The weather has cooled down but we had wind to 15 mph.
Above, Club President and RSO Brian Coyle and Tom Dennon adjust launch rod angles before launch.
Here's the launch of the new Quest Escort AS-1 with an Estes A8-3. On my first launch of the day I go low to check the winds and drift. This was a normal flight and recovery to about 200 feet.
My Estes Quinstar had an 18mm engine adapter installed for a C6-3.
Altitude was probably around 150'. Fast spin up, slow spin coming down. No damage.
Tom launched his Sputnik, stable with a little veer into the wind.
Next to it is my Estes Patriot launched with an Estes B6-4 to about 300 feet.
A few years back, Ernie Reich picked up a Cox X-15 for a song on Ebay. Today was launch day with an Estes B6-4. I had never seen one of these up close.
I had read these were heavy but it boosted very straight to a respectable 250'. The chute easily ejected and was recovered with no damage.
EDIT: As noticed by Leo Nutz, this is more likely an Estes X-15. They did have a 18mm X-15 plastic model available at one time.
The Odd'l Rockets F-16 prototype was tested again, this time with an older German Quest B6-4.
Very stable with the chute eject at about 300'. The wind carried it south towards the trees. It cleared the branches and after touching down was picked up by Kirby. Kirby is known for his rocket recoveries.
I was glad to get it back, I hate to lose prototypes.
Also flown:
The Red River Rocketry Starliner with an Estes A8-3. Peak altitude was an estimated 150'. Five up, Five down, no damage.
Chris, you sure that is a Cox X-15? Mine fly on mini engines.
ReplyDeleteI'd say it's an Estes X-15 kit #1412 as starter set or #1890 as solo.
The Estes kit was recalled, Release #07-319.
Hazard: The model rocket's side or engine retainer ring can separate and cause the
rocket to fall without the nose cone separating and the parachute deploying,
posing a risk of an impact injury to nearby consumers.
I will be modifying my Estes X-15 for safe flights.
Leo
Hi Leo,
DeleteIt was a Cox X-15 and flew with 18mm engines.
Very slick model. I checked it didn't have the Estes logo molded into the rear fin. This one was larger than the Estes 13mm X-15. The markings were painted on, not stickers like on the Estes X-15. Check out the silver paint on the canopy windows.
Checking the markings in the 1972 Cox catalog, this was the version re-released in the 1990s.
The Estes version which also used 18mm didn't have an Estes logo on it either :-)
DeleteLeo!
DeleteYou are right, I did a little searching. I didn't even know Estes had a larger, 18mm X-15. I just knew of the older, plastic 13mm version.
Thanks for the report Chris. I would have much rather been there than having back surgery yesterday morning. Hopefully, we will be at the blast next weekend, even if I am just a spectator/helper to the rest of the family, so they can launch.
ReplyDeleteHi Metal,
DeleteI noticed you weren't there yesterday. Heal quickly! Back issues aren't fun. Hope to see you at the Bunnell Blast! I was told they would have separate LPR launchers set up so no waiting!
Hi Chris,
ReplyDeleteCouldn't help noticing that the Escort AS-1 looks a lot like the old Quest SHX Stiletto. Different nose cone and fin placement, but same tail stabs and mitered body. Got one a few weeks ago, it's in my build pile now. Love those Shrox designs.
Hi BAR,
DeleteThis new F-16 is actually based on the old Centuir Fighter Fleet F-16. There is no mitred body, that's a split tube intake underneath.
I also like the Shrox designs. My SHX Stiletto was to big and heavy for a C6 so I converted it for D12 engines - http://modelrocketbuilding.blogspot.com/search/label/Q%20Stiletto
I'd recommend a larger rudder piece underneath.
Actually, was referring to your picture of the new Quest Escort AS-1. Cheers.
DeleteHi BAR,
DeleteBoy, I read that wrong! To me, the AS-1 Escort looks more like the Apogee Firefox SHX. (Only the Firefox is much bigger and black)