Two MicroMaxx launches to kick things off,
A Semroc MMX BLUE BIRD ZERO and a Fliskits MMX CRAYON.
The Blue Bird Zero probably got to 50' with streamer deploy and soft landing. The FlisKits Crayon got great altitude, maybe 90'. That's pretty good considering the 1/2 second delay before ejection. I wish the MMX engines had 2 seconds delay -
To get ignition on both MMX engines I had to hold down the launch button for about three (long) seconds. Bare wire nichrome igniters take extra time in the little engines.
The Estes MK-109 STINGRAY was next up with a Estes A8-3 to 250'.
This was a very sturdy model, thick tubing and a lot of plastic.
No damage on recovery.
I rarely launch the True Modeler's Nasa SCOUT. It's perfect for this field with an Estes B6-4.
It's tall with two reducers and very small triangular fins. One of the few LPR kits to include a rip-stop nylon parachute in black.
I would estimate the altitude at 300'.
Another rarely launched model -
The Centuri VULCAN clone.
The eighth flight, I'm surprised this has lasted as long as it has. The home print card stock shroud body isn't as thick as the OOP Centuri kit provided.
A Estes B6-2 got the draggy body to an estimated 300'. An old, thin skin 12" Semroc chute brought it back with one dented intake.
While this one is finishing up on the blog:
The first launch of the Estes MRN ORBITAL TRANSPORT LABORATORY.
The instructions recommend A5-2, B4-2 and C6-3 engines. I used an Estes B6-4 with good success. I was a bit concerned about stability but it was fine. Estimated altitude was 325'.
I've mentioned in the blog build about the recessed, friction fit engine. The nozzle extends beyond the low end of the engine.
TIP: As suggested by Fred Schecter on the Forums - You'll find it easier to remove a friction fitted engine right after flight while it is still warm. You'd think the engine casing would expand, but the diameter actually decreases slightly after launch.
Another rarely launched bird, the 4th flight -
The Quest SPACE CLIPPER with an Estes C6-3. The 1994 Quest catalog says it'll reach 300' with that engine. CLICK HERE to see the catalog page.
It'd probably get much higher but there is a lot of drag and clay weight in the nose cone. There is so much weight in that nose, it comes down on a separate 12" parachute!
In past launch experience, I never got both chutes to open. The old Quest parachutes were crispy and could stay folded up at ejection. Today the nose cone chute opened, the body chute opened halfway. No damage when picked up. Always check to see if those landing leg pads are still glued on!
It's been cool in Florida, this morning things are warming up. Seven launches, seven recoveries with just a few dents in the card stock body of the Vulcan.
Yeah, B6-4 seems to be the best, most stable choice for the OTL. I had built my OTL with solid fins instead of on dowels and I still had one fin snap off.
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