February 2004 Meeting Minutes (2/7/2004)
The February 2004 MASA meeting was held on the 5th
at the Science Museum.
Upcoming events:
-
The next meeting is scheduled for March
4th. The topic will be "odd-rocs" led by Stuart
Lenz. This meeting will not be held at the Science Museum
due to numerous March events in that area. Exact location
will be announced soon.
-
The next launch is scheduled for February
28th. The location will be announced soon.
Stuff:
-
New MASA "Open Contest"
competition. Check it out on the website.
-
March launch might be held in Apple Valley.
-
Mike E. discussed getting a waiver this year for
the launches in Buffalo.
-
The idea of launching from a frozen lake was
discussed.
-
A new issue of the MASA Planet was mailed out to
everybody.
-
Ted Cochran discussed this year's Rocket
League competition.
-
Ted has also accepted the club V.P. position for
this year. Mike will continue with much of the
equipment-hauling, though.
-
The MASA 2004 badge design was discussed.
Show'n Off:
-
Stuart Lenz brought a paper rocket made from
free plans on the FlisKits web site.
-
David Whitaker brought his newly constructed
Yank Enterprises Black Brant X.
-
Mike Erpelding brought a FlisKits Deuce's Wild.
-
Alan Estenson brought a Big Bertha and two
rockets that had been kitbashed from Big Bertha kits.
Kit Bash'n
Alan Estenson talked about the idea of kit bashing
and showed a couple examples.
Those present at the meeting were able to purchase
an Estes Renegade rocket kit at a reduced price. Their goal now is
to build a rocket from parts in the kit, but NOT the rocket that is
supposed to be built from the kit! (creativity required!) Some
participants started building at the meeting.
They have one month to complete their rocket. Everyone is then
encouraged to bring their finished rocket to the March meeting and
show it off. We'll have a judging session at that meeting to select
a "best of show - kitbash" with a prize for the winner.
All of the competitors will be encouraged to fly their creations at
the March launch.
Anyone who bought a kit but doesn't produce a kitbash creation from
it will be heckled mercilessly.
The Kit
The new Estes Renegade (2109) has been selected as the kitbash donor
kit. This is a 2-stage kit, but participants may create whatever
they like out of it. (subject to the Safety Code and common
sense)
Additions (not provided)
In addition to what is in the kit, you may add the following at your
discretion
-balsa sheet stock, total amount no more than 4" x 12",
thickness no greater than 1/8"
-bt5 body tube, total length less than 9"
-motor retention hooks (max two)
-internal clay or other weight as necessary to ensure stability in
flight
-glue & wood filler as needed, paint as desired, homemade decals
(no premade or commercial decals other than what comes with the kit)
Allowable substitutions
The kit comes with a 1/8" launch lug. You may substitute a
larger diameter.
You may substitute a different shock cord for the stock kit cord.
You may substitute a different parachute for the stock kit
parachute.
Twelve people began their participation at the meeting by
purchasing a Renegade kit. Mark Thell, Ellison Lenz, Stuart
Lenz, Seth Cochran, Ted Cochran, David Whitaker, Ed Eastman, Mike
Erpelding, Brett McDowell, Tom Lawell, Travis Lawell, and Andy Heren.
Looking forward to seeing some unique creations!
(Alan Estenson)
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