid, wind 5mph Total flights: Today - 12; YTD - 90 Total motors: Today - 14; YTD - 118 This was a great day ... [Read More]
Already antsy to launch, building is in the doldrums (2010-09-25)A mere week after ESL-148, I'm already itching to launch. My October launches are still up in the air and the prospects of missing them is fueling the itch. I have NARHAMS and then Red ... [Read More]
Little Joe II - pre-flight landing damage (stupid rocket tricks #16 & #17) (2010-10-12)This model in jinxed. I think I mentioned that I dropped the LJ II twice during construction. That number is up to four. Event number three (and SRT #16) was the capsule only. ... [Read More]
The latest creation from The Rocketeer Formerly Known as MrCluster (2010-11-08)NARHAMster and TRF member 'Micromeister' is now best known for MicroMaxx rockets. His creations are amazingly detailed and finished so the materials are indistinguishable from plas ... [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]
Review: First Flight Hobbies Corn Roc (2010-12-18)The Corn-Roc is a limited availability kit from First Flight Hobbies . Click through the page break for my review of this interesting oddroc. Brief: This is a seasonal oddroc based on a Styrofoam ear ... [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 - 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 - 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: The Whole Enchilada (2010-12-28)The Whole Enchilada "The rocket that is the meal!" The idea for The Whole Enchilada came into being one Sunday afternoon while cleaning out the frig. We had leftover tortillas that had ... [Read More]
Reviews: Recycled daiquiri glasses from Las Vegas (2010-12-28)If you've ever been to Las Vegas, you couldn't have missed that about a quarter of the people wandering the Strip seem to be sipping on long plastic doohickeys filled with colored liquids. These ... [Read More]
Review: Public Missiles - Small Endeavour (2011-01-01)The Small Endeavour is a simple single stage rocket designed for G - I motors. It is based on PML's Quantum Tube, has a 38mm motor mount, uses piston ejection, and sports a cool split-fin design. ... [Read More]
Mega Review: Two MicroMaxx Monocopters and One Bi-Copter (2011-01-13)In 2002, I had become interested in monocopters and had MicroMaxx fever. So, why not a MicroMaxx Monocopter? I experimented with two versions. Art Applewhite took interest and said ... [Read More]
Review: Aardvark Rockets - AIM-4C Falcon (2011-01-19)Aardvark Rockets was a manufacturer of low and mid-power rockets. Most of their products were scale but they also had a few sport fliers. Their mid-power line was acquired from Blackhawk R&D. ... [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]
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]
Sport Rocketry July/August 2011 (2011-07-09)The issue starts with an series of articles on NARCON 2011, which was held in Seattle. As usual, there were a number of sessions I'd have liked to have attended: the 'Early Composite ... [Read More]
When model rockets attack real rockets... (2011-07-27)The following video is from the July 17th launch at the Goddard Space Flight Center's visitors center. The video shows a small model rocket kissing the slightly larger Thor Delta . ... [Read More]
Launch Report 2011-4 (2011-08-07)Location: GSFC Visitors Center ( NARHAMS ) Weather: clear, mid 90s, wind 0-5 MPH Total flights: Today - 10; YTD - 38 Total motors: Today - 10; YTD - 50 This is the first time I have attended one of ... [Read More]
A pair of launch site photos (2011-08-31)R2K posted this shot of the Pine Island, NY launch site after Irene. Rowboat required. Here's a photo of the Goddard Spaceflight Center showing the site of the monthly public launch ... [Read More]
Ramblings on my mind (2012-04-21)Despite having prepped 13 rockets for today's NARHAMS launch, I decided to stay home and work on the yard. It's supposed to rain everyday for about a week and I was busy all last week. I ... [Read More]
Links roundup (2012-05-09)Strangest Tanks in History, Part 1 - DRB Strangest Tanks in History, Part 2: First World War - DRB Oops! Air Force Drones Can Now (Accidentally) Spy on You - Wired Danger Room Frederick, ... [Read More]
