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Many of you may have followed my first High Power Model Rocket build as I documented the birth of my Public Enemy SA-14 Archer kit.
It was a great time and a well put together, long out of production kit, yet one of my favorite looking models. After several months of working on it, I took it to Wisconsin in August 2012 for its maiden flight and my certification into High Power Rocketry.
Here she sits at moms house ready to go.
The 17th of August was a great day and the Wisconsin weather at Bong Recreation area was just slightly cloudy with very mild wind speed. My two boys and I were excited for the chance to fly some models and I was especially happy to have my cousin Ken along for the experience and to witness the LVL 1 cert flight. Ken and I grew up together building model rockets I knew he would like the WOOSH event.
Thank you Paul Smith for your guidance and help on my LVL 1 NAR cert, we got through a few hiccups like a missing rail button that seemed to not find its way into the bag BEFORE we left South Dakota I thank Tim from Wildman rocketry for selling me a new one! So with the boys and my cousin looking on And Mark at the controls The flight was beautiful and the recovery was perfect... one minor ding to the lower end of the payload bay from the steel quick link; and my LVL 1 Certification was accomplished! Here is the video link to the Cert Flight compliments of Chad from WOOSH
Thank you again Chad
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhYxijsmNq4
I was welcomed into High Power Rocketry with a beautiful LVL 1 Cert flight, but took home a HEAVY dose of humility after the 2nd flight attempt. As you can see from the photos, my SA-14 Archer fell victim to my stupid mistake. With my father looking on, and me behind the video camera, the Archer went up in flames on pad #4 on August 19th 2012 at BONG Recreation area.
During launch prep, I allowed myself to be distracted several times; and, after setting the delay charge, re-attached the charge to the plastic tube holding the grain & nozzle assembly. Then; slid the CTI-143 Smokey Sam right into the motor mount and locked down the Aeropack retainer BEFORE putting it in the Aluminum casing !! I was soon treated to a lesson I hope to never forget !!!
Tim from Wildman Rocketry was there to put out the fire, then offer me his condolences AND his encouragement. Hopefully I will see you again - Thank you
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5fiAjZGsW4
Please pause for a moment of silence...
The entire top of the booster was destroyed just above the FWD centering ring. The shock strap and the Nomex strap protector are burnt in half. The parachute and its Nomex blanket, as well as the payload/nose section, survived just fine as it was blown clear of the fire. All I could do was keep the camera rolling and look on in disbelief ... The big hole burnt right through the side is a nice touch........
But, I knew before leaving the pad that day I would repair her or re-build it entirely again.
I went back to South Dakota thankful the good Lord made certain no one was hurt and no damage to other property was done. It was an extra-long ride back to South Dakota this time; due to the added humility, I am certain. It is hard for me to not beat myself up over this as it really was a dumb error. I loved it when I saw it, loved it when I bought it on EBay years ago, loved it when I built it and then flew it. I still love that cooling looking model. I am very grateful though, that the decals from Stickershock were still not installed because I was never happy with the white base coat. That means the decals are still here, ready for her, when she comes out of surgery.
So please join me and follow along as I document the rebuild of my SA-14 Archer
It was a great time and a well put together, long out of production kit, yet one of my favorite looking models. After several months of working on it, I took it to Wisconsin in August 2012 for its maiden flight and my certification into High Power Rocketry.
Here she sits at moms house ready to go.
The 17th of August was a great day and the Wisconsin weather at Bong Recreation area was just slightly cloudy with very mild wind speed. My two boys and I were excited for the chance to fly some models and I was especially happy to have my cousin Ken along for the experience and to witness the LVL 1 cert flight. Ken and I grew up together building model rockets I knew he would like the WOOSH event.
Thank you Paul Smith for your guidance and help on my LVL 1 NAR cert, we got through a few hiccups like a missing rail button that seemed to not find its way into the bag BEFORE we left South Dakota I thank Tim from Wildman rocketry for selling me a new one! So with the boys and my cousin looking on And Mark at the controls The flight was beautiful and the recovery was perfect... one minor ding to the lower end of the payload bay from the steel quick link; and my LVL 1 Certification was accomplished! Here is the video link to the Cert Flight compliments of Chad from WOOSH
Thank you again Chad
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhYxijsmNq4
I was welcomed into High Power Rocketry with a beautiful LVL 1 Cert flight, but took home a HEAVY dose of humility after the 2nd flight attempt. As you can see from the photos, my SA-14 Archer fell victim to my stupid mistake. With my father looking on, and me behind the video camera, the Archer went up in flames on pad #4 on August 19th 2012 at BONG Recreation area.
During launch prep, I allowed myself to be distracted several times; and, after setting the delay charge, re-attached the charge to the plastic tube holding the grain & nozzle assembly. Then; slid the CTI-143 Smokey Sam right into the motor mount and locked down the Aeropack retainer BEFORE putting it in the Aluminum casing !! I was soon treated to a lesson I hope to never forget !!!
Tim from Wildman Rocketry was there to put out the fire, then offer me his condolences AND his encouragement. Hopefully I will see you again - Thank you
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5fiAjZGsW4
Please pause for a moment of silence...
The entire top of the booster was destroyed just above the FWD centering ring. The shock strap and the Nomex strap protector are burnt in half. The parachute and its Nomex blanket, as well as the payload/nose section, survived just fine as it was blown clear of the fire. All I could do was keep the camera rolling and look on in disbelief ... The big hole burnt right through the side is a nice touch........
But, I knew before leaving the pad that day I would repair her or re-build it entirely again.
I went back to South Dakota thankful the good Lord made certain no one was hurt and no damage to other property was done. It was an extra-long ride back to South Dakota this time; due to the added humility, I am certain. It is hard for me to not beat myself up over this as it really was a dumb error. I loved it when I saw it, loved it when I bought it on EBay years ago, loved it when I built it and then flew it. I still love that cooling looking model. I am very grateful though, that the decals from Stickershock were still not installed because I was never happy with the white base coat. That means the decals are still here, ready for her, when she comes out of surgery.
So please join me and follow along as I document the rebuild of my SA-14 Archer