Quote from Eric Becher on November 4, 2024, 4:57 pm
November 2024 Launch Report
What a great day for a launch, especially for November! Mild temps, low winds, and sunny skies made for a nice afternoon. And the crowd turned up for it. One of the largest showings we’ve seen with I estimate over 60 people in attendance. And the engine count shows it.
Engine totals:
6 – 1/2A Engines
10 – A Engines
24 – B Engines
29 – C Engines
8 – D Engines
6 – E Engines
10 – F Engines
14 – G Engines
Total of 107 engines on 107 flights.
With all the folks, and all the rockets, we had a lot going on. There were many full racks being launched. Due to the early, but spectacular sunset, we had to stop flying before 4:30, but since we got an early start (thanks to some extra efforts in getting the gear to the field and set up in the morning) I think we got everyone’s flights in.
There were 4 CATO’s I believe. A D12 and an E12, which are no surprise. The surprise was that there were 2 on C6-7’s. I haven’t seen many issues with those engines. Sadly, they took some nice-looking rockets out of action, including Brian C’s “Mars Snoopy.” If the fliers involved haven’t already, please add them to the data on the MESS Reports website. This helps both users and manufacturers track engine failures by lot numbers, indicating problems. Also, you can report the occurrence to Estes, with pictures and video if possible, and they may replace the engines as well as the kit if they can. Be persistent and patient, since customer service can be slow there these days. Send them a weekly email just to make sure they don’t forget about you!
With so many flights, it’s hard to call out “special” ones, but a few stand out in my mind. Neil and Joe’s big Goblins were 2 of them. The races were never close, but the sight of 2 good size rockets going up almost together was fun to see. Plenty of smoke and colored flames! Neil also showed off a couple of his special chutes – a pumpkin, and a flying saucer. Mach Light Speed continued working on their ARC data by getting in a number of flights. There were a few Halloween “leftovers”, including Charlie’s “Pumpkin Pie” and Jo Ann’s “Candy Corm Anyone?” Michael flew his naked “Blue Beam Jr Jr” (aka “Mean Machine”) a few times, and it went well once he got the right engine in it. There were a number of gliders of different kinds, most from Dan, but a few others too. And let us not forget Zoey’s first rocket, a “Generic E2X” that Neil helped her build and fly. Well done Zoey!
Some of you may have noticed a “small” group from Princeton. They were students getting in some rocketry experience, which we were happy to help them with. Poohbah Brian especially gave his time and efforts to the young ladies and men. They brought a bunch of nice looking, and mostly nice flying, rockets. We hope to see them again soon and possibly help a few in getting their L1 (just not at our field).
Thanks also to a few folks who shared in some on-field treats (leftover from trick or treating?) and Jay for the excellent fresh bagels.
And finally, in keeping with our Club by-laws, the current slate of officers were again nominated, and voted on by those present. All officers were unopposed and reelected. More details on this “annual meeting” will be posted separately.
Next launch is scheduled for December 1st. Plenty of time for everyone to build those Christmas rockets. Also, it looks like we will again participate in the Wall Township Christmas tree lighting event on December 6th. This is held at the town’s municipal complex not far from the field. More details will be coming via the website calendar, 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 and we interacted with plenty of folks, and received some positive feedback from the town.
November 2024 Launch Report
What a great day for a launch, especially for November! Mild temps, low winds, and sunny skies made for a nice afternoon. And the crowd turned up for it. One of the largest showings we’ve seen with I estimate over 60 people in attendance. And the engine count shows it.
Engine totals:
6 – 1/2A Engines
10 – A Engines
24 – B Engines
29 – C Engines
8 – D Engines
6 – E Engines
10 – F Engines
14 – G Engines
Total of 107 engines on 107 flights.
With all the folks, and all the rockets, we had a lot going on. There were many full racks being launched. Due to the early, but spectacular sunset, we had to stop flying before 4:30, but since we got an early start (thanks to some extra efforts in getting the gear to the field and set up in the morning) I think we got everyone’s flights in.
There were 4 CATO’s I believe. A D12 and an E12, which are no surprise. The surprise was that there were 2 on C6-7’s. I haven’t seen many issues with those engines. Sadly, they took some nice-looking rockets out of action, including Brian C’s “Mars Snoopy.” If the fliers involved haven’t already, please add them to the data on the MESS Reports website. This helps both users and manufacturers track engine failures by lot numbers, indicating problems. Also, you can report the occurrence to Estes, with pictures and video if possible, and they may replace the engines as well as the kit if they can. Be persistent and patient, since customer service can be slow there these days. Send them a weekly email just to make sure they don’t forget about you!
With so many flights, it’s hard to call out “special” ones, but a few stand out in my mind. Neil and Joe’s big Goblins were 2 of them. The races were never close, but the sight of 2 good size rockets going up almost together was fun to see. Plenty of smoke and colored flames! Neil also showed off a couple of his special chutes – a pumpkin, and a flying saucer. Mach Light Speed continued working on their ARC data by getting in a number of flights. There were a few Halloween “leftovers”, including Charlie’s “Pumpkin Pie” and Jo Ann’s “Candy Corm Anyone?” Michael flew his naked “Blue Beam Jr Jr” (aka “Mean Machine”) a few times, and it went well once he got the right engine in it. There were a number of gliders of different kinds, most from Dan, but a few others too. And let us not forget Zoey’s first rocket, a “Generic E2X” that Neil helped her build and fly. Well done Zoey!
Some of you may have noticed a “small” group from Princeton. They were students getting in some rocketry experience, which we were happy to help them with. Poohbah Brian especially gave his time and efforts to the young ladies and men. They brought a bunch of nice looking, and mostly nice flying, rockets. We hope to see them again soon and possibly help a few in getting their L1 (just not at our field).
Thanks also to a few folks who shared in some on-field treats (leftover from trick or treating?) and Jay for the excellent fresh bagels.
And finally, in keeping with our Club by-laws, the current slate of officers were again nominated, and voted on by those present. All officers were unopposed and reelected. More details on this “annual meeting” will be posted separately.
Next launch is scheduled for December 1st. Plenty of time for everyone to build those Christmas rockets. Also, it looks like we will again participate in the Wall Township Christmas tree lighting event on December 6th. This is held at the town’s municipal complex not far from the field. More details will be coming via the website calendar, 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 and we interacted with plenty of folks, and received some positive feedback from the town.
