Range Box for Easter?

 The Thrifty Rocketeer blog continues...

One of the eternal questions of our hobby is, "What do I get him?  He has EVERYTHING!"

While any rocketeer worth his salt will immediately disagree with this claim, it is true that we have a difficult time keeping things organized.

Now, before you start objecting, or claiming that you're not That Guy,  consider the need for a range box.

In most instances, the Range Box begins as a cardboard box (in fact, Estes has sold launch kits in cardboard "Range Box" configurations for years.)

But it has become obvious that this quickly evolves into the plastic tackle box, so frequently used for fishing tackle and lures.



In our instance, it typically contains rocket parts, motors, nosecones, spare chutes, shroud lines, reinforcing rings, Exacto knife, glue, CA, wood glue, white seam putty, sand paper, igniters, excess plastic motor plugs, dowels, Q-tips, dog barf, recovery wadding, spent motors, band-aides, and more.


You can see where this is going.

Each time you discover that you need something once, it typically goes into the tackle box to be present in the event that you might ever need it again.  Very soon, your box is full and you need a larger size.

Now, I have known Rocketeers who keep their Black Powder motors in a separate tackle box from their motor parts, and the rest of their  gear.  The theory is that you keep the explosive or burnable stock separate to keep it cool or dry, or easily disposed of in an emergency.  And, I've heard of guys who keep their motors in a "bullet box" or an "Ammo can" because of the non-conductive or anti-static shock properties.

Now, I've never seen anything close to a fire from a static shock or spark, and that's a good thing!  But I have wondered just how common such an accident is.

But back to our topic, the trustee range box.  I would suggest that the best range box you can buy, is not the brand new one in the Jo Anne Fabric store, or the multiple level chest from the Home Depot or Lowes.


No, I would suggest that you shop the yard sales and garage sales, and try to snag some smaller plastic snap-closed tackle box that is either on an estate sale, or perhaps has been moved out by a frustrated wife when her man has moved up and bought one of those monstrosities. 

I think most kids who enter the hobby for real, get off on organizing their supplies into individual trays and compartments.  They know exactly what they've got and where, when they carry their rocket out to the launch field.

I don't know anyone who carries a range box out to the firing line or launch pad, but I've seen plenty of guys with tables set up behind their SUV or station wagon, with their tackle box/range box set to one side.

Now, I'm not suggesting that kids should drive SUVs here, but most kids I know will figure out how to lash such a plastic tackle box to their bike, or pack it in the back of Dad's station wagon along with those oddly shaped rockets on the way to the launch field.

And that's what I'd recommend.  A USED tackle box that still closes and latches for a starter range box.


What do you think?

The Thrifty Rocketeer wants to know your recommendations.

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