Rocketry Club: Tripoli Tampa Rocketry Association
Model Rocket Building: LAUNCH! TTRA Tampa, Florida January 15, 2011 (2011-01-17)This was my first time flying with the Tampa Tripoli Rocketry Association. Roger Smith drove me and and all the rockets to the site located near Plant City, FL. It was a great sized field with ... [Read More]
Model Rocket Building: Tampa Area T.T.R.A. Launch February 19, 2011 (2011-02-20)Here's just a few of the spectators that came out to watch the rockets fly yesterday at the T.T.R.A. Tampa launch. I've never liked the term " rocketeer ". Terry Johnson hit the nail on the head by ... [Read More]
Model Rocket Building: LAUNCH! TTRA Tampa, May 21, 2011 (2011-05-22)To be honest - the low power pads at the TTRA launches could use some repair. While waiting for the only two available LPR pads, the line was cut into and crowded by a dozen enthusiastic boy scouts. ... [Read More]
Model Rocket Building: LAUNCH! Tampa TTRA September 17, 2011 (2011-09-19)This weekend was the Buccaneer Blast at the Tampa TTRA monthly launch. It's a two day event, Saturday was the regular club launch, Sunday was for research. We arrived around noon. There was a typical ... [Read More]
Model Rocket Building: LAUNCH! TTRA Tampa, FL October 15, 2011 (2011-10-16)October 15th is the first day when the Summer heat seems to let up a bit. Humidity was low and comfortable, but the winds were gusting up to 15 mph. Here's John Mack's TRI-LATERAL chad staged model. ... [Read More]
Model Rocket Building: LAUNCH! Tampa TTRA December 17, 2011 (2011-12-18)Robert Synoski flew his upscaled BIG BERTHA with a Gorilla K1185. He estimated the altitude to be between 2,000 and 3,000 feet. This was a well done build with vinyl by StickerShock. Enlarge the ... [Read More]
Model Rocket Building: Launch! Tampa TTRA January 19, 2013 (2013-01-20)I had great success yesterday at the Tampa TTRA launch. Nobody knew what to expect weather wise, we knew there would be wind. Throughout the day there were wind gusts, up to 20 m.p.h. PIGASUS! ... [Read More]
Model Rocket Building: Launch Tampa TTRA February 16, 2013 (2013-02-17)Crowds were smaller this week, some stayed home after checking the wind and weather predictions. When I arrived at the Plant City launch site at 10:30 a.m.the winds were starting to pick up. ... [Read More]
Model Rocket Building: Launch Tampa TTRA April 20, 2013 (2013-04-21)I almost didn't go to the Tampa TTRA launch today. There was a 40% chance of rain in the forecast. Driving out of Orlando the cloud cover was low and thick. I was told my Big Girtha model (lost two ... [Read More]
Model Rocket Building: Launch! Tampa TTRA June 15, 2013 (2013-06-16)The Tampa TTRA flying field was overcast with a good chance of rain. After a short delay, flying started around noon. The BIG GIRTHA ( Re-Birtha! ) just finished on this blog was flown with ... [Read More]
DTH Rocket Blog: Exporter 2000 Achieves Purple Ribbon! (2008-09-02)Over the labor day weekend I brought Exporter 2000 to the MN State Fair to be judged in 4H. I worked hard on putting together an attractive display and put as much into it as I could. The judge ... [Read More]
Rocket Dungeon: The building or the spaceship? (updated...twice) (2008-12-19)IO9 has posted gallery of buildings that look like famous spaceships . I couldn't help capturing this saucer-shaped building , which is near Hueco Tanks State Park outside of El Paso. There was a ... [Read More]
Bayourat Aerospace Blog: Google Satellite Tracker (2009-03-10)Check Out the Space Station on Google Sat. Tracker Today's spacewalk outside the space station completed successfully. http://tinyurl.com/bloqs4 [Read More]
Rocket Dungeon: Nozzle? We don't need no steenkin' nozzle! (Update) (2009-09-25)Although I can't quote any equations, I've read several overviews of how rocket nozzles work , specifically the standard de Laval variety, and generally understand concepts like expansion ratios. At ... [Read More]
Randy's Rocketry Blog: 2.375" Motor Update (2009-10-20)I've been talking with Magnus from AIR recently about this motor and he has convinced me to use erythitol based propellant. I first heard about erythitol on Scott Fintel's site and the biggest ... [Read More]
