Model Rocketry in 1958

We in the model rocket hobby have become very used to certain conventions in the field. For example, it is taken for granted that model rockets are built around some sort of "body tube," that there is some form of recovery system involved, and that professionally made solid fuel motors will be used. It is also well known that model rocketry is extremely safe and at least fairly sane.

In 1958, however, very little could be assumed about the hobby. Although G. Harry Stine had already founded the National Association of Rocketry in 1957, his way of doing things was not really "standard" yet. In my "old model airplane magazine stash" I found a magazine that drives this point home pretty well.

Rather than go on and on about the magazine, I have included the two articles it contains here. One is on rocketry safety, and the other is plans for a two stage model. So, for your reading pleasure, I give you:

So there you have it! Just think we could have been making rockets out of balsa frames and powering them with underpowered motors with 50% reliability! It kind of makes you appreciate G. Harry all the more..  (not to mention Orville Carlisle!)

Until next time, fly 'em fast and high!