Some of my favorite memories of childhood revolve around airplanes. Going to air shows and visiting an aircraft carrier fueled my passion which led to building (and flying) paper, wood, and even a 1/48 scale plastic model of an F-15 fighter jet!
Since a real F-15 had two jet engines, we figured that our model required a pair of model rocket engines as well. My brother and I ran a large spool of wire from one end of the yard to the other (roughly 150 feet) attaching it to the fence on either side. We created a cradle for the model so that it would be guided along the wire. We fully expected to see the F-15 “fly” across the yard and coast to a gentle stop by the time it reached the other side.
With great anticipation we inserted the safety key in our model rocket controller, counted down, and pressed the fire button on our rocket launcher.
This was in the days before YouTube videos, and I have always felt a (slight) pang of regret that we didn’t SOMEHOW capture what happened next for future generations to behold.
Only one of the two rocket engines ignited, and yet the F-15 shot forward like a bucking bronco. It rotated on the harness after twenty or so feet down the wire, broke free of it and flung itself skyward about thirty feet where it exploded into roughly a thousand pieces which gently fluttered to the ground.
As an amateur pyromaniac, that was the crowning achievement of my childhood. As an aerospace engineer, NASA is grateful that I never joined its ranks of rocket scientists (my repeated inability to pass calculus in college kept that door of opportunity bolted tightly shut).
Isn’t Paige getting a bit old for dolls? I do not have a daughter, but I do have three granddaughters. The eldest just started high school. She has boxed up all her American Girl dolls and clothes – those not passed on to her younger sisters.
I told my Daughter-in-Law who witnessed this “coming of age” event not to worry. I have a niece who is now in her 20’s. She’s taken her dolls out of storage, one at a time, and has it on display in her apartment. There is still a little bit of little girl in her.
I think every one of us needs a reminder of our childhood on display to keep the child within us alive.
Templo S.U.D. over 4 years ago
nice try indeed, Jason (you trying to skyrocket your parents’ homeowner insurance?)
Algolei I over 4 years ago
Paige has a Cathy doll??
awgiedawgie Premium Member over 4 years ago
Well, Roger’s proven that he’s not a complete idiot.
joeboronat over 4 years ago
Some of my favorite memories of childhood revolve around airplanes. Going to air shows and visiting an aircraft carrier fueled my passion which led to building (and flying) paper, wood, and even a 1/48 scale plastic model of an F-15 fighter jet!
Since a real F-15 had two jet engines, we figured that our model required a pair of model rocket engines as well. My brother and I ran a large spool of wire from one end of the yard to the other (roughly 150 feet) attaching it to the fence on either side. We created a cradle for the model so that it would be guided along the wire. We fully expected to see the F-15 “fly” across the yard and coast to a gentle stop by the time it reached the other side.
With great anticipation we inserted the safety key in our model rocket controller, counted down, and pressed the fire button on our rocket launcher.
This was in the days before YouTube videos, and I have always felt a (slight) pang of regret that we didn’t SOMEHOW capture what happened next for future generations to behold.
Only one of the two rocket engines ignited, and yet the F-15 shot forward like a bucking bronco. It rotated on the harness after twenty or so feet down the wire, broke free of it and flung itself skyward about thirty feet where it exploded into roughly a thousand pieces which gently fluttered to the ground.
As an amateur pyromaniac, that was the crowning achievement of my childhood. As an aerospace engineer, NASA is grateful that I never joined its ranks of rocket scientists (my repeated inability to pass calculus in college kept that door of opportunity bolted tightly shut).
DanFlak over 4 years ago
Isn’t Paige getting a bit old for dolls? I do not have a daughter, but I do have three granddaughters. The eldest just started high school. She has boxed up all her American Girl dolls and clothes – those not passed on to her younger sisters.
I told my Daughter-in-Law who witnessed this “coming of age” event not to worry. I have a niece who is now in her 20’s. She’s taken her dolls out of storage, one at a time, and has it on display in her apartment. There is still a little bit of little girl in her.
I think every one of us needs a reminder of our childhood on display to keep the child within us alive.
chris_o42 over 4 years ago
It has begun!
pearlquake over 4 years ago
My father was “Big Ed”, and he never mentioned owning a cab company…I got stiffed on my inheritance!
KEA over 4 years ago
this arc reminds me of vintage TV sitcoms where dad was always clueless
BiggerNate91 over 4 years ago
You said the magic words, Roger.
AndrewSihler over 4 years ago
That “usually” is a nice touch.
Stephen Gilberg over 4 years ago
Ah yes, the trick of starting with an outrage request so that what you really wanted becomes a “compromise.”
alexius23 over 4 years ago
I find such anti-mail stereotyping offensive