New Lauch Pad Company

Interesting....they look just like Jim Ball's Yellowjacket Launch System pads, even down to the color scheme.

Mike Fisher

Yes, I also noticed an amazing similarity to Jim Ball's Yellowjacket launch pad (even down to the color scheme). -- Richard "hmmm..." Hickok

There is no issue with you making a launch pad for yourself. This is not really any different than building yourself a clone of an Estes OOP kit, or even a clone of a currently available HPR kit. For you to start a company with the intent of selling that clone is another matter. I have suspended operations, not quit. Nor have I gave up my rights to the designs.

Jim Ball Yellowjacket Launch Systems

It seems that it's not an exact copy. No harm no foul. There are many pads out there and if someone decides to build one they usually take what they like from several and go with it. I think the original Y/J pad is over priced. Most pads are over priced. There are much more simple designs out there that will launch twice the weight for 1/3 of the price and can be built easier and cheaper for the do-it-yourself types. McMaster Carr has the nice tie-rod end pieces to make the tilt adjustment piece used on both.

Talk to your conscience too, Vic. Painting it yellow and black seems kinda sleazy to me. (No offense, Jim!)

steve

Are they exactly copying the propellant formulations, no. What are they 'stealing' then?

Joel. phx

Nothing?

I looked at the pictures from both web sites. If you look closely, they aren't close enough for me to consider it a copy. Stacked pillow block & yellow paint are about the extent of what I see.

From the pictures, I like YJ leveling pads & it looks like the legs fold up nicely. Also, it looks like it has a nice adjustable standoff.

The other one seems to have a nicer blast plat arrangement.

Featurewise, the Yellow Jacket does look nicer to me. When will the Yellow Jackets be made again? The web site say late 2003 or early

Jim - I think people will be more likely to buy yours if you make them. There is still a need. If you don't make launch pads, people have to go somewhere.

What's so duh about that? If Jim made them but brand V was a better product or significantly cheaper in the mind of the buyer, I wouldn't count on it being a no brainer. The mind of the buyer is the key.