Schoolyard Launch, April 19, 2015

This wasn't a typical launch day for me, two new models flew and it was the first test of a new, larger Odd'l Rockets BLAST! Deflector.
Summer is right around the corner, it was already warm at 7:15 a.m. I worked up a sweat chasing these down.

The first launch attempt was the FlisKits CRAYON with an old MMX engine with the molded plastic "Nozz-hole".
MicroMaxx engines always take an extra second to ignite. Holding down the launch button I could see some smoke out the back end. No launch.

I walked up to check and maybe adjust the igniter and noticed the igniter wire had melted the molded nozzle. The wires are now part of the nozzle!
This has never happened before.

An old reliable, the Quest Cobalt variant ORANGE had it's 14th launch with a Quest A6-4. Altitude? Maybe 200'.
Boost was loud and normal. Recovery was just nose-blow, the parachute stayed in the nose cone.
It landed and bounced, turning over standing upright on it's fins.

Two small models, too fast to catch on film.
On the left is a new carded model , a scale A.S.P.
There are spinnerons (spin tabs) on the fins, just like the real rocket had.
A 1/2A3-4t engine got it to around 350 feet. You could see the spinning in the smoke trail when the model was reaching apogee.
The crepe paper streamer eject brought it back close.
After a few more test flights this one should be a available as a free PDF.

The Estes MOSQUITO flew fast and high with it's 1/4A3-3t engine. Estimated altitude, 325'.
I lost sight of it at ejection and waited, listening for the small "thud" when it hit the grass. I followed the hit and found it close by.

Another new one, now being painted on the blog.
This is the Peter Alway SATURN IV.
The first launch was with an Estes B6-4. Arrow straight boost with an estimated altitude around 300'.
Recovery was textbook under a 15" Odd'l Rockets parachute.

Last up was the workhorse Estes PATRIOT with a Estes B6-4.
Perfect flight and recovery under a 12' parachute with spill hole.

I tried the second replacement Estes Altimeter. It read only 147'.
That can't be right. Open Rocket says it should reach 247'. I know sims are typically high.
When you are right under them (not 75 feet away like at a club launch) they sure look like they are higher up!

Five up, five recovered without damage. A good day -
Two new models flown and a successful test of the new Blast! deflector.