August 2024
August 2024 Launch Report
In a word – “FOOD!” It was a nice day for flying, although there was a little west wind at times, but the big activity was the annual picnic. Food and fun ensued, and we even flew a few rockets!
Engine totals:
1 – 1/2A Engines
2 – A Engines
13 – B Engines
17 – C Engines
6 – D Engines
9 – E Engines
2 – F Engines
1 – G Engines
Total of 51 engines on 50 flights.
We were off to a slow start. I looked around at 1:30, wondering why I wasn’t hearing rocket noises, I realized it was because everyone was eating! Folks brought lots of great food which everyone enjoyed. Pulled pork, fried chicken and chicken wings, hot dogs and Italian sausage, ring sandwiches, and a host of sides and deserts. If you left hungry you weren’t paying attention! Thanks everyone for contributing to the food tent. It was quite a spread!
But eventually we did get to launching rockets. And there were some special rockets to launch too. Ken got his “Deuces Wild” up on 2 engines this time and it flew great! Joe had a cool “Quinstar” with a metallic paint scheme that spun better than most that I have seen. Jo Ann and Eric flew their “Blue Angels” F-18 and “Thunderbirds” F-16’s. Brian S. flew his new “Thunderbirds 3” rocket, which was pretty cool. For the youngsters among us, that was based on an old TV show with lots of rockets in it. Look for it on YouTube (search “Thunderbirds TV show”). Brian C. jumped into the glider world. First attempt was not “optimal,” but with a little tweaking from our glider expert, it later made a nice smooth flight. The ARC team “White Eagle” has started test flying and put up a couple of flights. This is how you succeed in that contest – with lots of flying experience and data. Good for them!
There was a special rocket presented to our Poohbah, Brian S. in observance of his birthday this month. Neil, Eric and Jo Ann made a “Flying Poohbah” rocket. Words cannot do justice, so you’ll have to check out the gallery. We honestly didn’t know if it would fly, but it actually made a very nice, straight flight and 2-part recovery.
We also held a commemorative flight honoring CENJARS friend Susan’s late husband Erik. We flew one of his favorite rockets that he had built, a vintage “Honest John”, Maxi-Brute Estes kit. It flew nice and high, and although the chute tore away, the rocket was recovered and will be cherished by Susan.
Following that, we held a contest. The name of the game was closest to the celestial objects. Out in the field there were suns, aliens and a moon. Prizes were donated by a few members and included rocket kits, motors, and stickers. Whoever landed closest to the objects won that balloon and its prize. Congratulations to the folks that won!
Joe K. from Rocketship Games was also on the field with his great selection of kits and motors. Eric & Jo Ann still have a big box of kits available at pretty good savings (listing online here). Both should be around next month, so check them out if you “need” anything (and who doesn’t).
Lots of pictures in the gallery, so check ‘em out!
Speaking of next month, our next launch is scheduled for September 1st. It’s Labor Day weekend, so get laboring and finish up that new rocket build you’re working on. Besides, what else are you going to do that weekend, labor in the yard?
labor in the yard on Labor Day? How about sit on the beach 🏖️
Launch video posted