(TLP) The Launch Pad - Update

[cas2047]

I thought I would pass this email from Chuck Barndt on for those interested, as I am, in when The Launch Pad will be back to production.

TLP closed up shop in VA and moved down to FLA. They were scheduled to open back up in a new and larger facility right around July 4th.

Since the re-open date came and went I emailed Chuck Barndt to ask when TLP would be back to production. I really miss being able to easily purchase TLP kits! He replied yesterday and here's what he said:


Hello, Frank:

We're in Florida now. The new production shop is still under construction. Framing is almost complete, but the concrete flooring is now a week behind schedule. As soon as that's in we can begin closing up with the metal walls and roof. If all goes well, we are still hoping to be back in limited production by early August, and full production shortly after that. Thanks.

Chuck Barndt
TLP

[pantherjon]

That's good news! Thanks for the info!

[cas2047]

I was checking out the TLP website yesterday afternoon to see if there was any new news about when they would be back in production and I found this; http://www.the-launch-pad.com/new_page_1.htm

There are a number of their kits that I still want to build. I have two, the AMRAAM AIM 120-A and the HARM AGM 88-A. Both are excellent fliers and big crowd favorites. I just wish that the kits came with decals.

[cas2047]

Sounds like TLP is on the verge of production. I noticed they posted news on September 30. http://www.the-launch-pad.com/new_page_1.htm

[pantherjon]

Awesome! I can hear an Osiris calling my name! :p That and a Nike Hercules!

[cas2047]

Awesome! I can hear an Osiris calling my name! :p That and a Nike Hercules!

Both are on my list along with the Pershing and the Scimitar.

Every since I read a Scimitar build review by Stones over on TRF I've wanted to build it. He just made that rocket look awsome. Of course he also made every other one of the TLP kits he built look awsome too. Here's the link to the Scimitar and other TLP kit builds by Stones: http://www.rocketryforum.com/showthread.php?t=32317

[cas2047]

http://www.the-launch-pad.com/new_page_1.htm

Getting closer to being able to purchase some additional TLP kits including the Pershing. :)

I launched a bunch of rockets yesterday, including my two TLP kits, the HARM and AMRAAM.

Three flights each, the only bad one being when the HARM's chute tangled causing it to come down in a flat spin. It landed just out of my reach and hit the ground hard enough to dislodge two lower fins and one upper. Some fast setting CA had it back in the air in 10 minutes. This rocket is still one of my favorites. It's a big rocket(single 24mm) with great slow liftoffs that can be launched in a relatively small field.

The AMRAAM with it's dual 24mm setup sent it way up there real fast as always!