Launch! Orlando R.O.C.K., March 7, 2020

We haven't had a club launch in a few months. Today the field was dry, but the winds were up!

The Cub Scouts joined us today with plenty of first time launches. There were plenty of family support and spectators.

At some Tampa T.T.R.A. launches, the Scouts could take over the few operating LPR pads. The R.S.O. would announce: "The launchers and field are clear!" At my age I can't outrun the young Scouts. The rods were quickly loaded. You'd be lucky to get two rockets in the air.

The Orlando club dedicates one or two racks for the Scouts, depending on the demand. The remaining rack(s) are for the club members. After the Scouts used up their two engines each, things got back to normal.

As a kid, I learned valuable life lessons in my years in the Scout program. Today reinforced the rule: "Wait your turn in line." You've got to like their enthusiasm. Except for a few lost Up Aerospace rockets, the Scout families had a good day.




The winds kept many C engine models grounded. Parachutes were replaced with streamers.

Here's a single large, offset ring fin model, this time in a 18mm format. The CORKSCREW was launched twice with A8-3 engines to an estimated 275'. A kite tail streamer brought it down.

Here's my Estes MINI MARS LANDER with a A10-3t. Boost was straight to 250'. You'd think this would be a parachute recovery but there is barely room for a streamer stored in the nose cone. No damage after it bounced on landing.

Today was the second launch of the Odd'l HIGH ROLLER with an Estes B6-4.
The picture on the right shows the stacked and angled toilet paper tubes. An Odd'l heavy-wall BT-20 runs down the center. The shock cord broke at the first launch in January. The lost nose cone and parachute were replaced.
Today - success! Very stable with a 325' altitude.

With the wind I only flew four today, but was happy with the Corkscrew and High Roller launches.
With some caution and angled rods, plenty of Scouts had a good first rocketry experience.