August 13th Mill Springs Launch Event Report
The August 13 Launch Event at Mill Springs saw twenty participants launch a total of 107 rockets. Activity picked up quickly with a varying moderate summer breeze and partly cloudy skies that provided some initial launch angle challenges, but as the day progressed the winds were fairly consistent directing recoveries down the length of the field. The B6-4 provided most of the early-day boosting, but by afternoon there were many reaching for higher altitudes with C6-5s and D12-5s. Of note there were a couple of Sputniks launching that were always fun to watch; simple design and easy recovery. Jose Morales Jr. brought out his Redstone, his new nicely detailed Quest Future Launch Vehicle and a V2-like rocket with forward fins (see picture) that flew well but experienced a parachute ejection issue causing light damage. Spectators also enjoyed Alex Swift’s Aerotech Initiator powered with an F15 and Herb Howe’s Art Applewhite Delta Saucer roaring off the pad on an F15-0.
Total motor ignition counts were as follows:
- 1/4A – 1
- 1/2A – 5
- A – 26
- B – 35
- C – 24
- D – 8
- E – 10
- F – 2
Special thanks to Keith Frazier who once again provided cool beverages and rocket supplies and Roy Green who provided LCO support and expert commentary throughout the hot afternoon.
Although the threat of rain and the rumble of thunder cut the event a few hours short, those who came out early enjoyed some great launches at the July 23rd Dawsonville Launch Event. There were twenty-two participants who blasted-off a total of sixty-five rockets. Spectators enjoyed a great variety of mid-powered rockets, cluster configurations, some well performing boost gliders, and unique helicopter recovery creations. Remarkable mid-power flights included Kevin Boyd’s LOC IV on a G125-5 with a parachute deployment delay set for 400’ and his drag race of a Mega Red Max versus Mega Blue Max both powered by G53-5s. Bob Nowak brought out his impressive Sirius Interrogator G and flew it on a G40-7W and Steve Bellio flew his Heavy Duty Beauty on a five cluster of one E30-7T, two D12-7s, and two C11-7s. Kevin Scholberg launched scratch-built Whirl-A-While, Roto Crock, and Roto Moto for some very unique spinning recovery dynamics and performed two launches of his Edmunds Geminee Thunder twin boost gliders with very impressive long flights. I also enjoyed John Chatham’s scratch-built Raven boost glider and the flight of Darrell Ritchie’s Shuttle.
Forty-one participants accomplished 118 total launches during the July 9th Mill Springs launch event. Moderate winds and a high cloud deck shielding the sun for most of the morning and early afternoon kept temperatures just below the 90s and made for an enjoyable day. Keith Frazier was back to provide cold beverages, doughnuts, and rocket supplies. The club setup on the field early to get some cub scouts prepped, loaded, and launched. The remainder of the day saw a steady volley of rockets by club members who brought out their favorites, beautiful scale models, and some very intriguing scratch-built creations. I especially enjoyed watching Jose Morales’ Estes Mercury Redstone on multiple flights, Kevin Scholberg’s scratch built NLR launched with a E30-4T, and Kevin Boyd’s Mega Mosquito on a D12-3, then his Estes Leviathan on a E20-4. Also fun to see on the pads were Jeff Eshbaugh’s Pemberton Little Bucky Jones and Kevin Scholberg’s scratch-built Pot Metal. The motor selected most often was the B6-4. A special thanks to David Cain for providing RSO support throughout the event.