When I first got started in model rockets as a kid, I really liked the idea of building my own rockets, and flying them, but as is much the same today, I didn't like the option of 'introductory steps' to build on knowledge to develop the skills it would take to do things right. I did and still do, to some extent, llike to fail first, and see what mistakes I made along the way, and improve upon that. I think a portion of my downfall with this rocket was the inherent lack of understanding about aerodynamics, CG/CP relationships, and building techniqes. I'd like to say that things have changed in those respects, but one never knows.

I originally got the Comanche 3 because of looks, and performance, rather than 'it would make a good first rocket'. I liked how it looked, and while I hated doing things the way they were supposed to be done (even then) I kinda liked the paint job, though eventually it was painted all military gray. I like the idea of a 3-stage rocket, and 2600' didn't sound too bad either.

When building it, I'm certain that I took too many shortcuts, and didn't do things the way they were supposed to be done, but when I was done, it kind of looked like it was supposed to. It had three stages, all of the fins for each stage were roughly the same size, and they kind of lined up with the stage above. It wasn't until later that I understood that the fins had to be straight along the body tube, and that it was probably best that the fins line up with each other, but hey.. I was just a kid! ;-)

Built, Painted, and ready to fly, my parents bought a bunch of motors, and we headed out on vacation. Once there, we managed to find a welding rod of sufficient length to launch from, and used a vice-grip to hold it to the back of the ATV trailer. I think the rail of the trailer acted as a 'blast shield'. We used speaker wire with Radio Shack alligator clips on it, and a naked 9V battery to ignite our rockets.

Kids being arguing kids, I beat out my two brothers, and sister for rights to launch first. I don't recall much wind, but there could have been. 5..4..3..2..1..*fiddle with the 9V & speaker wire until*....----woosh----.

How anyone can forget flying their first rocket is beyond me, because that is the coolest thing ever. You built it, painted it (okay, maybe), and there it is.. lifting upward. I was so proud, you'd think I had made the motor too... then the booster stage burnt out, and *POP* ignites the second stage, only something was wrong. Not the typical estes staging problem of making the coupler too tight, burning through your booter, no.. mine took a very sharp 90° left turn, and woosh... then another *POP* and another sharp 90° left turn. Doesn't take a geometry major to figure that little word problem out.

But like all munched tubes, we cut and move on.

I did have a successful flight that weekend, even if with only two stages. It seemed to boost forever. How cool is it to be a little over 9 years old, and have everyone looking at YOUR rocket? Real cool. Recovery was just as fun as launching because we got to run all over the desert instead of listening to Mom yelling "Staaaayyy neeeaaar caaAAAAMMMMmmmp!"

I guess 20 years changes some things, but not others.

Coming from digging in a giant LEGO™ bucket for entertainment to building things that didn't have bumps for alignment took some getting used to, but I'd say that I liked it just as much, if not more. I still continue with both.