Lee gave a very interesting speech, relating the story of his conversion from amateur rocketry to model rocketry after visiting an early NARAM, his entrance into the model rocket manufacturing business with the founding of Centuri, and his friendly-rival relationship with Estes Industries.
One of the highlights of Lee's presentation was his showing an enlarged photo of the famous "Great Saturn V Duel" between he and Vern Estes.
Betty Piester circulated through the meeting room with another copy of the photo so that everyone had a chance to see it up close.
Lee received the second long ovation of the evening as he stepped down from the platform.
Well, since blogger lost the post I had been typing... I just give the short version:
ReplyDeleteThat photo couldn't have been taken at NARAM 7, as that was in 1965, at least a full three years before either company had a Saturn V kit. Centuri's came out in early 1969, and Estes was available (though was shown and flown as prototype earlier) after Apollo 11. So it was taken at either NARAM 11 or 12.
Hi, Roy,
ReplyDeleteYou are correct, sir! I have removed that statement from the post. At the reunion, I believe Lee made the statement that he didn't remember quite when that photo was taken. There was some discussion and someone mentioned NARAM 7. But, yes, you are on spot, the Saturns did not appear until much later. Good catch! Thanks.