Getting back into the hobby

I would also recommend

This site will answer many questions, and give links to many vendor sites. When you have more time go to this is an extensive collection of the plans to most of the old rockets. I also have some links to look around on my web page at look under "links" Welcome back, and Happy Flying

Cool links! I'll study the plans, and see what I can find that I like. Neat pictures on your site, as well. You sure you have enough rockets? :-) How many DO you have, anyway? I don't remember seeing a count.

Eldred

Somebody's already suggested JimZ for plans for old (& not so old) Estes & Centuri kits & others. Balsa Maching Service (BMS) is an excellent, inexpensive source for nosecones, body tubes, transitions, centering rings & just about everything yoou'd need to build from JimZ plans. They can also custom turn nosecones & transitions. And they offer the great line of Edmonds gliders:

Semroc offers some well done kits of old: -- Richard "that ought to get him started" Hickok

Ok, thanks! I'll check those as well. With all these links, I may end up with a collection like Jim's...

Eldred

If you live in Detroit then you have a GREAT rocket shop near by....

Commonwealth Displays 12649 Dix-Toledo Road Southgate, MI 48195 Phone 734-282-1055

Website is at:

They have Everything from Estes/Quest to HPR and at good prices !

I live in Toledo, oHIo and Launch with TARS #639, a nice NAR affiliated club

Our website is: ToledoRocketry.com

------------------------------------- Jim Chambers NAR 80299 L1

------------------------------------- F.A.R.T. Friendly American Rocket Technologies Friendly American Rocket Team

------------------------------------- Cleverly Disguised As A Responsible Adult

-------------------------------------

Eldred,

If you are truly interested in the hobby check out Commonwealth Displays in Southgate on Dix road. Also...Just an FYI. The Jackson club has a launch this Saturday at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn...about an hours drive for me (live in Dearborn). We welcome flyers of all types and ages...My kids and I have been attending launches with this club for 4 or 5 years and have a blast. So if you got 'em (rockets and kids)....bring 'em (rockets and kids)....and fly 'em (rockets only!)....Seriously though...if you are inserted.in coming out to the launch...drop me a note off list...The Jackson Club Website is: wwwJMRConline.org..

Mark A Palmer TRA 08542 L3 JMRC Club Secretary

Hi Mark - Wow - Commonwealth has a lot of fans! That's a good sign... A couple of people sent me e-mail about the club launch at MIS. I may try to check that out. You've got mail.

Eldred

By all means come on out to MIS this Saturday. We fly everything from the rockets you remember (still have a few in my box from my younger days) to all the latest and greatest. Need a rocket? I'll loan you one. Need a motor? I'll give you one. Need some help? We can all do that. A great bunch of people. I stopped by a launch at MIS a couple of years ago and have been having a blast since.

Eldred,

I also invite you to visit FlisKits at

Welcome back to the hobby. A lot has happened and the hobby is as strong as ever!

jim

All of my kids had a period at around 3-5 years of age in which they didn't like the sound of even low powered engines. Letting them stand back aways helped. All of them also tended to get bored sooner than I did at a launch. The key, like most activities, is to watch out for when they get bored or frightened, and stop then.

Sam Midkiff

A better email address than the one given in the message header is: s m i d k i f f aaaat p u r d u e dottttt e d u

One club not mentioned is the Huron Valley Rocket Society:

Peter Alway

Saturn Press PO Box 3709 Ann Arbor, MI 48106-3709

scale data at:

Hi Eldred.

not sure how far south in Detroit you are. If you are, Toledo Area Rocket Society might work for you. One of their fields is in Bedford, Mi, right by Monroe. Take a peek at their website.

Reggie

Shecter"

Thanks!

Eldred

Anything soccer field size or better is good for A-C engine rockets

Estes Big Foot launch pad or any "starter kit" will be fine for small rockets. If you have any electronics, electrical experience you can make a mor sturdy launch system out of an extention cord (cut off the ends) and use the ends for a safety key, and put a push button door bell switch for launching. Micro-clips at one end for the rocket and small aligator clips at the other for the battery (I use a 6volt lantren battery

One way yes, but unless you have some inside information on how to control the wind. . . My suggestion would be to launch at the up-wind end of the field. If your rocket has large fins it will wind c*ck (turn into the wind) so tilt the launch rod in the direction of the wind. the rocket will turn towards the wind making it fly higher. If the rocket has very small fins then launch it straight up. Never launch in high winds. just a moderate breeze.

There are alot of kits from many companies. You can even get pre-built rockets at estate auctions and on E-bay Make use of the web and you can have loads of fun for low costs.

You're welcome :-)

snip

Am I the only one that can't see the original post?

Randy

yep

All us Charter users must have missed out...go figure.

John

You haven't missed much.