Lost in Action

This season I have not had any CATOs or any disasters I couldn't fix. I only lost two rockets, both at School Street in Acton. I didn't even lose anything at Nara Field. All in all I can't complain. Just think about how many Maxi Der Red Maxx CATOs we have seen or how many rockets went into the trees at Nara Field.

In both cases I have been able to replace the lost rockets. The first loss was a scratch build from parts that Boris gave me. With more spare parts and a couple of balsa items from Flis Kits I was able to build a replacement. The second one was an Estes Hornet that I really liked and is out of production. There is only one other Hornet that I have seen at a CMASS launch. Once again with spare parts from Boris and a balsa nosecone from Estes, I have rebuilt the rocket. Not to mention I found a Hornet kit online at AC Supply.

If anyone has watched the Discovery Rocket Challenge from the 2003 LDRS there was a scene where Tim Lehr's "The Beast" came crashing to the ground when the chute did not open. This was an $8,000 rocket. He said if it was easy then anybody could do it and it would not be as much fun. There is always a sense of excitement and accomplishment when your rocket's engine ignites, it leaps off the pad and returns safely to the Earth. We choose rocketry as a hobby not because it is easy but because it is hard. (Thank you JFK).

I tend to get emotionally attached to some of the rockets that I have had for a long time. There are some fond memories of those that I have built with my kids or memories from past launches. I don't feel as bad losing a rocket that I have had for a short time like the ones I lost this year. I can replace those but I can't replace the memories of the older members of the fleet.

Share your thoughts and feelings about rocketry disasters and lost rockets. Has Tony V. ever lost a rocket?

I watch videos of launches that take place in desert areas with not a tree or any other obstruction in site. I imagine you are less likely to lose a rocket in that environment, especially if you have a tracking device on board. For single deploy launches what are the variables? Engine size, launch angle and chute size.

Has Tony V. ever lost a rocket?

Oh, I've lost more than I can count over the years.

It must really be heart breaking when you lose one because you put so much effort into the finish. Would you believe I am heading out to buy some primer and paint for my replacement Hornet? Kenn won't believe it is my rocket he sees it on the pad.