Kevin, LDRS is a big venue that is a HUGE launch, but a better choice than BALLS for the kids, at least in my estimation.

I say this for a number of reasons. First of all, nearly everything at BALLS is way pushing the envelope. Folks get extreme there because they can. The "R" hybrid I was referring to above was real. It did detonate, and yes I was very scared for a bit, even though I was a long ways away. Not only big motors, but pushing the limit on everything else...

At LDRS you will have typically smaller, but still pretty substantial stuff... and civilization nearby just in case you need a doc or grub or whatever. LDRS is a much better choice, IMHO. It is also worth noting that while EX motors are typically quite safe, the loads flown during most of the LDRS launch are certified (no offense intended to my many capable EX friends!)

One suggestion - make Joe aware of how many kids may be in attendance at MHM. It helps to know if there will be a larger contingent of kids, what day, etc. I know he will appreciate it.

JW

Kevin, LDRS is a big venue that is a HUGE launch, but a better choice than BALLS for the kids, at least in my estimation.

I say this for a number of reasons. First of all, nearly everything at BALLS is way pushing the envelope. Folks get extreme there because they can. The "R" hybrid I was referring to above was real. It did detonate, and yes I was very scared for a bit, even though I was a long ways away. Not only big motors, but pushing the limit on everything else...

At LDRS you will have typically smaller, but still pretty substantial stuff... and civilization nearby just in case you need a doc or grub or whatever. LDRS is a much better choice, IMHO. It is also worth noting that while EX motors are typically quite safe, the loads flown during most of the LDRS launch are certified (no offense intended to my many capable EX friends!)

One suggestion - make Joe aware of how many kids may be in attendance at MHM. It helps to know if there will be a larger contingent of kids, what day, etc. I know he will appreciate it.

JW

Jw is correct LDRS is a HUGE launch and would be a WAY better choice for kids then BALLS.

Things are less extreme then BALLS, But if I were looking to take some scouts to a launch that have never been before I would do MHM or OF as a good break in experience. We have lots of flights that involve them and also have some larger projects and motors as well. To me a much friendlier family environment for younger kids then either LDRS or BALLS. Not saying that LDRS is bad or not a place to take them just a much more different experience right off the bat.

The biggest things on LDRS is that they do have some much larger projects and they are becoming more common. Last years event had several 20 to 35 ft tall several 100lb rocket projects that flew in the N to P range class of impulse and they do have Research days as well. Last years LDRS would be one that I probably wouldn't have chosen to take a scout group to due to where it was. Jean Nv. It was dirty, Hot and unfriendly with wind and sand storms. Did I mention Hot.. July in NV is 110 to 125 degrees. This year will be a bit better. Its later in the year and its in Argonia Ks. They event staff there is also top notch and put on a great LDRS.

And no worries JW no offense taken.. 😉

OK, Thanks for the advice. If they do end up going to LDRS it was going to be family camp where we have 1 or more adult per boy. I will put the fear of God in to them if we do end up going.

For MHM we are probably going to end up with 6-7 boys max in the 13-18 age range. We have a very small troop at the moment, but they are very exicited about rocketry. I've already ran a few troop launches where we practice the same launch type rules as NCR so the format will not be too foriegn to them. I might try to drag a few of them (and their parents) to a launch with me between now and MHM. I already got at least 2 of the new Dad's coming in this year jazzed about Rocketry and the NCR club.

Kevin

8) Kevin, I talked to a friend over in Kansas who has been with Kloudbuster longer than dirt. He says to bring all the scouts you wish. They are more than welcome, they will have a great time. They can camp onsight (very rough) but he advised to try the Argona River Park. 8miles to the site, has hookups and showers. Large shade trees, lots of room for tents, river to swim and fish in. I can get more info if you or others want, just PM me. Hope this helps. 8)

Last years LDRS would be one that I probably wouldn't have chosen to take a scout group to due to where it was. Jean Nv. It was dirty, Hot and unfriendly with wind and sand storms. Did I mention Hot.. July in NV is 110 to 125 degrees. This year will be a bit better. Its later in the year and its in Argonia Ks. They event staff there is also top notch and put on a great LDRS.

Argonia can be as hot and as dirty, just a different dirt and a different heat. I have been to Argonia several times and you definitely do not want to skip any showers. It also is a place you will also need lots of water and shade. I would think if you asked a few rocketeers you will hear a lot of then say that Argonia was one of if not the hottest place ever to have an LDRS. Last year was the hottest wind filled with dirt, not sure how it compares but we will try to determine this year. the flying field is nice but walking through plowed fields is a tough chore, wear sturdy shoes and bring lots of water.

Dunno if I'll attend Balls this year. I think if I do go, it would be for XPRS or ARLISS which I think are better launches with more going on.

Having lived in Nevada for 17 years and attending two to three black rock launches including Balls for the last 13 years, I really would rather not see kids, families or the general public at EX launches there such as Balls. That said, EX has come a long way. In the beginning when I attended I'd say over 50% of motors would fail... and given many where all metal rockets, its just not a place you want to bring any spectators just for safety reasons. I suppose if they built a bunker for the public to sit in it might be a different story. That said, today, EX has a much much better success rate. My last Balls launch has perhaps a 10% failure rate and is almost at a level to where I'd feel comfortable having spectators there. Given that most of the launches in our hobby are family oriented, there are a variety of other launches which are great for kids, friends and family. I'd highly recommend the XPRS or ARLISS launches for families and friends. Both take place at Black Rock and I having attended all of the above many times, I feel they would just be more interesting and fun for these groups. Balls, for those who've never been, has only a handful of rockets that launch each day. You can sit for over an hour between flights and can be pretty yucky there. In contrast, XPRS will have a rocket going up every couple mins or less.

ps. my own little plug for XPRS... I named that launch... notice the Xtreme in the name? LOL

ps. my own little plug for XPRS... I named that launch... notice the Xtreme in the name? LOL

Nice 🙂

Art

My dad and I will be attending hopefully. If not many NCR people are going out then we probably wont. Its one heck of a place out there, but you have to think of saftly before fun.

I heard on some thread, on some forum that Ken Plattner was planning on going 😉

Oh, heck, I guess I am planning on it too. Yah, I will be going, it is about time I go to Balls I guess.

Doug might be going. Doug, were we thinking of going to Balls with the rocket?

Art

I guess so since they won't let it fly at Argonia for LDRS 27. It has to survive its maiden flight at MHM first.

Doug

What's this? Something they won't let you fly at LDRS? At MHM? I'm there!

By the way Doug, I wanted to ask you if I can fly off your pad at MHM - probably Friday.

Warren

Yea, they won't let any rocket fly with any "exposed" aluminum. It can have aluminum fin cans, nose tips, etc, but it must be painted. Of course no aluminum airframes but painting an aluminum piece that can be polished to nice bright shiny finish is just wrong.

Sorry but the pad has already been spoken for.

Doug