Apr 23, 2022
At the April 23rd launch event at Dawsonville there were nineteen participants who took advantage of a beautiful sunny Spring day to launch ninety-nine rockets, spools, leapers, and landers. Early arrivers were rewarded with calm winds and cool temperatures and mid-powered rockets were soon streaking skyward into a cloudless sky. By noon, the winds began picking up and this made assessing proper launch angles a bit more difficult and some recoveries more challenging.
Monica Helms was inspired by the science fiction series called The Expanse with her highly creative and detailed Razorback launched on a G67, then her Rocinante sent up on a F20, and the Pella powered by a G80. Other G-powered models included Chris Lucas’ Aerotech ArreauxBee-Hi with a G64, Ray Lecture’s scratch built and beautifully finished Der Black Max launched on a G78 as well as his LOC Goblin. David Cain launched his Mad Cow Cowabunga with a G77and Robert Harris sent up his LOC Cool Spool on a G79. These were all great spectator flights.
Also of interest were Kevin Scholberg’s Estes Outlander, a classic Excelsior Rocketry Bluebird Zero launched on a C6, his scratch-built Silver Surfer that went up majestically on a F67. Kip Laurie brought out some upscaled models including Estes Nike X (212% upscale) that was powered by a F42, an Estes Sasha (167%) lofted by a F20, and an Estes Low Boom SST (331%); all of these going up for the first time. There were many other exciting launches that kept most of the day busy and enjoyable to watch. Event photos by Kevin Boyd [here]. Some additional event pictures [here].
Motor Ignition Counts:
A – 15
B – 13
C – 18
D – 20
E – 14
F – 19
G – 8
Feb 12, 2022
The February 12th launch event at Mill Springs brought out thirty participants to take advantage of a warm afternoon with sunny skies and light to moderate winds. There were many who elected to use streamer recovery to keep smaller rockets reaching higher altitudes landing closer on the field. By the end of the event there were 108 total launches with a good variety of rocket designs including vintage as well as many taking to the air for their first flights.
Some of those vintage rockets making it back out on the launch pad included Jeff Fellman’s Holverson Designs Tangent that was successfully powered by an equally vintage C5-3. David Cain had his classic Semroc Cherokee D that he sent up on a B6 and also an Estes design Astron X-Ray flown twice under A8 power. Kevin Boyd launched his Estes Executioner with a D12 and his Estes QCC Explorer on a C11. Jorge got to launch his scratch built Red Thing on a D12. Other interesting launches included Harrison Kiefert’s Odd’l Rockets Birdie and his Sputnik with A10 engines. Gabriel had fun with his Estes Port-a-pot shot which struggled to gain altitude on a B4 but for reasons he was quick to explain (it was full of “stuff”).
For a more thunderous thrill, Robert Harris sent up his LOC Cool Spool on a G79.
Event photos by Kevin Boyd here.
A few additional event pictures here.
Engine ignition counts:
A – 39
B – 42
C – 20
D – 6
E – 1
F – 0
G – 1
Nov 13, 2021
The cool temperatures and windy conditions were no match for the amount of enthusiasm that arrived at the November 13th Mill Springs launch event. Cub Scouts from three Packs came ready to load the pads at the 8:00 start time. For the next few hours, it was incredible nonstop action. There were plenty of A, B, and C engines taking rockets to various altitudes; many of these being recovered in the adjacent fields as the steady winds from the northwest keep recovery chances interesting no matter what the launch angle. Terry Bliss setup a prep and repair table that helped many first timers solve technical and safety issues prior to approaching the RSO for pad assignment. This support was extremely helpful as it allowed the flow of participants to move smoothly from RSO to the pads once their rockets were ready and finally checked for launch. Total launch count for this event was 244 (wow!)
Once the scouts were done by mid-morning the pace slowed down and a more typical launch event was underway. Leaor kept things exciting with his Rocketarium Vortico launch on a D9 then again (and finally) on a F39. He also got in a 3rd flight of the beautiful Fliskits Tesla with a C6 for power. Robert Harris tempted fate (and won) with his Dynastar Rising Star launched with a D12 and gave spectators a glorious (and loud) flight with his LOC Cool Spool on a F67.
A few photos from the event [here]
Oct 23, 2021
Another beautiful Fall afternoon for rocketry at the October 23rd launch event at Dawsonville. Very light winds from the south with mild temperatures and ample blue skies. Equipment setup went quickly with welcomed help from those who came early to assist. Rockets were streaking skyward even before the posted event start time. For this great turnout event there were 135 launches performed by thirty-nine participants.
Of special interest were the number of scratch-built rockets being launched (many upscales), the beautiful finishes and creative color schemes, the abundance of mid-powered engines (twelve G-powered) being used, many short recovery walks, the number of families coming out to enjoy the day, and of course the gorgeous mountain views from the hilltop (Fall colors emerging) as rockets drifted down on their parachutes.
The launch pads were busy to the very end of the event. Taking down the field equipment went smoothly with many helpers pitching-in. Some pictures from the event [here]
Engine ignition counts:
A – 24
B – 14
C – 30
D – 27
E – 22
F – 13
G – 12
Oct 9, 2021
The October 9th Mill Springs launch event began with some morning fog parked across the field keeping visibility a bit limited, but soon after the event start time the mist moved along, and a beautiful Fall afternoon got underway. There were twenty participants who accomplished a total of ninety-four launches. Winds were absent for the morning hours allowing for straight up ascents and straight back down parachute descents.
Of special interest were flights by Tony Paridon which included a thunderous launch of his scratch-built Hi-Flier XXL on a F32, scratch-built Nike-X on a F42, and scratch-built Dr. Death flown on a E27. Kevin Boyd flew his Aerotech G-Force on a G40. Leaor had some spectacular flights with his Fliskits Duces Wild on a cluster of two B6s and then on C6s. Tom Lacock launched his Estes Executioner powered with an E12.
A drag race was held of three Estes Protostars by Kevin Boyd (color champagne) D12, Jorge Blanco (gold) C11, and Jeff Coons (silver) D12. So who won which aspect? (First off the pad, highest altitude, first down) Well, that was not the point, it was a sight to behold as all three Protostars came soaring up off the pads at once – and that was good enough (all recovered).
Wonderful Fall weather, rockets blasting skyward and drifting down silhouetted against a sunny blue sky – it was a very enjoyable launch event. Event photos by Kevin Boyd [here]. Some additional pictures from the event [here].
Engine Ignition Counts:
A – 10
B – 28
C – 36
D – 18
E – 3
F – 2
G – 1
