Quote from Eric Becher on January 3, 2023, 1:22 pm

January 2023 Launch Report

Happy New Year!

We met on New Year’s Day and we had a good crowd to rocket into the New Year! Weather was fairly warm for January. Winds were supposed to be moderate, but we found there to be a little more breeze than we anticipated. A good streamer day, but some of us were not expecting that, so some folks did some walking. Plenty of water on the field too. Brian said that he should have worn his water proof sandals!

We managed 56 launches, and burned 56 engines, which isn’t bad for a winter launch.

Motor totals:

  1 – 1/2A motors

  4 – A motors

  7 – B motors

25 – C motors (SO many C's!!)

  8 – D motors

  8 – E motors

  3 – F motors

  0 – G motors

View Launch Statistics

We saw a nice variety of craft take to the skies. There were saucers and spools, small ones and tall ones, gliders and egg lofters, and we went high and stayed low. Some were fast and some were slow. In all, more successful flights than not.

As is typical around this year, Christmas trees are removed from the house and taken to the curb or some folks even plant theirs in the yard. Eric did the latter with his Christmas tree. It flew a little straighter, but not so high. Planting itself firmly in the soft ground, then and only then, it deployed the chute – successfully I might add. Does anyone make an 18mm E motor?

Neil flew a nice-looking Saturn 1B. Jeff proved that persistence usually pays off, though it might take a few tries. His Tall Daddy finally made a nice flight (8^th time’s the charm!). Max’s Shuttle flew nicely a few times, and cut a unique profile. There were a few F motor flights, which always make a nice roar and bright flame. While some went toward the trees behind us or the road, the wind took them all back toward us for recovery. Some may have spoken with student Nishi, who was learning a lot of rocketry from TARC mentor Charlie, and asking good questions. The future of rocketry was in attendance!

A few rockets made it across the field and into the bramble. Jo Ann’s Riddler, Ken’s X-treme, and Brian C.’s V-2 were last seen going into the woods. Couldn’t find them on Sunday. Monday saw the “CENJARS Recovery Committee” assemble at the field around noon. Franz, Ken, Jo Ann and Eric (with special guest star Bill) independently showed up to hunt down the wayward rockets. While we didn’t find Ken’s X-treme, we did find the Riddler, the V-2, and with great effort, recovered Franz’s rocket from the trees (captured a few months ago). We also took in a haul of other rocket parts. (See picture of the pile below) Most were a soggy mess, but if anyone recognizes anything, let me know and I’ll bring it next launch. Several nose cones are salvageable! Not in the picture is a rocket Eric found on in the woods on Sunday. It looks like it was lost some months ago, and had a Chute Release attached. If anyone can lay claim to it, I will also hand that over to you at next launch. Rumor is that the chute releases can be returned for repair at little or no cost.

Lots of folks paid their 2023 dues. Remember to bring a little cash or check at your next launch and you can renew on the spot. You may also download the form from CENJARS.org and mail in a check to Treasurer Tom. Your dues support our outreach efforts, as well as Club equipment, picnics and contests, so thanks to those who pay their dues for everyone’s benefit.

Next launch is Feb 5^th. Keep building those Christmas rockets! No conflicts, as the Super Bowl is the following week.