In the beginning rocketry was something to do for 4-H. After that first rocket I was hooked. Here was something I built hurtling towards the heavens. A flash of fire, smoke, and a nice bang at the end. Perfect ingredients for capturing a seven year old destructive and pyromaniacal mind.

Since my first Estes starter set I have built 7 model rockets ..including five that actually return to earth.. and countless platform bombs (the rockets that never make it off of the launch pad).
I have lost two Alpha I rockets through the use of C-6 engines. The solid fuel burned too long and we lost sight of them in the clouds. We never spotted the parachutes and who knows where or if they landed. One of these mishaps was a week before the fair. In a week I rebuilt another model and had it painted and launched in time for the fair.

I have built the Nova Payloader, Stealth, Blackhawk, and S.W.A.T.. All Estes models. I have even tried gluing fins on an engine as a stand alone rocket, side note: Do not try this at home! There's just something about the flash and swoosh of a rocket that sets a young boys curiosity alive in me.

My current project is getting a camoflauge paintjob on the S.W.A.T.. I think it should be pretty impressive looking, even if it barely tops the trees in flight.

Let's get back to Matthew's page.