High Power Rocketry: Airborne ABM system test (2010-02-12)"For the first time the U.S. military has shot down a ballistic missile with an airbourne laser beam. The experiment, conducted off the California coast, was to demonstrate the future of defence ... [Read More]
Greg Smith's Blog: Der Red Mix's attractive derriere. Oui, no? (2010-05-31)I JB welded all the motor retainers on last night then dumped in a layer of West Systems epoxy + white pigment on the bottom plate to improve the aesthetics... at least before the first flight chars ... [Read More]
DTH Rocket Blog: Just Passed 50,000 Hits on YouTube (2010-08-10)I think I've been doing pretty well on YouTube. My 27 uploaded videos have been viewed cumulatively over 50,000 times now, and I have attracted 34 subscribers. My highest viewed video has over ... [Read More]
Rocket Dungeon: Orbital mechanics awesomeness (updated) (2010-09-14)This is an illustration of the ARTEMIS-P1 libration orbits. The ARTEMIS (Acceleration, Reconnection, Turbulence and Electrodynamics of the Moon?s Interaction with the Sun) mission uses two of the ... [Read More]
High Power Rocketry: Model rockets used to attract lightning (2010-09-20)"The Betts lightning rocket patented in 2003 consists of a rocket launcher that is in communication with a detection device that measures the presence of electrostatic and ionic change in close ... [Read More]
Rocket Dungeon: The Betts lightning rocket (2010-09-20)Fellow rocket blogger R2K found this excellent video of model-sized rockets being used to attract/guide lightning strikes. Unlike some other systems, these do not use a guide line but rather expel a ... [Read More]
High Power Rocketry: Inventing death: Interview with a (maybe) CIA weapons designer (2010-09-23)The following is a playboy article By Laurence Gonzilles. There are plenty of reasons to wonder if this information is factual, but it does contain a discussion of some relevant ballistics ... [Read More]
DTH Rocket Blog: Speech Recognition Troubles (2010-12-29)Somebody can't come up a hot tip of Baja hot spots to protect the bond does the courage to the public can call toll T2 PP pop up all below are all now that a scale of the downside schedule as a nose ... [Read More]
Rocket Dungeon: Mega Review: Component Reviews (2011-01-13)This is an aggregation of all my old EMRR reviews of miscellaneous components: Giant Leap Rocketry - Honeycomb Composite Fins Giant Leap Rocketry - Slimline Retainer (38mm) Hartle Engineering - Solid ... [Read More]
Alex Zoghlin's Blog: AV-BAY (2011-01-25)This may sound strange, but one of the main reasons I was attracted to this kit was the TRIAD AV-BAY with three separate 2.5” x 8” sealed bays for electronics. Electronics are one of my ... [Read More]
Model Rocket Building: Model Profile - Jimmy Yawn's Ornate Rocket (2011-01-26)That's Jimmy Yawn at the last Tampa TTRA launch. Jimmy takes great video and pictures for the Bunnell and Tampa, Florida launches. He's holding the "Metamorphose" a ... [Read More]
Model Rocket Building: TIP! Engine Marking Idea (2011-01-28)This wasn't my idea, I wish I could give credit where it is due. At the last TTRA launch I saw a Estes igniter tape strip marked with the engine type. What a simple, smart idea! ... [Read More]
Rocket Dungeon: Review: Loki 38mm Motor System (2011-01-28)This is a review of Loki 's 38mm line, circa mid-2005. Loki Research has been manufacturing EX hardware since 2001 and has had a hand in some of the largest projects flown over the past few years. ... [Read More]
Model Rocket Building: TTRA Tampa LAUNCH! April 16, 2011 (2011-04-17)Here's the official wind speed indicator of the day. Judging by the turned back ears on Q.T., the winds were 15 - 20 m.p.h. PIGASUS! made it's Tampa debut flying true with a Estes C6-5. The picture ... [Read More]
Model Rocket Building: MX-774 Fix! (2011-05-27)A while back, Bradycros on TRF referred me to some MX-774 scale plans. Every picture I'd seen showed the small squares at the rear of the fins as black. Of course they were black, every picture of ... [Read More]
