134: Randy Millikin of RailButtons.Com

We welcome Special Guest Randy Millikin of RailButtons.Com!

Randy Millikin of RailButtons.Com joins us to talk about his products, and to talk rockets with us.

Some background on Mr. Millikin:

I began my hobby of rocketry in the early to mid 70’s and stopped once I discovered girls, cars and got my first bass guitar.

I launched my last rocket for many years somewhere around 1976.

But then one day around 2003, while surfing the web, I came across Aerotech’s website and discovered this interesting thing called, High Power Rocketry!

I remember thinking, WOW...M motors!

The biggest I ever flew as a kid was a D, because E’s were not made yet (or if they were, I couldn't afford them!)

I thought to myself, “ I need to find out more about this!”.

With that information filed away, I finally was able to attend a launch in 3 Oaks Michigan in 2005.

I went with my 6 year old son and my father. I was blown away and haven't looked back since.

I ordered a few Estes kits that I built with my son and flew them at the school yard near our house.

That brought back so many great memories that I just had to start building bigger rockets and fly them with bigger motors.

About a year and a half later, I got my TRA Level 1 cert in 3 Oaks.

The next year, I was able to get my Level 2, again in 3 Oaks, and a few years later, my Level 3 at LDRS28.

So why am I doing this?

Matt Strum started selling railbuttons in the 90's and had a very successful on-line business for over 10 years.

When he decided to stop selling railbuttons, it left the hobby with fewer (and more expensive) options.

After exchanging some email, he helped me with information about how he was able to provide the hobby with such and inexpensive choice for railbuttons.

It is my goal to keep supplying inexpensive railbuttons for our hobby and keep Matt's vision moving forward.

He was able to sell thousands and I hope to be able to do the same for many years to come.

Mentioned in this episode:

The Rocketry Forum