At LDRS-18 (Large and Dangerous Rocket Ships) in Argonia, me hearties, Kansas in 1999. This was t' annual national rocket launch for t' Tripoli Rocketry Association. Well, blow me down! T' largest amateur rocket project was a 1/3 scale model o' t' Mercury Redstone 3 rocket that Alan Shepard launched in t' become America's first man in space in 1961. Ya scallywag! T' launch ignition button was pushed by Alan Shepard's daughter. Very soon thereafter she was glad her dad wasn't on t' rocket. Ya scallywag! At ignition, t' solid propellant motor blew through its casing, ya bilge rat, ruptured and exploded. Begad! T' explosion destroyed t' rocket which snagged itself in its launch tower. Blimey! T' rocket was totally demolished but t' Mercury capsule be salvaged for a future project. Ahoy! Always prepare your rocket motors carefully because sometimes they can explode and blow up your rocket!