From: buzz@rsd.dl.nec.com (Buzz McDermott)
Subject: HPR Attitudes Towards Model Rocketry
Organization: NEC America, Radio Software Dept
Date: Tue, 21 Jul 1992 19:14:59 GMT

You know, I sure am glad I got back into rocketry AFTER Tripoli was formed and
AFTER the NAR started its high power program.  There sure does seem to be 
a lot of 'bad blood' between a number of Tripoli members and the NAR.  This 
seems to have come from the time that HPR was first being proposed to the NAR
and some NAR members, and others, formed Tripoli.

Case in point:  I just received the latest Tripolitan (overall, an EXCELLENT
issue).  There was a short write-up of the NARCON joint sport launch.  The
author couldn't help putting in several jabs towards the NAR.

  1.  He found it quite 'humorous' that model rocketry types (i.e., NAR) used
      the term rocket 'engine' while Tripoli people always used the 'correct'
      term, 'motor'. (Please, let's don't start that debate again!  I'm just 
      using this example to make a point).

  2.  He rated the NARCON high power launch pads and area to be about equal
      to the 'low power' pads of a 'real' high power launch.

  3.  He felt compelled to include the comment that it has taken the NAR
      10 years to hold the equivalent of an LDRS-I (LDRS-XI is next month).

Overall, he did rate the launch as a success.  He also stated that it was 
proven at NARCON that HPR and model rockets could successfully share a launch.

Second case: At the DARS High Power '92 launch held this past weekend I heard 
chuckles from several Tripoli-only members whenever a 'heads-up' launch was 
called from the low-power (i.e., model rocket) pads, or when a model rocket
malfunctioned and 'heads-up' was called during a errant flight.  Along with
the chuckles were comments like "it's only a MODEL rocket'.  The Tripoli members
never even bothered to look up.

It would seem that a number of 'old-timer' Tripoli members do not think much
of the NAR, it's members, or it's rocketry program.  They seem to consider
themselves superior due to the fact that "my rocket's bigger than your
rocket".  They seem to 'look down' at ModRoc enthusiasts (which they equate
equally and totally with the NAR) as being just "kids playing with toys".

FLAME ON

Well, I guess I'm still a 'kid'!.  I belong to both Tripoli and the NAR.  I am
certified for HPR by both organizations.  I plan to fly some pretty big 
rockets in the next year or so.  I also plan to compete in the NAR, as I did
to some degree this year.  I LIKE flying model rockets.  I enjoy building
them.  I enjoy working with my two sons and daughter when they build or fly.
My 16 year old isn't active in rocketry any more.  However, we still had a 
great time flying D and E powered rockets at the DAR HPR launch in between
my HPR flights.  There was nothing 'toyish' about this.  We were having some 
serious fun.

As to 'heads-up' calls for modrocs, if my MegaSizz or home-brew (made from 
paper towel/wrapping paper/toilet paper tubes and paper cups) had nosed into 
the crowd on an E18, E30, or F32 reload flight people would NEED to look up 
and get out of the way, if necessary.  If the recovery system had failed on 
my fortified, 15-oz Optima and it nosed in on your head it would HURT.  Even 
for the younger kids flying their Daggers, Bail Outs, and Wizzards, everyone 
near the launch area needs to pay attention when the LCO or RSO calls 
'heads up!'...if for no other reason than to set a good example for the kids.

I also call the propulsion devices in rockets both engines and motors.  I do
not believe that I 'should know better' than to use the term 'engine'.  I don't
feel that hearing someone use 'engine' is funny.  It's just communicating.

There is no place in consumer rocketry for HPR enthusiasts who think of 
model rockets as little toys to be ignored, or that model rocket enthusiasts
need to step aside and bow down to the 'real' rocket people.  Likewise,
model rocketeers need to understand that Tripoli members aren't all pyro's
whose only goal is to make the biggest, baddest smoke-and-fire launches
possible.  They really do paint their rockets (many times quite beautifully)
just like the model rocketeers do.  They do intend to fly them more than once
(which is more than I can say for some ModRoc competitors :-).

FLAME OFF

The NAR and Tripoli need to work together.  The members of both organizations
need to respect the efforts, rules, and members of the other.  There are more
than enough problems facing rocketry today.  There are the problems with 
the CPSC and NFPA.  There is the FAA dragging its feet.  There are states
(effectively, if not outright) banning HPR.  We don't need to insult or
laugh at the other group.  What did or did not happen several years back,
when Tripoli was formed, is water long since under the bridge. 

I apologize for the rambling comments in this post.  Between the launch this
past weekend and the Tripolitan NARCON comments, though, I just got a little
pissed at the attitudes shown by (hopefully, just a few) Tripoli members.

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