From: cdt@sw.stratus.com (C. D. Tavares)
Newsgroups: rec.models.rockets
Subject: Re: Fuse
Date: 10 Apr 92 16:46:37 GMT
Organization: Stratus Computer, Inc.

In article <1992Apr10.141929.16373@cbfsb.cb.att.com>, hrbob@cbnewsb.cb.att.com (robert.e.wiersbe) writes:
> I've often wondered why hobby shops put the fuse by the model rockets since it
> is against the NAR safety code.

The sad answer is that they don't know shit.  They don't know it's against
the law.  They don't know it's against the Safety Code.  They wouldn't
recognize either if it bit them.  We have hobby shops up here in MA who
have been selling AeroTech G's in total ignorance that the state has
banned them as fireworks.  When told, they are amazed.  Face it, most
hobby store owners do not really follow the hobby, they just sell it.

In fact, one company who MADE the fuse used to put on the label "For 
science experiments and model rockets" until they were forced to desist.
The stuff came from Delaware Valley Distributors, as I remember.

> Can a hobby shop be held liable if someone
> buys their fuse and causes an accident with a model rocket? 

"Held liable" is a confusing phrase.  In this situation, the injured
party would sue, naming the modeler, the store, both manufacturers, the
NAR, and Barry Goldwater, if he wishes.  The court then ends up throwing
out the unreasonable names and leaving the rest.  The NAR and the rocket
manufacturer can almost surely prove that they had no contribution to 
this accident whatsoever, leaving the modeler, the store, and the fuse
manufacturer.  The store might, say, be found 25% liable for locating
the fuse next to the rockets.  So guess who has to pay off the WHOLE
claim if the modeler and the fuse manufacturer are belly up or have
no insurance?  The only one left with money, i.e., the store.  So the
interesting question is, could a store lose its shirt selling such
fuse next to the model rockets?  The answer is yes, plus its pants.

> What if an insured 
> NAR member uses fuse (not electrically ignited thermalite) and causes some kind
> of accident, will he still be covered even though he violated the code? 

Nope.  He is hung out to dry.  NAR insurance covers only accidents that
occur while following the Safety Code.

> It sounds like Estes has been through this before...

They've had over 30 years of it.  And they've lost some bullshit
claims.  I believe it was either the guy who unwrapped the engine and 
lit the charge in a Dixie cup, or the guy who played a blowtorch on the
nozzle of a B14 while looking up into it, who won a product liability
claim.  Standard American product liability nonsense.

> Why do they even sell the stuff anymore? Seems it's only good for questionable
> uses.

When I lived in VA, where fireworks were legal, I saw fuse in the
stores.  In MA, where no fireworks are legal, there is no fuse.  My
guess is that fuse falls into the same category as sparklers, or
something.  I guess it depends on whether your state considers
fireworks "questionable."

Of course, the ECONOMIC answer to your question is that they sell it
because people buy it.  Sadly, many people buy it to launch model
rockets.
-- 

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