Quote from Eric Becher on March 10, 2025, 1:47 pm

March 2025 Launch Report

It was another challenging day to fly. After having to delay last week’s launch to the 9^th, it was still less than ideal conditions with high winds that only increased through the afternoon. But the diehards turned out to see the Leprechaun and we had some entertaining flights.

Engine totals:

3 – 1/2A Engines
5 – A Engines
12 – B Engines
9 – C Engines
10 – D Engines
4 – E Engines
4 – F Engines
1 – G Engines
Total of 48 engines on 47 flights.
View Launch Statistics

 

So yes, wind was the issue on this day, although it was not as cold as the last 2 months. It’s been a tough winter, but things can only get better (we hope). The flight totals are very consistent each month as well (48, 48, 47 launches the last 3 months). But for anyone willing to brave the conditions, good fun was had before winds got too crazy and we packed up a little early.

Let’s get right to the contest. There were a number of green rockets, and they scattered widely about the field. Some on the upper fields. Some out near the street. One or two headed for the brush across the field. A couple even went behind the crowd. But in the end, there were really only 2 contenders. Jo Ann held the lead much of the afternoon with her “Riddler”, but finally Charlie flew his “Mostly Green” which landed close enough, and we got it marked before the wind took it away. The Pot of Gold had about half a dozen rocket kits, plus Dog Barf, a few engines, motor adapters, stickers, a poster, and even a bag of [chocolate] gold. Quite the haul that Leprechaun was holding! Thanks to everyone who donated something for the pot. Stay tuned to the Gallery as I understand there is a video coming from “Joe Z Productions”.

Out of the many green rockets there was a clear standout in Neil’s Shamrock rocket that had a Leprechaun riding on his green Max rocket. Quite the sight, and I thought I heard a little scream as it headed for the clouds!

Maybe it was the delayed launch, maybe the high winds, but we only saw 2 ARC teams fly on this day. Unfortunately, they both had problems with the winds and their rockets were carried far from that target altitude. Time is running short for the teams, and the weather hasn’t helped. There is a possibility of holding an ARC launch next week. Much depends upon the weather, and the long-range forecast is not helping. But stay tuned as that often changes.

Speaking of changes, did you change your clocks Sunday morning? Joe from Rocketship Games didn’t. But he made it out to us anyway. Always good to see Joe and his magical car that seems to fit an unnatural amount of rocket stuff in it. I believe Joe will not be able to attend the April launch, but if you need something, he’ll be at Red Glare (big launch in Delaware) at the end of this month.

So what other highlights were there? Well, Michael flew his many Blue Beam’s There was the “Blue Beam”. The “Blue Beam Jr”. The “Blue Beam Jr, Jr” And of course, the “Blue Beam Jr, Jr, Jr, Jr”. All were entertaining flights. One that looked similar to the Mean Machine made a couple of high flights, Unfortunately the last one landed a little hard in an attempt to take a 6ft core sample of the baseball field. The dirt won. Another Blue Beam version that appeared similar to the Space Shuttle made a couple of flight too. That shuttle does glide nicely! Sadly, the booster/tank section landed hard on the paved pathway. The pavement won. But the best flight all day was probably the “Blue Beam Jr, Jr, Jr, Jr” which resembles the Apollo’s Saturn V. We were all looking forward to that, and nervous for them in the high winds. But it took off straight up, and deployed in 2 sections, under 3 chutes just as it was supposed to do. The rocket won. Good for Michael!

In other flights, Eric flew his new “Spinny Thingy 1” and 2 on different motors. They spun well. He also had his colorful “Mardi Gras”, because why celebrate just one holiday! Chris Oliver flew his interesting “Trident”. Brian C. had a number of unique rockets, as usual, but of note was his Da Bomb, and 2-stage “Too Cool to Spool”. Neil flew his “Cool Spool” on a G79 (biggest motor of the day). And Brian S. flew his new “Toxic Waste” on a F20-7, which can still be seen in the trees west of the baseball field.

Plenty of pics in the Gallery.

Thanks again for those who continue to renew their membership. I’m always available at the field to renew, or you can do so by mail. (Info on the Section Info/Join CENJARS page.) ARC Teams – remember that we require the Team to have a membership, or at least one team member have one.

Next monthly launch is currently slated for April 6th, weather permitting. This will be the last opportunity for ARC launches this season. Check the website for last minute updates. There could be Bunnies and eggs afoot (if we can afford them). Stay tuned!