Launch Report 2012-4 "Lucky 13" (2012-05-26)Location: Old National Pike Park, Mt. Airy, MD ( NARHAMS ) Weather: mostly sunny, hot (96 on the field!), wind 0-5 mph Total flights: Today - 13; YTD - 30 Total motors: Today - 13; YTD - 36 Motors ... [Read More]
Launch Report 2012-7 (2012-06-16)Location: Old National Pike Park, Mt. Airy, MD ( NARHAMS ECRM) Weather: sunny, high about 80, wind 0+ mph Total flights: Today - 11; YTD - 55 Total motors: Today - 12; YTD - 64 Motors by class ... [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]
Launch Report 2012-8 (2012-06-23)Location: Carroll County Agricultural Center, Westminster, MD ( NARHAMS ) Weather: scattered clouds, mid-80's, wind 0-5 mph Total flights: Today - 11; YTD - 66 Total motors: Today - 16; YTD - 80 ... [Read More]
Sport Rocketry, July/August 2012 (2012-07-09)This month's cover photo features Sather Ranum's awesome odd-roc named JayCoke Zero . Made from a Coke bottle shaped recycling bin and resembling a Jayhawk missile (kinda), the 110 lb ... [Read More]
Non-launch report (2012-09-22)This AM, I trekked up to Westminster for a NARHAMS site. The gates were locked! I waited 40 minutes and decided to head home to eat lunch with family. That means the custodian of the facility ... [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]
Goddard Hosts a Blast to the Past (2013-07-19)Goddard Hosts a Blast to the Past , a photo by NASA Goddard Space Flight Center on Flickr. NARHAMS members running on of the monthly public launches at NASA GSFC's Visitor's Center. Check out the ... [Read More]
This Is Not the Rocket You Are Looking For - and other progress (2013-07-21)After my alternate nose cone ideas didn't pan out, I proceeded to routing the Minion's whistle upward. On to the launch lug! I've also started painting the El Tubo Loco re-build and the Frankenstein ... [Read More]
Launch rockets from NASA Goddard and learn about the LADEE mission (2013-08-29)NASA's Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Environment Explorer (LADEE) in slated to launch from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport (Wallops Flight Facility) on September 6th atop an Orbital Sciences ... [Read More]
Launch Report 2013-8 (2013-09-28)Location: Carroll County Ag Center ( NARHAMS ) Weather: mid 60's, ground wind <5 mph, upper wind ???, cloudy Total flights: Today - 13; YTD - 51 Total motors: Today - 13; YTD - 54 Motors by ... [Read More]
Launch Report 2013-11 (air and water) (2013-12-19)Location: Da 'hood Weather: sunny, wind 0mph, temperature an unseasonable 50 Total flights: Today - 14; YTD - 71 Total motors: Today - 0; YTD - 90 Motors by class YTD: Water-4, Air-15, MMX-3, A-10, ... [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]
My compulsive rebuilding disorder manifested itself again! (2014-01-27)Well, while poking around and trying to decide what to build/modify next, I came across the carcass of an ill-fated modroc that I inherited. It was damaged when I got it but about all that was ... [Read More]
Launch Report 2014-4 (2014-04-19)Location: NARHAMS, Mt. Airy Weather: max temp. in high 50's, a few high clouds, gusty winds to 15mph Total flights: Today - 13; YTD - 28 Total motors: Today - 14; YTD - 33 Motors by class YTD: ... [Read More]
Launch Report 2014-9 (2014-06-28)Location: NARHAMS, Carroll County Ag Center Weather: 80's, 0-5mph, sunny Total flights: Today - 11; YTD - 72 Total motors: Today - 12; YTD - 61 Motors by class YTD: Water-17, MicroHybrid-1, MMX-1, ... [Read More]
Launch Report 2014-11 (2014-09-20)Location: NARHAMS, Mt Airy Weather: sunny, high of 84, wind 5-10 Total flights: Today - 9; YTD - 89 Total motors: Today - 9; YTD - 79 Motors by class YTD: H2O-17, uHybrid-1, MMX-1, A-3, B-6, C-16, ... [Read More]
Launch Report 2014-12 (2014-09-27)Location: NARHAMS, Ag Center Weather: perfect - sunny, mid 70's, wind 0+ Total flights: Today - 10; YTD - 99 Total motors: Today - 10; YTD - 89 Motors by class YTD: H2O-17, uHybrid-1, MMX-1, A-4, ... [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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