Launch! Schoolyard Soccer Field, January 15, 2014

I haven't launched anything in about a month! Seven models were prepped and six were flown.

On the left is a new MicroMaxx model, the FlisKits CRAYON.
This first flight was much like the Flis Honest John, fast and high.
Altitude was around 100'.
The fins were cut smaller than the instruction pattern and I drew up an actual Crayola wrap.
This will be another "first up" favorite.




My Quest AS-1 ESCORT had it's 13th flight with a Quest A6-4.
Estimated altitude was about 275'. This should be a A8-3 model, one second less delay is about right for an apogee ejection.
There was a bit of coning going up with a slight parachute melt coming down.






The Estes GYROC clone flew with an Estes A8-3 to about 300'.
I lost sight of it right after ejection and watched the horizon to pick it up again before it landed.
Very fast spin with no damage on recovery.





Another favorite -
The Dr. Zooch SATURN V had a great boost with an Estes B6-4 to about 325'.
At ejection the parachute was tangled enough for a hard landing.

With my simple camera I was happy with this launch picture.




Here's the landing damage.
One fin cracked off the fairing at the root edge. I found the fin for an easy fix.
I couldn't find the engine bell! Not such an easy fix.
The wraps were scanned so I can print off a new one.
Considering what stresses rockets go through, you have to expect some repairs especially on detailed models.


Also flowns:
The Quest VIPER (fifth flight) with a Quest A6-4.
Estimated altitude 325'.
There is a melt on the spill-hole cut parachute. Time for a new chute!
I'll replace the Quest parachute anyway. The shroud lines were like a thick twine!

The Centuri VULCAN clone had an arrow straight boost with a Estes B6-2 engine.
Altitude was probably 300'.
Textbook flight with no damage. I always carry two paper towels with me to wipe the wet dew off the card stock shroud.


When I was downrange picking up models, two BIG Sandhill Cranes were pecking around in my range box! I had to shoo them away.
According to a Florida Birds search:
"Sandhill Cranes stand 4 to 5 feet tall with a wingspan of 6 to 7 feet!"
They are a surprise the first few times you see them. You can always hear their "gurgling" honk calls in the neighborhood.