High Power Rocketry: Jupiter C (Juno 1) reentry test (2011-06-01)I suspect this was either Jupiter C RS-34 or RS-40, each the launch of a scale-model reentry vehicle to test this rocket as a ballistic missile. If correct, the launch date would be sometime in mid ... [Read More]
Model Rocket Building: Stellar Dimensions Xanadune Part 1 Parts (2011-06-14)I picked this kit up for $10.00 at the May TTRA Tampa launch. I'd seen a few on EBAY, but never closeup. Stellar Dimensions is no longer in business, they had a half dozen kits in production in ... [Read More]
Bayourat Aerospace Blog: Out Of Control Satellite Will Probably Miss The United States (2011-09-22)UARS RE-ENTRY UPDATE: NASA's massive UARS satellite remains on track to re-enter Earth's atmosphere during the late hours of Sept. 23rd. The fireball will probably miss North America, according ... [Read More]
Model Rocket Building: Raisin' Maize FINISHED! (2011-09-26)This was a fun break from the norm. After the pictures were taken, it was prepped with a A10-3t engine, the only engine I would use in it. The Raisin' Maise has been flown twice. First as a test ... [Read More]
RocketReviews.com Blog: TTRA September Launch Photographs (2011-10-05)My photographs from the September, 2011, TTRA launch have been added to the RocketReviews.com Photo Album. [Read More]
Model Rocket Building: Tampa TTRA Launch November 19. 2011 (2011-11-21)I almost didn't go to the Tampa TTRA launch today. I had a evening show scheduled and realized the venue was only ten miles from the TTRA site! So, it was a launch in the afternoon then banjos at ... [Read More]
Rocket Dungeon: Holiday cheer from Verna and Randy (2011-12-01)This month, Verna and Randy take you from the North Pole to Mukluk Land and present images of a V2 over the UK. Your mileage may vary because the update is not formally announced. They ... [Read More]
Bayourat Aerospace Blog: Orion, Our Future Spacecraft Undergoes Simulated Space Testing (2011-12-02)It's not every day that America designs an entirely new spacecraft. Rarer still is the creation of a vehicle that can carry man, not just machine, beyond the earth's gravitational pull. In the ... [Read More]
Model Rocket Building: Quest Tomahawk SLCM Build Part 14 Air Scoop (2012-01-04)From the kit bag, the air scoop was printed on thin cardstock. Too thin for me. I scanned and reprinted it on 110 lb. cardstock. Still, I felt it needed to be a bit thicker. I always print off a ... [Read More]
RocketReviews.com Blog: Photos from the January, 2012, Tampa Tripoli Rocket Launch (2012-01-22)The year started off great for TTRA with nice weather for the first launch of the year. The day began with light winds and a mostly-clear sky. As clouds moved in later, the wind ... [Read More]
Model Rocket Building: Tampa TTRA Launch January 21, 2012 (2012-01-23)My small car as loaded down in preparation for a show in nearby Dade City. I flew as many as possible before leaving at 2:45 p.m. Here's some highlights of the Tampa TTRA launch last Saturday - ... [Read More]
High Power Rocketry: A Realistic Interstellar Explorer (2012-01-30)1.0 Introduction "For more than 20 years, an “Interstellar Precursor Mission” has been discussed as a high priority for our understanding (1) the interstellar medium and its implications ... [Read More]
Model Rocket Building: Tampa TTRA Launch, February 18, 2012 (2012-02-19)I almost didn't make the drive to the Tampa TTRA launch on Saturday. Back in Orlando there was low cloud cover and a 50% chance of rain predicted for the afternoon. I had visions of my car stuck ... [Read More]
RocketReviews.com Blog: TTRA’s March Launch (2012-03-18)I had nothing to fly, but decided to attend the March TTRA launch as a spectator. And it turned out to be a great day for watching rockets fly. Can you ask for more than a bright, blue ... [Read More]
Model Rocket Building: Tampa TTRA Launch March 17, 2012 (2012-03-19)You can see how many cars were lined up for the Tampa TTRA launch on March 17. Sorry, no launch shots yet! Lonnie Buchanon preps his new, larger Angry Bird for a drag race with my PIGASUS . Both had ... [Read More]
Model Rocket Building: Tampa TTRA Launch Pictures, March 17, 2012 (2012-03-27)Roger Smith (JonRocket.com and RocketReviews.com) took some great pictures at the last Tampa TTRA launch. While this blog concentrates on LPR rocketry, Roger took many more pictures of Low, Mid and ... [Read More]
