July 2023 Launch Report
Quote from Eric Becher on July 3, 2023, 12:02 pmJuly 2023 Launch Report
The weather forecasts were pretty uncertain, but our Poohbah pressed on and it proved to be the right decision. It was warm and humid, but no rain fell until after we were packed up. Still, with threatening skies (and a peak at the radar) we did pack up a little earlier than usual. So, while well attended, the launch numbers were a little lower than usual.
- Motor totals:
- 4 – 1/2A or less motors
- 5 – A motors
- 8 – B motors
- 19 – C motors
- 4 – D motors
- 8 – E motors
- 4 – F motors
- 2 – G motors
Total of 54 motors on 54 flights
Neil came with a pair of upscale rockets – a Goblin and 220 Swift. Both were impressive flights on colorful G motors. Neil’s best contribution was his friend Graham making his rocket debut with his E2X rocket named “Fred”. It flew great and the picture of the day was Graham and Neil helping each other out retrieving their rockets (see Gallery).
In keeping with the July 4th holiday theme, several rockets were showing the colors. There were 3 “Citation Patriots” (one being Brian C’s upscale), an “American Viking” (which seems to confuse a lot of observers), an actual Patriot rocket, and Charlie’s colorful “Cup of America” (very different from the “America’s Cup” trophy). Not wanting to leave anyone out, Brian C brought his “Oh Canada” to celebrate our northern neighbors’ independence on July 1st. Brian C and Eric drag raced their Citation Patriots, but with very different motors. Eric’s left the pad about an hour ahead, but Brian’s soon caught up and reached twice the altitude. Who is the winner is all in how you judge them.
A few rockets seemed attracted by the building, including the above-mentioned Citation racers, one of which landed on it, and the other close to it. Eric also had one rocket land on the roof and roll into the gutter. With Charlie’s help, it was fished out, but it wasn’t easy.
Dan flew his Astron gliders a few times, but I think the wind was playing havoc with them. But at least they came back down to Earth, which can be a challenge for Dan’s rockets at times.
And there was a parade of SLS rocket flights, with mixed results. A pair of Estes’ RTF versions flew a number of times, with various names. We learned that they MUST fly with the fins attached, in case anyone was wondering. And even when they were attached, some unusual flight paths can be expected. But they also showed they can indeed fly well too.
Near the end of the day, we saw Donald’s “Eggs Caliber” take to the skies. There was seemingly no end to the egg jokes that people cooked up for the occasion. Sadly, the rocket ended up in the tall grass across the street. Don “scrambled” over there but all he found were some ticks.
Jim also flew his “Busted Daddy” a few times. I think by the end it was more masking tape than anything else, but it held together and flew well, despite the rough appearance.
Next launch is scheduled for August 6th. This will be our annual picnic. The Club and Poohbah will supply some food and drinks, but we’ll be encouraging anyone to bring a side or dessert, or whatever else you’d like to contribute. This is usually a good time and good food, so mark your calendars. More details will be coming to the CENJARS.org site soon.
July 2023 Launch Report
The weather forecasts were pretty uncertain, but our Poohbah pressed on and it proved to be the right decision. It was warm and humid, but no rain fell until after we were packed up. Still, with threatening skies (and a peak at the radar) we did pack up a little earlier than usual. So, while well attended, the launch numbers were a little lower than usual.
- Motor totals:
- 4 – 1/2A or less motors
- 5 – A motors
- 8 – B motors
- 19 – C motors
- 4 – D motors
- 8 – E motors
- 4 – F motors
- 2 – G motors
Total of 54 motors on 54 flights
Neil came with a pair of upscale rockets – a Goblin and 220 Swift. Both were impressive flights on colorful G motors. Neil’s best contribution was his friend Graham making his rocket debut with his E2X rocket named “Fred”. It flew great and the picture of the day was Graham and Neil helping each other out retrieving their rockets (see Gallery).
In keeping with the July 4th holiday theme, several rockets were showing the colors. There were 3 “Citation Patriots” (one being Brian C’s upscale), an “American Viking” (which seems to confuse a lot of observers), an actual Patriot rocket, and Charlie’s colorful “Cup of America” (very different from the “America’s Cup” trophy). Not wanting to leave anyone out, Brian C brought his “Oh Canada” to celebrate our northern neighbors’ independence on July 1st. Brian C and Eric drag raced their Citation Patriots, but with very different motors. Eric’s left the pad about an hour ahead, but Brian’s soon caught up and reached twice the altitude. Who is the winner is all in how you judge them.
A few rockets seemed attracted by the building, including the above-mentioned Citation racers, one of which landed on it, and the other close to it. Eric also had one rocket land on the roof and roll into the gutter. With Charlie’s help, it was fished out, but it wasn’t easy.
Dan flew his Astron gliders a few times, but I think the wind was playing havoc with them. But at least they came back down to Earth, which can be a challenge for Dan’s rockets at times.
And there was a parade of SLS rocket flights, with mixed results. A pair of Estes’ RTF versions flew a number of times, with various names. We learned that they MUST fly with the fins attached, in case anyone was wondering. And even when they were attached, some unusual flight paths can be expected. But they also showed they can indeed fly well too.
Near the end of the day, we saw Donald’s “Eggs Caliber” take to the skies. There was seemingly no end to the egg jokes that people cooked up for the occasion. Sadly, the rocket ended up in the tall grass across the street. Don “scrambled” over there but all he found were some ticks.
Jim also flew his “Busted Daddy” a few times. I think by the end it was more masking tape than anything else, but it held together and flew well, despite the rough appearance.
Next launch is scheduled for August 6th. This will be our annual picnic. The Club and Poohbah will supply some food and drinks, but we’ll be encouraging anyone to bring a side or dessert, or whatever else you’d like to contribute. This is usually a good time and good food, so mark your calendars. More details will be coming to the CENJARS.org site soon.