Okay, I should probably post my launch report for the weekend!
I had a great time at the first Sod Blaster launch! I came into the weekend with three personal goals, and I did not come home disappointed!
I arrived at the farm shortly after 8AM on Friday morning, and after setting up my work area I started prepping for the days flights. First up for me was my Estes Big Daddy, painted bright pink in honor of my 5 month old daughter, and aptly renamed the Pink Daddy. It went up on the first rack of rockets for the day on a E9-6 for a perfect first flight of both the day for me, and of the rocket.
Next up, I launched my scratch built 4” diameter Aerobee 150 on its maiden flight. This was the first of several firsts for me. I flew my first 54mm motor on this flight, as well as my first K. It went up on a K456DM sparky to 3,700ft, the first time this weekend I set a personal best for altitude.
Next up, I sent my Estes PSII Nike Smoke on a H115DM to 2,599 ft. This rocket has become my workhorse of the fleet, completing its sixth flight. My MAC Performance ARCAS was next up, flying on my second K motor, a CTI K454SK. This was a perfect boost to 4,446ft, a new personal best. I finished the day with my Madcow Mini Tomach on another H115DM to 4,312ft.
After going into Pasco to my hotel for the night, I arrived back at the farm at 7am to start prepping for the days flights. First up was my wife’s Binder Design Bat on a CTI I297SK to 2,331ft, a great first flight of the day. I flew my Mobius Mini camera on this one, and got some great video of the flight.
Next up was my Aerobee 150 again, this time on a K850DM, for a very impressive flight to 5,473ft, my first time breaking the mile barrier, and another personal best. This didn’t last long, as while I was browsing through Sunriver’s trailer, I noticed that Bob had a K270W reload sitting there. It called my name, so of course I had to buy it!
The K270 was prepped and placed in the ARCAS for my third flight of the day. Another perfect boost, with an apogee of 6,703ft, my new personal best. My final flight of the day was with the Bat again, this time on a J340M, which boosted it to 3,008ft.
After a second great day of flying, the perfect ending to the day was everyone sitting around, eating some great food (with some amazing pulled pork from Dave King, some great pies from Ryan Winslow, and many others!) and just talking. The raffle that night was a great success, I came out of it with a few spoils (a couple of kits, a motor retainer, and a range box). After most people left for the night, several of us sat around the fire pit and just enjoyed each other’s company for a few more hours. I finally called it a night right before 10pm, and retired back to my hotel.
My last flight of the weekend was Sunday morning, with the Bat taking the honors again. It sailed to 2,416ft on a I327DM.
All said, I had 10 perfect flights with no issues. I flew a total of 8 sparky motors, as I was going or the Sparky contest of most N/S of Sparky motors flown. I think I came in second behind David Robb, who had a very impressive L sparky flight, and 5 K456 flights. He was a worthy competitor, and deserved to win that one! I did how ever win the best Sparky flight contest, which I think was for my K850 flight on the Aerobee.
It was great to see Ellis Langford and his wife Kiki make it out for the day on Friday. It was an honor to talk with them, and to watch them fly an Alpha III a few times. Steve Shannon and his wife also came out, and it was great to see and talk with them as well. For a first time regional launch, TCR attracted a couple of big names in the hobby! It was also great to see Scott Binder again. Now to go home and start building the Thor kit I picked up!
There were many great flights this weekend. Ryan Winslow with his “blink and you’ll miss it” 4in Drago on a K2050. Frank Burke’s always entertaining rocket glider flights, as well as his large lightweight rockets. David Robb and his spectacular core sample, as well as his impressive Nike Apache two stage flight. Jim Pommert had several great flights as well, I never did hear if he got all of his Fat Boys back! Then there was the Kennedy clan, with their near sweep of the egg lofting competitions. Congrats on the L2 cert, Larry! Now you need to buy some bigger motors! There were many other great flights, most of whom I cant remember who flew. From the V-2 with realistic recovery, to the Semroc Satellite Killer that turned into a pallet magnet. Too many fun and spectacular flights to list!
I cannot say enough good things about the guys behind Tri Cities Rocketeers. Thanks to Dave King, Rich Harshberger, Bill Moser, and many more for putting it on! Also, thanks to all of the sponsors for the contributions to the raffle!
Thank you to everyone who made it possible!