Rocket Dungeon: The 'Fremont Experience' is cool, but this would have been friggin' awesome (2012-04-07)Back in 1992, there were plans for a FULL SIZED replica of the Star Ship Enterprise in downtown Las Vegas, including all the key rooms and areas from the original series. The Vegas ... [Read More]
Bayourat Aerospace Blog: Attention All Rocket Scientist! $3 Million Nano-Sat Challenge Announcement. (2012-04-22)Space Florida established the Space Florida Small Satellite Research Center (SFSSRC) as a non-profit entity to support sponsored research efforts in small satellite utilization and to conduct the ... [Read More]
RocketReviews.com Blog: Photo Album T-Shirts, Posters, Postage Stamps, and More …. (2012-04-23)When viewing an image in the RocketReviews.com Photo Album, you may see a link under “What You Can Do” for ordering a t-shirt, printed photo, poster, genuine US postage stamp, or other ... [Read More]
High Power Rocketry: Cotronics epoxy and ceramic adhesives (2012-04-26)As high-end hobby rockets begin to exceed mach 3, and in a few cases even probe the lower hypersonic regime, good conventional epoxies like aeropoxy may not be enough. For certain rocket ... [Read More]
Model Rocket Building: Grand Turk Mercury Exhibit (2012-05-10)On my recent cruise through the Panama Canal I got off the ship to walk the stores at Grand Turk, the capital of the Caicos Islands. Just above the line of palm trees I saw something that looked ... [Read More]
JonRocket.com: We Are Planning to Be at the June 16 TTRA Launch (2012-06-15)The weather forcast for Saturday, June 16, 2012, is looking good and JonRocket.com plans on attending the TTRA launch near Plant City, FL, on that day. The launch is a two-day affair this ... [Read More]
Model Rocket Building: Tampa TTRA Launch July 21, 2012 (2012-07-22)It was HOT today in Plant City, Florida at the monthly Tampa TTRA launch. Hot enough to where you'd rather sit under the shade of a tent than chase rockets. Here's my RED MAX waiting for a ... [Read More]
High Power Rocketry: Colorado > than NY? (2012-08-02)Up-Ship.com recently suggested as much. Right after the latest of several mass shootings in CO. Why does he say so? Well because people in Colorado went out after ... [Read More]
Model Rocket Building: Tampa TTRA Launch December 15, 2012 (2012-12-16)I drove to Oviedo, FL (JonRocket.com Headquarters) to pick up Roger Smith. He had a new camera and put it to good use today! Still pictures are mine, all action shots were taken by Roger. Roger's ... [Read More]
Model Rocket Building: V2 Recovered! (2012-12-17)Well, Merry Christmas to me! I was gone for a month since my V2 landed in a tall tree at November's R.O.C.K. launch. While I'd given up on getting it back, I didn't know that other members of the ... [Read More]
Orlando Rocketry: TTRA’s December, 2012, Launch (2012-12-17)The fog evaporated to reveal overcast skies as we arrived at the Varn farm for TTRA’s December launch. But, it didn’t take long for the sky to clear. Maybe it’s because we started ... [Read More]
Model Rocket Building: Tampa TTRA Launch Pics Jan. 19, 2013 (2013-01-21)Roger Smith has posted great pictures from the Tampa TTRA launch from January 19, 2013. You can see them at: http://www.rocketreviews.com/january-2013-8172.html On the left is the Quest Aerospace ... [Read More]
Model Rocket Building: New Cameras! (2013-02-12)I finally bought a key chain camera at the last Tampa TTRA launch. It's amazing that a Estes Cineroc sold for $19.95 back in the 1970s. This keychain camera sold for $20.00 in 2013! Digital ... [Read More]
Model Rocket Building: No Launch! Saturday, March 16, 2013 (2013-03-17)I walked over to the soccer field about 7:00 a.m. Here's what was waiting for me - Soccer players and sprinklers! The parking lot was full of cars which leads me to believe the men on the ... [Read More]
Model Rocket Building: Big Girtha Recovered! (2013-04-22)Two emails told me my Big Girtha model had been recovered after being lost in February at the Tampa TTRA field. One email said to expect water damage. The tube was swelled a bit, but it ... [Read More]
