NEMROC Conference

This is the second year in a row where CMASS held New England Model Rocket Convention at the middle school in Amesbury, MA on Saturday, and the launch at Woodsom Farm the next day. This year we had a lighter turn out of vendors and attendees at the conference. Fred Talasco from Excelsior Rocketry and Jim Flis from Fliskits was the only vendors with product to sell. Hanger 11 was going to be at the event, but he was unable to attend do to work related issues. Another person who had to cancel was Ed-Pattison-Gordon who was going to give a special seminar for Team America Rocketry Challenge.

The conference consisted of a series of forty five minute lectures, hosted two at a time in separate classrooms. There was a 15 minute break between lectures and an hour for lunch. There was also two make it/take it sessions sponsored by Jim Flis using his popular Thin-ama-gig and his new doo-hickey Micro to the Maxx rocket. After the conference was over, there was a raffle where most people got a chance to walk away with something.

The first lecture attended during the day was Jim Flis talking about how FlisKits was formed. Jim wanted to form a company but was afraid of quitting his job to take the time necessary to commit to his endeavor. Things worked out where he got laid off from his job, he had money in the bank. So he and his wife agreed, if they were going start a company, that was the time to do it. Today, nearly five years later, Jim Flis operates the third largest model rocket company in the world.

The next lecture I attended was Glen Avalear’s Simple Tools and Techniques. There he demonstrated a variety of tools needed to build and finish model rockets. He demonstrated techniques for using epoxy, filling balsa, and sanding. He also showed how to use common household items as tools. After his lecture, he gave everyone an opurtunity to share what techniques we have come up with on our own.

After lunch, Mark Mayfield did a special presentation about LAUNCH Magazine. He talked about himself, his company, and their newest magazine. During the presentation, we got a chance to preview the second issue, which was just sent to press. I found it fascinating that Launch magazine will be on the shelves at many bookstores and newsstands across the country. Mark was generous enough to give every attendee at NEMROC a free copy of their premier issue of LAUNCH magazine.

Next presentation was “Mach III or Bust.” Robert DeHate showcased his 2 stage O to N powered rocket. The booster motor blew a large chunk out of the nozzle due to a machining error, so the motor that normally would of burned for 4 seconds, burned for about 8 seconds. It was underpowered, and weathercocked into the wind. The N4000 then pushed the 4” diameter sustainer further downwind. The rocket did reach Mach 3, gaining over 55,000 feet in altitude. It was interesting to see what happens to a rocket that goes supersonic. The paint was scorched and blistered, and the carbon fiber layers on the fins were pealed back. Robert says that another second or two at supersonic speeds, the fins would of failed. There was also a huge zipper in the airframe. This was caused by deployment at 400 MPH! I was surprised the Carbon Fiber tube did not slice the tether!

My presentation was delayed due to everyone going to Roberts lecture to view the pictures and videos he took of his flight, and to examine the data that he was able to capture. Once my presentation started, I did not have the amount of time that I needed, so I abandoned the plan I had, and did the presentation on he fly. First I introduced the reloadables by passing around motors and reloads from Aerotech, AMW, Cesaroni, and Loki. Then I demonstrated loading of an F40-4W and the AMW I285GG. I also demonstrated how to put together a RMS+ delay element, and demonstrated how one would trim the delay on a Pro38 and screw the module into its casing. I finished my presentation by giving tips on motor cleanup.

After all the lectures were done, we had the raffle in the cafeteria. A large selection of prizes was placed on a table, and each winner got to chose something off the table. Everyone had a chance to get two tickets, and since the winner had to be present to claim a prize, there was a very good chance of actually winning something. After the raffle, it was time to head home and get ready for Sunday.