We've had rain here over the past few days. Many thought the field would be inch deep in water. As it turned out there was a few sloshy areas.
First up for me was the soon to be re-released Estes NIKE APACHE. This build was from the first run in the 1980s.
A German made Quest B6-4 got it higher than expected, up to an estimated 400'. Textbook flight, no damage on recovery.
The stretch Quest X-15 was next with a Chinese made Quest B6-4. Aimed away from the flight line it made for a long recovery walk. Good flight to about 325'.
One of the two new Estes INTERCEPTORS had it's maiden flight with an Estes B6-4. This model is being finished up on the blog now.
Slow boost and an altitude of 250'.
The Beacon Fabri-tac glued pods and antennas held strong. Easy recovery under the full 18" parachute.
My best launch of the day.
I had a disappointing final flight from my Centuri X-24 BUG. The Estes C6-3 boost seemed okay but at ejection the Bug flipped end over end like it was trying to glide.When I picked it up I realized the problem.During boost the sides of the body were pulled into the center line engine flame. It's not repairable but I'll salvage the nose cone and weigh the clay for a future attempt.
Glenn Sunseri brought his beautifully finished Quest Quad Runner.
Using the newer Estes Starters only two of the four B6-4 engines ignited. The model arced over and ejected right before hitting the ground.
A second try using the older style black igniters was successful with all four engines burning.
Next to the Quad Runner is Carl Campbell of RSR connecting up his Atlas V.
Last up for me was a newly finished Quest AS-1 ESCORT with a Quest A6-4. I had this one prepped for a schoolyard launch that didn't happen.
That four second delay works but this rocket is better suited for an A8-3.
At ejection the stiff Quest chute never opened.
Five up, five down - one crispy. A good day with my daughter.
When the Quad Runner ignites, it's pretty spectacular. When there are one or two misfires, it can be pretty heartbreaking.
ReplyDeleteHi Daniel,
DeleteI read on your blog where you had a ignition problem on your first Quad Runner flight. As my daughter and I were walking to my car we did see the Quad Runner fly. The second try was good with ignition of all four engines.
Sorry about the Bug Chris. That was a cool little rocket. Whenever I fly cluster rockets, I either use Quest Q2G2 igniter (if I can spare some of the ones I squirreled away) or augmented Estes or Aerotech igniters. A little Pyrodex does wonders for the questionable new Estes igniter. Both Aerotech F39s lit in my Loc Viper IV last month at the NEFAR launch using painted grains ad dipped igniter. That was a great flight, and Thea got a picture of both motors in action. That was my favorite fight last month.
ReplyDeleteHi Metalhead,
DeleteNo big loss on the X-24 Bug. I can print and fly another, better one. I also save Q2G2s and am BP dipping the Estes Starters now.
I rarely do BP clusters but they are always exciting to watch. They always seem a little expensive for one flight, but I'm cheap!
I am really getting into clustering and staging right now. I even have a two stage two motor cluster in each stage rocket from Semroc. I really like that one. Next week, I will be debuting the mosquit-two in Bunnell. That one should be interesting. I really like the challenges of clustering and staging.
DeleteHi Metalhead,
DeleteI still like the clusters. Staging - not so much. Rarely do I have one that continues going vertical when the sustainer ignites. Maybe it's just me!
Bummer on the X-24, you might say it went two sheets into the wind (two sheets of cardstock paper) Your blog inspired me to build a few variations with different wraps, you might say I got bit by the bug for the X-24. TRy spraying the inside of the shroud with high temp BBQ paint.
ReplyDeleteHi Glen,
DeleteThat or only use a B6-2 engine in it. The burn time of the C6-3 is longer and might have been enough to heat up and burn the inside wall.
I wonder if a gusset brace might be used to increase the rigidity of the body to help to lessen the tendency for the "flat" sides of the conical body from "caving in" like that.
DeleteHi Naoto,
DeleteA brace (or braces) would help, but add more weight and probably leads to more balance and glide issues. If I were to rebuild it, I'd probably just stay with the B6-2 engines.
I have a feeling the card stock used in the Centuri kit was a thicker stock.
I have had no problems with new Estes starters with a little black fingernail polish on them. No misfires yet!
ReplyDeleteMike Ruf
Hi Mike,
DeleteThe nitrocellulose lacquer fingernail polish does help! With my six volt controller there is a slight delay, not quite like the old, immediate Estes igniters with pyrogen. I still wouldn't trust the new Starters in a cluster. I'm working on a BP dip booster. More to come after some testing.