Model Rocket Building: Big Girtha Autopsy (2013-05-30)If you missed the earlier post about my "lost" Big Girtha - The Big Girtha is a 2 engine cluster Big Bertha built from a Quest Big Betty kit. At the February Tampa TTRA launch it drifted away after ... [Read More]
RocketReviews.com Blog: A Sneak Peak at the Flight Log Updates (2013-06-07)Here’s a quick sneak peak at the new form that I am currently developing for entering flights. Please click the image if you wish to see it full size. The first thing you that ... [Read More]
Model Rocket Building: The Big Fix! - Scavenger (2013-06-11)After a hard landing at the May NEFAR launch, the Scavenger needs a new upper tube. The ejection charge pushed off the nose cone but not the parachute. This should be any easy repair. I've ... [Read More]
Model Rocket Building: Big Girtha Build Finished (2013-06-15)The re-built Big Girtha is ready for flight, ready for today's Tampa TTRA launch, June 15, 2013! Changes from the first version: Five red barber pole stripes instead of four A slightly ... [Read More]
Orlando Rocketry: June Rocket Launches: ROCK and TTRA (2013-06-16)Weather is often a concern for rocket launches here in Central Florida during late Spring and Summer. High winds and afternoon thunderstorms are common. But, we were fortunate the past ... [Read More]
Model Rocket Building: The Big Girtha Saga! (2013-06-19)My original Big Girtha was a two engine cluster built using most of the parts from a Quest Big Betty kit. I'd flown it a few times before losing it at a TTRA launch. On February 16 it was windy ... [Read More]
RocketReviews.com Blog: The Coolest Hobby Rocket of All Time (2013-07-08)I just posted a blog entry at PayloadBay.com about the University High School Space Shuttle. The space shuttle model stood about five-foot tall and flew on an I motor. Unlike every other flying ... [Read More]
Model Rocket Building: Pitsco Model Rocket Tube Wrap Video (2014-03-03)Bill Eichelberger (A Fish Named Wallyum on TRF) posted about a Pitsco model rocket kit he found. To make the body tube, his Pitsco kit has you wrap gummed tape around a clear tube mandrel. ... [Read More]
Model Rocket Building: Tampa TTRA Launch, March 15, 2014 (2014-03-17)I don't make the drive over to the Tampa TTRA launches very often. I had a show that evening in nearby Davenport, Florida. TTRA only has three working LPR pads. If the Scouts show up, those three ... [Read More]
Waterloo Rocketry Team: First Day: Presentations (2014-06-25)First day of the competition! All the teams must give a short presentation to the judges to introduce the rocket. As one of the only Canadian teams, and with one of the only hybrid rockets at ... [Read More]
Model Rocket Building: A Gift from Bill G! (2014-07-07)You meet great people at club launches. This is Bill Gibson. I met him at a Tampa TTRA launch a few years ago. A great builder and flyer. Bill was the first person I'd seen that marked the engine ... [Read More]
Wayne Hill's Blog: New Type of Propulsion Validated (2014-08-01)NASA has validated a new type of propulsion called the Emdrive. This type of Microwave induced propulsion requires no on-board propellant. So you can see why this would be an attractive alternative ... [Read More]
Model Rocket Building: Asking Permission Might Be A Good Start! (2015-01-30)If you follow the blog, you might recognize this rocket. It's my two engine cluster model called the Big Girtha. It was adapted from a Quest Big Betty kit. I took this picture before it was ... [Read More]
Rich's Rockets: Tourist attraction (2015-02-10)From a 5 Feb WSJ article, “Best Side Trips When You’re in Dallas”: At the Rough Creek Lodge, an 11,000-acre luxury resort about 30 minutes away, you can ride a zip-line, swing a ... [Read More]
Orlando Rocketry: February TTRA Launch Cancelled (2015-02-20)The February 21, 2015, TTRA launch has been cancelled due to wet field conditions. [Read More]
Odd'l Rockets: A Note on the Pigasus and Little Green Man (2015-07-31)No doubt about it - These are the most popular kits in the Odd'l Rockets lineup. The kits sell to all age groups, but some are bought by kids. Younger flyers are attracted to the bright ... [Read More]
