The January rocket launch is not only the first
rocket launch of the year, but more importantly, it is the rocket
launch where everyone flies their discarded Christmas Trees. Toni was
sick so Ben and I packed the Highlander and headed to Higgs Field for
the 4th Annual Christmas Tree launch. On the way we stopped at Batters
Up for some breakfast. We both stuffed a gut for a total of 15 bucks
and walked out with most of our uneaten breakfast in containers. We
soon arrived at the farm and quickly had the field ready to put up some
rockets,,, and Christmas Trees.
High temperatures were forecasted in the low 40s with low winds and
clear skies. Clouds were forecasted for later in the day. The fields
were covered with snow from the recent nor’easterly with a light crust
of ice protecting our boots from the obvious mud hiding below. The
bright sunshine gave the illusion of warmth as the field started to
fill up with flyers.
I waited for others to fly ahead of me so I could judge the upper
winds. A small Estes rocket soon proved that the winds were not a
concern so I took
Shaken,
Not Stirred to the pads with its customary Loki H144 for
propulsion and the Q-Cam taped to the side.
Shaken, Not Stirred
took to the skies on a straight ascent before arcing over at 1,182 feet
and deploying its drogue.
Shaken, Not Stirred
danced during its descent until the mains were deployed at 400 feet.
Shaken, Not Stirred
came to rest in the snow with no damage.
See the
flight and onboard video here, and listen to the sizzle of the hot
engine as it comes to rest in the snow.
Ben meanwhile was taking his Level-2 written examination. Ben puffed
out his chest upon learning of his perfect score and got busy preparing
Legend of Zelda
for his Level-2 flight. Ben chose a Loki J396 Spitfire for his Level-2
engine and soon had
Legend of Zelda
prepped and on the pad. We strapped on the Link-Cam to document the
flight. Ben claim he was not nervous however, during the countdown,
everyone could see the customary angst in his face. At the conclusion
of the countdown, there was a small pop, a puff of smoke, and then
nothing. The igniter failed to light the engine and Ben would have to
wait until the next rack before retrying.
When the pads were declared safe, Ben replaced his igniter with a
Quickburst that would guarantee ignition but he had to wait until
everyone else got their rockets prepped for this new rack. Meanwhile,
the video camera was still taking video of the launch pad and Ben’s
altimeter batteries were beeping away in the cold air. Finally, Ben was
given priority and
Legend
of Zelda took to the skies, pushed by black smoke and titanium
sparks.
Legend of
Zelda arced over at 2,230 feet and successfully deployed its
drogue. Everyone watched in anticipation until finally the main
parachute was deployed at 700 feet and Ben was declared a Level-2
Rocketeer. Ben smiled as fellow members shook his hand in
congratulations.
See Legend of Zelda’s
successful Level-2 flight here.
My
Mini Sweet
Vengeance and Ben’s
Canadian Arrow
were in the back of the Highlander. These are the same rocket kits from
Estes so we decided to drag race them on Estes D12 engines. The trash
talk continued as the rockets were prepped and taken to the pads. In
the end, when the button was pushed, it was
Mini Sweet Vengeance
that left
Canadian
Arrow coughing in its smoke. In fact,
Canadian Arrow
FAILED TO LAUNCH, thus giving
Mini Sweet Vengeance
an easy victory. I explained to Ben that it all comes down to skill and
experience but he would have none of that.
See Mini Sweet Vengeance
easily whip up on poor Canadian Arrow.
Canadian Arrow
eventually took to the skies after Ben replaced his igniter. However
the flight was anticlimactic all by itself.
Canadian Arrow
landed without any damage.
See Canadian Arrow
take flight here.
Ahhhh, but January is about the Christmas Trees. This was the fourth
year and participation had been steadily increasing. The entire C-Rack
was dedicated to the Christmas Tree Launch and when the button was
pushed, there were Christmas trees and wreaths, flying all over the
place. Some over pressurized and others performed physical acts of
aerobatics not seen anywhere else. Pine needles and Christmas ornaments
were strewn everywhere. Those in attendance were not disappointed.
See how MDRA recycles
Christmas Trees here.
Soon the clouds arrived and pushed the illusion of warmth away. The
small barrier of ice had melted and no longer provided protection
against the mud as everyone started to sink deeper and deeper. The
launch ended as the sun set and the shivering became uncontrollable. On
the way home we discussed my new rocketry project which will be
documented
here.
Ben was happy with his successful Level-2 and I was happy that I had no
repairs. See all the days fun
here. Soon we
were home eating the rest of our breakfast for dinner. It was a good
breakfast, a good dinner, and a good day. Until next launch . . .