AeroTech Challenge To Reach The Edge Of Space

AeroTech Consumer Aerospace has announced the $10,000 AeroTech Space Challenge to be the first person to fly a hobby rocket to 100 km (62 miles) using certified high-power motors totaling more than 40,960 N-Sec, or about 54 horsepower.

The 100 km altitude is known as the Kármán line, the internationally recognized boundary between Earth’s atmosphere and outer space. The Kármán line marks the point where the Earth’s atmosphere becomes too thin to support aircraft and vehicles need to travel at orbital velocities to stay aloft.

Challenge flights will take place at rocket events in the Black Rock Desert in Northwestern Nevada, also known as the site of the Burning Man music and arts festival. The eligible events are scheduled Sept. 8-14 and Sept. 19-21.

Eligible motors include the N2700WRMS reload with matching 75/10240 hardware available, an M-class 75mm DMS motor, and the 98mm O5500X booster motor.

Hornby Exits Stock Listing

Hornby, the model train and toymaker backed by British billionaire Mike Ashley, delisted from the London Stock Exchange junior market—the Alternative Investment Market (AIM)—earlier this year.

The company revealed its plans to go private, blaming the regulatory hurdles and costs involved with a stock market listing. The AIM-listed group—which has been undergoing a turnaround with advice from Frasers founder and billionaire Mike Ashley—said it plans to re-register as a private company to help with its ongoing overhaul.

“The board anticipates that for this process of structural change to continue at pace and to maximum effect, operating outside a publicly quoted environment would improve its decision-making ability,” the board said in a statement.

“At the same time, the board is conscious of the limited liquidity of the company’s shares on AIM balanced against the regulatory burden and cost of maintaining the public quotation,” it added.

Shares in the group plunged by 50% over the past year and tumbled by more than another 32% in morning trading after the announcement.

In March 2023, Ashley built up an 8.9% stake in the model train specialist, making him the third largest shareholder. He had hoped for a turnaround as losses mounted.

Acrylicos Vallejo Opens New Factory

Acrylicos Vallejo, one of the world’s premier hobby and gaming paint companies, has announced that their new factory, currently under construction, is expected to be completed at the end of this year. Since being acquired by ProA Capital in 2023, Vallejo has invested heavily in increasing their current product supply, culminating in this new factory that will help them further grow their business and increase availability.

“We are very much looking forward to the completion of our new factory so that we can begin the next chapter of Vallejo’s life,” said Vallejo CEO Rafael Sebastian. “We are confident that our operation will continue to become more productive and efficient, and we will ensure that Vallejo is available to any retailer or consumer.”

“Over the last year, Vallejo has shown their commitment to improving the supply of their incredible products,” said Alan Bass, president of Stevens International and one of Vallejo’s longest-tenured distributors. “We have already seen more product available for the hobby and game market, as well as fuller racks in retail stores. We are excited to help the brand continue to evolve over the coming years.”

Trainz.com Expands Executive Team

Scott Griggs, founder and CEO of Trainz.com, based in Flowery Branch, Georgia, recently announced new leadership roles to strengthen the company’s management structure and support ongoing growth. Trainz is a retailer of vintage collectibles and new model trains in all scales.

“With the advent of moving into our new, expanded facility, we felt it was time to focus more on strategic growth and acquisitions to take Trainz.com to the next level,” Griggs said.

Ken Cummings, chief technology officer (CTO), also added, “Now that we have finished significant technical projects by replacing our legacy ERP and WMS systems, our IT team will have significant resources to innovate new service offerings for our customers.”

Cummings started with the company in 2004. He rose from a programmer to lead the onshore and offshore teams, executing the vision for Trainz’s technology roadmap, marketing strategies, and marketplace initiatives.

Cindy Horn, named chief operating officer (COO), joined the company in 2006. Horn has become one of the key figures who helped build and shape Trainz.

Monica Montgomery, named finance and HR executive, has been with Trainz since 2009. With a strong accounting background and attention to detail, Monica saw Trainz through its formative years. She will continue to ensure strong financial oversight and build on a solid foundation of HR policies.Carlie Maddox was named procurement and customer service executive, building on her experience since joining the company in 2011. As an expert negotiator, Carlie uses her Southern charm and gentle persuasion to close deals.

Rockets Unfairly Blamed In Connecticut Blaze

The Southington Fire Department extinguished a fire on the front lawns of two homes in this Connecticut town.

The fires were quickly put out before they could cause serious damage to the neighborhood beyond scorched grass. Based on finding two metal cylinders at the scene, the fire department was quick to blame model rocket launches. However, based on photos of the items posted on social media, people identified the artifacts as some sort of military or signal flare.