Odd'l Rockets: What's In A Name? (2015-10-29)I've been asked before, "Why the name, Odd'l Rockets?" I had always been attracted to Odd-Ball rockets ever since I made a Sputnik-Too back in 1970. It was a perfect small field flyer. I remember ... [Read More]
Rocket N00b: Astron Sprint XL (Clone) - Finished! (2016-03-19)I'm taking a break from my series on repairs, simulations, etc. - all the good stuff I got from the failed flight of the Quest Magnum Sport Loader - to show off my new rocket. After months of working ... [Read More]
Rocketeer's Corner: At season's end... (2016-04-03)Jurassic TARC preps their final flight of the season (Click to enlarge). Today saw the last of this year's TARC qualification flights at Pegasus field - tomorrow is the deadline for all scores at ... [Read More]
Blast From The Past: BAR Fleet #120 - Viking (2019-05-13)Source: Estes Industries Kit #: 001949 Type: Sport Model Stages: Single Engine Type: ... [Read More]
Thrifty Rocketeer: PONG alert! (2020-05-13)The Thrifty Rocketeer blog continues... Never let it be said that the ol' Thrifty Rocketeer doesn't enjoy a bargain. While I'm not in the habit of being a shill for any particular company, I do ... [Read More]
Blast From The Past: BAR Fleet #127 - Cherokee-E (2020-07-15)Source: Estes Industries #2408 Type: Sport Model Stages: Single Engine Type: 24mm Recovery: Parachute Length: 74.8cm (29.5in) Diameter: 34mm (1.33in) Weight ... [Read More]
Model Rocket Building: MetalSpeck Look? (2020-08-09)On TRF, ManixFan (Tony) posted this: "Here's another Dupli-Color metal look paint I really like:" METALCAST Anodized Automotive Paint - Duplicolor "You spray it over a silver 'anodized' base coat ... [Read More]
Blast From The Past: Ditch The Decor?? (2020-08-31)Last night, I read an interesting thread in the Model Rocketry History category of Ye Olde Rocketry Forum. The late Mike Dorffler, long-time Estes R&D designer, lamented about how many ... [Read More]
Thrifty Rocketeer: Edmund Aerospace Legacy (2020-10-07)The Thrifty Rocketeer blog continues... About five years or so ago, a short while after I got into this hobby, I saw a person fly a glider at a club launch, and was immediately interested to ... [Read More]
Rocketeer's Corner: Lightning is coming! (2020-10-12)Last year Quest/Aerotech released their line of 18mm Q-Jet composite motors, which were a welcome addition to the stable of model rocketry power plants. The C12, at 9.8 newton-seconds, is a full C ... [Read More]
Thrifty Rocketeer: Rocket Around the Christmas Tree (2020-12-19)The Thrifty Rocketeer blog continues... First, I do not speak for the National Association of Rocketry , nor any other major rocketry group. Second, who am I to express an opinion on this short TV ... [Read More]
Thrifty Rocketeer: TAZZ (2022-10-04)The Thrifty Rocketeer blog continues... So it's another Wednesday night and I'm bored, so I do what I usually do when I have time on my hands and 10 days til the next club launch.... I drive ... [Read More]
Thrifty Rocketeer: The Dud (2022-11-26)The Thrifty Rocketeer blog continues... A couple of years ago, when our local rocket club decided to help "pay it forward" or "sow the seeds" of our hobby in the new generation, we agreed to ... [Read More]
Thrifty Rocketeer: Glue Threads & Other Delights (2023-01-01)The Thrifty Rocketeer blog continues... Whenever I need a collective title, or maybe something a bit tongue in cheek, I fall back on the old Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Band album title, ... [Read More]
Blast From The Past: Launch Date: April 17th, 2023 (2023-04-20)Great weather conditions in Castle Rock this past Monday marked the first group launch of 2023 among members of our ever-growing Front Range rocketry 'gang'. This day I was joined at Founders Park ... [Read More]
Blast From The Past: More Progress On The Deltie AirSLOW... (2023-04-29)I've added some steps to this build that don't appear in the original kit instructions. First off, some CWF is applied to all of the small gaps in the wing and fuselage joints, then ... [Read More]
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