Quote from Eric Becher on December 2, 2024, 1:52 pm

December 2024 Launch Report

It was a cold and windy, but a surprisingly good day for flying. The wind was annoying at times, but really not as bad as we thought it could have been, and some high flights were able to happen. In fact, we didn’t lose any rockets, and only 1 just barely made it into the bramble.

Engine totals:

0 – 1/2A Engines
35 – A Engines
6 – B Engines
23 – C Engines
4 – D Engines
4 – E Engines
6 – F Engines
5 – G Engines
Total of 83 engines on 81 flights.
View Launch Statistics

We started a little early, which was good as we had a big group of Civil Air Patrol kids in attendance. They each had built an Alpha III, Wizard, and Green Eggs rockets (the latter flying with eggs). So, for the first part of the day, they took up most of the rods, with a few other launches sprinkled in here and there. The kids were organized, and excited about launching, which was fun to see. They needed a little help, which they received from a few different CENJARS members (thanks to those that helped out). I think they learned a bit, and they certainly seemed to have a good time. Because of all their rockets, the above motor totals were a little high for a cold December launch. In fact, the A’s used far outpaced any launch in the last few years.

But there were other celebrations afoot! Christmas season has officially begun. There was an appearance by Joe Z’s good friend, “The Big Man of Christmas” himself – Santa, with a trusty elf or two. Plenty of Christmas rockets were on display and took flight like a reindeer behind schedule! Chris’ “Candy Caddy” made a colorful, stripped flight that dropped a bunch of candy canes on streamers. Eric and Jo Ann had a few Christmas rockets, including a new “Grinch” and a version 2.0 of his “Christmas Tree”, which flew much like a Dr. Seuss rocket would, but generally upward to a successful first flight. There were even accompanying Christmas treats including “Grinch cake pops”, Grinch kisses (the chocolate kind), and some candy canes. Thanks to Joe and Brian(?) for the hot chocolate, and Dunkin treats, all of which were quickly consumed on such a cold day. But some people were not quite ready to get into Christmas just yet. It was still Thanksgiving weekend after all. Neil being one of them was sporting his Thanksgiving turkey on his head. The Turkey seemed to be a little cold and was kicking and moving about trying to stay warm.

In more normal activities, there was a Goblin race attempt again. Joe and Neil just can’t seem to get their timing right (or more like their ignitions), but those big 4” rockets are fun to see regardless. Brian S. flew his Pringles, which is also a sight to see. And there were a couple of CATO’s. First was Brian C.’s aptly named “Da Bomb”, which lived up to its name and appearance, exploding as it left the rod. Most of it is intact, so it may fly again. (watch out for those recalled Estes D12’s!) Don also had a “Half CATO” in his “Frick and Frack” flight. This is a 2-stage whirly gig kind of affair. The first stage went CATO as it was leaving the rod, but gave off enough upward ejection to light the 2nd stage, which had a perfectly normal flight after that. You won’t see that every day! Diptanshu was there with his ARC teams as well. They launched a few nice flights. Manav also rolled in late in the day and made 2 great flights on F & G engines. He scared us a little with a low opening chute release, but it worked out well, and he didn’t have far to walk!

Joe K. and Rocketship Games was also in attendance. He had a handful of new AT motor offerings if anyone is looking for those. He also had his usual great selection of kits and such. Still time to order through his website and have it delivered in time for Christmas. Joe is going to try to attend our launch in January as well, so if you get something cool from Santa, but need parts or engines to make it fly, he should be there.

Lots of great pictures in the Gallery!

So this brings our 2024 Launches to a close. I have a full year of stats that I will compile and post, hopefully later this week. I can tell you this much: over the last 3 years that I’ve been doing this, there were some records broken. Stay tuned!

We will again participate in the Wall Township Christmas tree lighting event on Friday evening, December 6th. This is held at the town’s municipal complex not far from the field. Poohbah has just posted some info on this, but a few volunteers would be welcome. It usually entails us setting up a table of rocketry displays, CENJARS info, and handing out some little treats for the kids. It was a nice evening last year. Info is on the Club Calendar, and in his post on the Forum.

Next launch is scheduled for January 5th. I hope we all see some great gifts from Santa this year! Dress warm, and come out for a good time!