CMASS 10 August 2019 Launch - Acton, MA

[KennB]

Our next club launch is coming up on 10 August in Acton. Let's hope the cricketeers understand they don't have free reign and they won't have to be chased off the field again.

As is our custom, set up will begin about 9:30 and flying will commence when we are set to go. The day will end at 4 PM. If you can help out setting up or breaking down, please do so; you get a much better feeling of flying satisfaction if you pitch in. Also, any NAR members who want to, can volunteer for a shift or two at Launch Control or Safety Check - use the sign-up sheet to reserve your spot.

There will be a debriefing meal at a local restaurant immediately following the loading of the trailer.

Remember, Acton is a small field so chose your rocket/motor combination for the conditions when you launch to ensure you get your rocket back. High power motors are not allowed. We don't get a make-up day if the weather is bad so keep an eye on the home page for any last minute cancellations. We now have a better set up for less than ideal weather conditions (Thanks, Guy) so, unless it is forecast to make flights impossible, we'll put something up in the air and hit the restaurant early.

 

[WhiskyTangoFoxtrot]

Do you guys do any contest flying?

 

[KennB]

Do you guys do any contest flying?

Not on a regular basis. Anyone who wants to look into starting and running such a things in the club are welcome to ask around.

The best place to ask would be on the forum of the club website.

 

[KennB]

As of the Monday before the launch, the weather looks great compared to our two previous visits to Acton this summer. Temps in the high 70's to low 80's, dew point at a very comfortable mid-50's and clear skies. The only thing the forecast shows that keeps it from being fantastic is the wind will be blowing toward the tree line at about 8-10 mph. We'll set up close to the road to give us as much recovery area as possible.

Sign up for a volunteer position to help things run smoothly.

 

[lcorinth]

Do you guys do any contest flying?

I'd be interested in trying some contest flying at a CMASS launch, but I won't make it to this one. I should be at the second August launch on the 24th, though. Not that I have a contest-ready vehicle. But there's always September-November in Amesbury.

 

[gtg738w]

I'd be interested in trying some contest flying at a CMASS launch

What are you thinking of building? With NARAM in NY next year I might try a B payload model this season.

 

[CaptainVideo]

"Let's hope the cricketeers understand they don't have free reign and they won't have to be chased off the field again."

Did you actually have to ask them to leave?

 

[KennB]

"Let's hope the cricketeers understand they don't have free reign and they won't have to be chased off the field again."

Did you actually have to ask them to leave?

Yes, Tony and Guy got to the field earliest and much of the parking area was occupied. The cricketeers were all huddled against the tree line taking a break between innings or halves or whatever. Guy had a copy of our permit to use the field on that day but the batters and bowlers wondered if they could just use the field for another couple of hours. Guy told them "No" and saw a former coworker of his was among the players. They chatted so we're hoping the field will be empty when we arrive this Saturday.

 

[matthewdlaudato]

I’ll be there with rockets and rocketeer fuel (aka, hot dogs!)

 

[CaptainVideo]

"They chatted so we're hoping the field will be empty when we arrive this Saturday."
Do those guys know that public field means just that, it's not just for their private use?
Asking to stay for a few more hours seems like a lot of gall from a group that wouldn't let CMASS have even ONE launch last year from spring to fall.

 

[KennB]

Either way, we have the piece of paper for the field for that day (at least the hours we've blocked out) and, as a group, they do respect the paper.

 

[WhiskyTangoFoxtrot]

See you there

 

[lcorinth]

What are you thinking of building? With NARAM in NY next year I might try a B payload model this season.

A B payload model is what I was planning for this year's NARAM, but didn't end up making it there. Payload altitude is probably what interests me most, but I also want to see what events the next NRC will be (my limited understanding being that they choose a select few events for each year). Duration events make me nervous, given the small size of the Acton field - too much duration means you probably lose the rocket there!

 

[deangelo54]

Speaking of the cricket players, CMASS has to put in their requests for permits for Acton as soon as possible for 2020. I was involved with a situation similar to this years ago in Malden, MA. The first day that you could file for permits, Linda was there when city hall opened and filed for the permit. We have to be smarter and better prepared than the cricket players. I hope they don't read the Rocketry Forum.

 

[KennB]

We are GO for today's launch. See you there.

If you only get your information here or on Facebook, please check in with the club website for important club information.
If you are a member of CMASS, log in to the club website to access the Members Only section of the Forum.

 

[KennB]

What a beautiful day for flying. The wind played havoc with a few flights - I hope Mike G. gets the top section of his Saturn V back from the woods.

Matt's birthday cake was delicious. Watch for the article to be posted on the club website.

 

[matthewdlaudato]

Really was a great day, and glad everyone enjoyed the cake. Nothing better than a birthday party on the field with my rocket pals!

 

[lcorinth]

Sorry I missed it, folks. Weather looked beautiful. I'll be at the next one.

Happy Birthday, Matt!

 

[matthewdlaudato]

I left my folding metal chair at the launch, figure it wound up in the trailer. I’ll retrieve it next launch.

 

[matthewdlaudato]

Sorry I missed it, folks. Weather looked beautiful. I'll be at the next one.

Happy Birthday, Matt!

Thanks! You missed a good launch :-(