Launch! Orlando R.O.C.K., January 6, 2018

First launch of the new year! Temps were in the 60s with a 10 MPH wind from the NW.
The first rack of rockets tended to drift into the trees so all the launch rods were angled into the wind.

My first "test" flight of the day was the Estes CURVILINEAR with a A8-3. Altitude was probably 175'.
I taped the 12' parachute so it wouldn't fully open. With the reefed chutes, all of todays launches stayed in the field.

This was the first launch of the TMRK NASA SCOUT using an Estes B6-4.
Launch was slower, like a Big Bertha. Altitude was around 275' with a full 16" nylon parachute recovery.
Why do all conical nose cones seem to dig into the ground when they touch down? There was a little damage to the nose cone tip and some dirt scratches.

Two stubby favorites went up with B engines.

The Goony X-15 reached 250' with an Estes B6-4. Another tied chute brought it down without any damage.

Te Custom NOMAD flew to 275' with a German Quest B6-4 engine. The German engines are louder and sooty.

Another first flight with the Estes STAR SPEEDER clone. With an Estes A8-3 the Speeder got to 275'. Arrow straight with no damage.

The Peter Alway designed SATURN IV was launched with an Estes B6-4 to 300'. A 12" Odd'l parachute brought it back close.
This is the same rocket that got hung up in a tree and was exposed to rain for a month. After it dried out I installed a new chute and shock cord. I should really get new decals on it.

My carded A.S.P. usually sits in my range box ready to fly. It's always good to have a few loaded and ready to go.
The 1/2A3-4t engine got this BT-5 based model to a respectable 325'. Roger said you could see some spiral in the smoke trail. There are small spin tabs on the fins. The wind direction had changed and blew it into a tree, but low enough to be grabbed.

Seven up, seven recovered with minor damage to the nose cones of the Star Speeder and NASA Scout.

Most were cautious about the wind direction but by the end of the day bigger engines were brought out. One flyer even launched a Estes Goblin twice with D12-5s!