From: buzz@rsd.dl.nec.com (Buzz McDermott)
Subject: Re: HPR Attitudes Towards Model Rocketry
Organization: NEC America, Radio Software Dept
Date: Thu, 23 Jul 1992 17:55:20 GMT

In article <1992Jul23.142755.2177@axis.dsg.ti.com>, barrett@add.itg.ti.com writes:
|>   Buzz, I was at the DARS Launch too.  I did not see any flagrant US vs
|> THEM behavior that you mentioned.  In fact, I did see quite a bit of NAR
|> members that wanted information on HPR could get a good bit of mentoring
|> from some more experienced Tripoli members.
|> 
|>  ...lots of good comments deleted...

I hope I didn't make it sound like I claimed ALL (or even most) TRA members
were anti-NAR or 'HPR snobs'.  I did see several examples, from 3 different
TRA members, of disdain for model rockets, those who fly them, and organizations
which promote them.  There were a couple of other individuals (TRA members)
who didn't want to give me the time of day until I pulled out my Tripoli
card.  I don't claim that this is a overly common attitude by TRA members.  I
was mostly just pissed off by the NARCON write-up in the latest Tripolitan,
and that brought to mind several things that had happened over the weekend.
Maybe I over-reacted by posting.  I just feel that there is room in the world
for both hobbies (model and HPR rocketry) and both organizations.  I've read a 
lot in this news group, the Tripolitan and AmSpam about all of the old 'bad
blood' from the mid-80's.  It's time to put all that in the past and get on
with having fun!

As far as getting help on HPR questions from TRA members, all of the 
experienced HPR fliers seemed ready to bend over backwards to help.  I got 
some good tips from you and many other more experienced HPR enthusiasts.

|>   As far as safety goes I asked the RSO why the model rocket pad was so
|> close to the LCO table (25').  I felt that launching any rockets that
|> close was a safety issue.  They were launching E and F engines from this
|> pad (also R/C boost gliders)!  The RSO said that was all that was
|> REQUIRED for "model rockets".  I thought that this was a good example of
|> "rules" overriding common sence.
|> 

I agree with this.  Several members have brought up safety issues at DARS
meetings.  It is being addressed.  There are a few 'old timers' that have
been with DARS since it was formed in '72.  I think rocketry in general
has become a little 'old hat' for some of them and they are still in the 
hobby out of habbit more than anything else.  DARS has grown from about
20-25 members last year to just under 100 at present.  With all of the new
blood (most of it adults interested in HPR) I look for a lot of changes in DARS
over the next year or so.

|>   Don't get me wrong, I had a great time.  This was a well run launch.
|> You guys did a GREAT job.  I know that I will be back.
|> 

Glad you enjoyed it.  Suggestions for improvements are welcome and encouraged.
We hope to put on a bigger-and-better HPR event next year.

============================================================================
Buzz McDermott                   Internet: buzz@rsd.dl.nec.com
NAR      13559
Tripoli   1785
============================================================================
Newsgroups: rec.models.rockets