May 22, 2021
On a day with calm winds and sunny skies there were nineteen participants who found these conditions most favorable for mid-power rocketry at the May 22nd Dawsonville launch event. Seventy-eight launches were accomplished with many of these remarkable and some even quite spectacular.
There were five G-powered launches that provided a thrilling sight and sound coming off the launch pads. There was Joseph Barrett’s Custom Thor on a G80, Ray Lecture’s LOC Goblin powered by a G76 and his Hi Flyer XXL (upscaled upscale) on a G79, Gary Knotts with a beautiful NCR SA-14 Archer being lifted by a G64, Roy Green’s NCR by Estes Phantom 4000 launched with a G40.
Sights to behold included several of Kevin Scholberg’s uniquely designed and beautifully crafted rockets like the Sunward Gravity Rider going up on a cluster of two B6-4s and descending on twin parachutes, his scratch-built Andromeda Upscale launched twice (F63 and F51) that separates at apogee into two parts and comes down on two chutes.
Other standouts include Ray Lecture’s X-15 launched with a F67 for a spectacular flight and his 3” Goblin also flown with a F67. Tom Lacock sent up his scratch-built Grim Reaper on a cluster of two E12s. There were also four two-stage rockets launched requiring careful observation for successful recoveries. Thanks to the calm conditions everything launched at this event found its way home at the end of the day. Some photos from this event [here].
Motor Ignition Counts:
A – 9
B – 11
C – 15
D – 21
E – 16
F – 7
G – 5
Mar 14, 2020
The March 14th Launch Event at Mill Springs was delayed by light rain and then ended early due to a more persistent soaking. Nonetheless there were fifteen participants who were able to squeeze in thirty-five launches in the 90-minute event window.
A couple of standouts included Leaor’s J&H Aerospace One Sheet Glider that was boosted up on a 1/2A3 and at an apogee release proceeded to glide in a very long duration circular glide. Well done. Kevin sent his Estes R2-D2 up with a D16 and its recovery involved three parts (as designed). Jorge got to launch his Estes Outlander for another spectacular flight as it leaves the launch pad on a D12. [Photos by Kevin Boyd] [Additional event photos]
Motor Ignition count:
- 1/2A to A – 16
- B – 8
- C – 7
- D – 3
- E – 1
Feb 29, 2020
The February 29th launch event at Dawsonville was held under sunny skies but very constant and chilly winds that presented some difficult challenges. Braving these conditions were sixteen participants who accomplished fifty-two launches.
Looking to test their skills in calculating launch angles against wind speeds, total thrust, and descent rates we had Dan Smith launching an Estes Savage two stage rocket with a D12/B6 and a LOC IRIS with a F37. Ray Lecture had a good flight with his Mega Red Max on a F67. Kevin Scholberg brought out some of his very creative rockets that were shown at the last RocketTalk meeting like the Star Struck, Oooh! Shiny!, and Silifin. Jorge launched his Outlander on its first flight on a D12. [event photos]
Motor Ignition Counts:
- A – 7
- B – 17
- C – 12
- D – 10
- E – 3
- F – 4
Jan 27, 2020
Favorable weather but very difficult field conditions welcomed thirty participants and family members to the January 26th Taylorsville high power launch event. Range setup was challenged by a rain-saturated field and a long haul from the SoAR equipment trailer to the launch area. Once underway there were seventy-four launches accomplished.
The many high-powered flights made the day exciting for all of those who attended. Although recoveries were made more difficult by the soggy conditions, the soft ground also helped prevent or minimize damage when things didn’t go as well as planned. With some upper level winds from the west there were a few rockets that drifted beyond the field perimeter when reaching the highest altitudes.
We greatly appreciate Chris’ Rocket Supplies for being our onsite vendor and a big thanks to those who volunteered to help with range setup and take down. [Event photos by Kevin Boyd] [Additional Event Photos]
Motor Ignition Counts:
- A – 6
- B – 9
- C – 12
- D – 12
- E – 8
- F – 12
- G – 10
- H – 13
- I – 0
- J – 2
Dec 14, 2019
The December 14th Mill Springs launch began under grey clouds but later cleared with moderate winds and cool temperatures throughout the afternoon. There were twenty participants who accomplished a total of sixty-one launches during the event. And yes, with the brisk winds at times we did help decorate a tree or two with some colorful ornaments.
Some of the standouts during the day included David Cain’s Semroc Little Joe II with a re-engineered tower assembly and flown successfully with a B6, a spectacular launch of Kevin Scholberg’s Estes Executioner power by an E30, and a beautifully built and finished Estes Dark Silver flown by Tom Thurmond with a B6.
Lots of families were in attendance who enjoyed participating and watching all the action during the event. [Some event photos here]
Motor Ignition Counts:
- 1/2A to A – 19
- B – 26
- C – 10
- D – 3
- E – 3
