Hello from Virginia

[BAR Paul]

I'm a BAR for the second time. I started as a teenager in California. We had 10 acres in the country and my dad made a launch pad from a wooden block and piano wire. We used long wires and alligator clips to launch using a car battery. Back then (early 70s) you could do that in California on your own property with no problems. Like most teenagers, I moved on to other interests.

Around 13 years ago, I became interested again. I joined NOVAAR and NAR and launched for a few years at Great Meadow. I was ready to get my level 1 certification and had everything I needed but lost interest. Maybe it was the same whoosh pop over and over. I'm not sure why.

Late last year, my wife said she missed going out to the launches. I still had all my rockets, motors, and other stuff so I started back for the second time. I joined NOVAAR and NAR again. We're both retired now so I don't have the money for anything above mid power now. I mostly fly mid power on 29mm F motors but have a handful of 18mm and 24mm low power rockets.

 

[Hobie1dog]

to the forum

 

[COSTransplant]

Excellent that we have you back launching rockets -- and putting a smile on your wife's face! Almost retired now, so we are in the same boat.

 

[Worsaer]

Paul,
Welcome back. I’m similarly a Californian that landed in Virginia. For an occasional kick of adrenaline, check out a launch at Tripoli Central VA. Stepping up two or three letters in the alphabet can provide an entirely new experience.

https://battlepark.org/

 

[teepot]

Welcome to the Forum.

 

[samb]

Welcome back to the party @BAR Paul ! "... Late last year, my wife said she missed going out to the launches. ..." This is one of the most astonishing statements I've read on the ol' forum. You sir are a lucky man.
I gotta say that whether it's 1/4 A or J (my high watermark so far) the woosh pop still does it for me. That and the camaraderie on the club range. Let me also suggest you try an outreach activity if you're able. The kids keep you young. It's a beautiful thing !

 

[prfesser]

Welcome! I did a fair bit with high power rockets and a few rocketry issues way-back-when, but today all I do is low and mid-power. I've always felt that a G motor 50' away was more satisfying and more startling than an H or I motor at twice or four times the distance. And if you ain't having fun, you ain't doin it right!

 

[2-0turbo]

You don’t say where in VA you are. Someone mentioned Tripoli Va at Battlepark which is where I started flying again last year after 30 year hiatus. There are several good clubs in VA. And if you’re in or there VA, some Maryland and other launches up that way would be close.

 

[neil_w]

Welcome back to the party @BAR Paul ! "... Late last year, my wife said she missed going out to the launches. ..." This is one of the most astonishing statements I've read on the ol' forum.

Indeed. Sometimes I feel like I must be living on another planet.

 

[BAR Paul]

You don’t say where in VA you are. Someone mentioned Tripoli Va at Battlepark which is where I started flying again last year after 30 year hiatus. There are several good clubs in VA. And if you’re in or there VA, some Maryland and other launches up that way would be close.

I'm in the Fredericksburg area so it's about an hour drive to Great Meadow and a little shorter to Culpeper. I've never been to Battle Park. From what I see on the website, you have to be a member to launch there and it's not clear if you have to register online in advance to launch.

 

[BAR Paul]

Welcome back to the party @BAR Paul ! "... Late last year, my wife said she missed going out to the launches. ..." This is one of the most astonishing statements I've read on the ol' forum. You sir are a lucky man.

Yes I am! She has no interest in building and launching her own rockets. I've offered to help her build any rocket she picked out but she just wants to watch the launches.

 

[2-0turbo]

I'm in the Fredericksburg area so it's about an hour drive to Great Meadow and a little shorter to Culpeper. I've never been to Battle Park. From what I see on the website, you have to be a member to launch there and it's not clear if you have to register online in advance to launch.

Paul, we are getting ready to release the Falll 2024/2025 schedule soon. Since we fly on cropland, we're at the mercy of the crops, so once the crops are harvested, it's game on! The first launch will likely be in October sometime--something will be on the battlepark.org website and likely posted here as well.

You can join the club on an annual basis (it was $50 last year and will be the same or similar this year) or pay a $20 range fee for a month. Here is a link: Battlepark Membership

Or you can certainly show up for the first launch and meet some folks and ask a bunch of question and watch some cool rockets fly. We are limited to around 7K feet, but I've seen plenty of K, L, and M flights with a bunch of other stuff as well. My kids come and do Estes stuff too, so you'll see everything from 1/2A to K on a typical weekend.

@Theory can make any corrections to what I've written here, but I think I got it mostly correct.

Glad you're back in it. I'm where you are, just 1-year ahead of you.

 

[Theory]

Welcome back again Paul!

I am the President and Prefect of Tripoli Central Virginia and would love to have you out to BattlePark.

2-0turbo hit the height points, and I thank Worsear for the comment! Can definitely attest to the rush from a salty K or L motor! Good stuff to be sure.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out

 

[Dave S.]

Welcome - I live in Alexandria and have been to Great Meadow a few times. I’ve launched at Battlepark and both of the MDRA fields out on the Eastern shore.

I feel very lucky to live in an area where there are several clubs easily within driving distance!

 

[cwbullet]

Welcome to TRF.