The Great Debate: 38mm vs 54mm Motor Cases in the Face of RMS Reload Shortages

For many years, I have flowed on a 38mm Aerotech RMS case until I recently found that my Aerotech 38mm 720 case had gone missing in action. It had never returned from a trip to Williams in WA many years ago. I know it had been taken with me as I used this case to do my L2 Cert flight. I think it was lost on a flight the following day when our EasyAS RDF tracking beacon failed or lost power, and it may still be hanging up in one of the famous Williams tall gum trees somewhere.

Having been absent from Rocketry for several years, I now needed to recertify for my TRA L2, and thus, my search for a replacement  38mm 720 motor commenced. 

Given the increasing cost of rocketry hardware, the high shipping costs from US suppliers, and the dismal exchange rate for the Australian dollar, I was happy to consider a pre-owned case to lower my exposure to high costs. I don't know why I started thinking about purchasing hardware from one of the many Rocketeers who had lost interest in the hobby and had hardware and other equipment just gathering dust at home.

I purchased a full set of 54mm cases from Facebook Marketplace for $300.

So, I started scouring eBay and Facebook Marketplace for anything that returned a hit on the search terms Rocketry, Aerotech, 38mm RMS, and finally 54mm. There was lots of heavy scraping going down their guys, but finally, I did get a hit of 54mm RMS.

As a result, I purchased a complete set of 3 x "Never-used"  54mm Cases still in their wrappers for less than the cost of a 38mm 720 RMS case from a rocketeer searching for other interests.

Now all of my 75mm and 100mm airframes have 54mm Motor mounts and I usually had to add a AeroPack 38mm adaptor to fly on my remaining 38mm cases on.  I then began to question why I had originally adopted 38mm as a case and reload standard all those years ago.

A new epic saga unfolds in the grand arena of rocketry, where the air is thick with the scent of burnt propellant and the skies are painted with streaks of speeding rockets.

It's not the clash of titans nor the battle for the cosmos, but rather the intense, ground-shaking debate between the staunch defenders of the 38mm motor case and the mighty champions of the 54mm motor case. This comedic confrontation gains even more momentum in light of the current RMS (Reusable Motor System) reload shortages and their skyrocketing prices.

The Contenders: A Tale of Two Diameters

The Lightweight Fighter: The 38mm Motor Case

On one side of the ring, we have the 38mm motor case, a sleek, nimble contender that's been the favourite of rocketeers looking to achieve significant altitudes without carrying the weight of their financial mistakes. It's the David in a world of Goliaths, arguing that size isn't everything, especially when you can barely find or afford the reloads for the bigger motors.

Pros:

• Agility and Economy: Like a squirrel navigating through a maze of trees, the 38mm case is all about agility. It dodges the high prices with smaller yet effective punches.
• Stealth Mode: With the current RMS reload scarcity, being able to launch without having to mortgage your house is a stealth move that many envy.

The Heavyweight Champion: The 54mm Motor Case

In the opposite corner, towering with a presence as commanding as a thundercloud, is the 54mm motor case. This behemoth laughs in the face of subtlety, promising altitudes that kiss the stars themselves. "Go big or go home," it bellows, ignoring the tiny issue of selling a kidney to afford its RMS reloads.

Pros:

• Power and Prestige: The 54mm case is the equivalent of bringing a rocket-propelled grenade to a knife fight. It's all about making a statement, even if it says, "I may need to eat ramen for the next six months."

• Bragging Rights: There's nothing quite like the awe in a fellow rocketeer's eyes when you mention you're loading a 54mm. It mixes respect, envy, and concern for your financial health.

The Great Debate: A Battle of Wits and Wallets

As the debate rages on, both sides present compelling arguments backed by physics, financial planning, and a dash of desperation.

• The 38mm Advocates: They argue for sustainability, pointing out that while their rockets might not reach the stratosphere, at least they can afford to launch more than once a decade. They weave tales of cunning, where less is more, and the thrill of flight doesn't require a second mortgage.

• The 54mm Proponents: These warriors of the sky counter with tales of glory, where their rockets breach the heavens themselves. They speak of the adrenaline rush that comes with knowing you've invested more in a single launch than some spend on their car's down payment.

The Verdict: In the Eye of the Beholder (And Their Wallet)

As the dust settles on this epic debate, it becomes clear that the true victor is not determined by diameter alone but by the dreams and budget constraints of the rocketeer. Whether you're a 38mm enthusiast, enjoying the thrill of the launch without breaking the bank, or a 54mm aficionado, chasing the heavens at the cost of earthly treasures, remember this:

Ultimately, we're all just starry-eyed dreamers, looking to the skies, whether we're packing a lightweight traveller or a heavyweight behemoth. Just keep an eye on your wallet, lest it launches into a void from which there is no return.

And so, as we navigate the tumultuous waters of RMS reload shortages and soaring prices, let us not lose sight of the true spirit of rocketry – the joy of the launch, the camaraderie of fellow enthusiasts, and the unending quest for the perfect flight, irrespective of the motor case diameter.

Remember, in rocketry, every launch is a victory, every landing (or crash) a lesson, and every debate an opportunity for laughter and learning. May your propellants be plentiful, your flights high, and your budget and significant other be forgiving.

FINDING ANOTHER USE FOR YOUR COLLECTION OF MOTOR CASES

After finding the above image, I was struck by a novel idea.

Now, while I have not given this a great deal of serious thought (the story of my life), regardless of the size of your motor system, they all are only as good as the availability of reloads for them.

This being the case, has anyone ever considered drilling holes in their cases and stringing them all together and then taking up the fascinating hobby of wind chiming? 😀 

It is probably best I get out of here now ...