Hi Guys,
We had a splendid day rocket flying at this prestigious event.
The steady (6-10 knot) SWS breeze from the hangers was quite blustery at times, but there were calmer periods.
Andy Blackwell, Chris Richards, Dave Dyer and a few others (and I!) had some fantastic flights with old and new Rapier designs
The photos below were added after I had recovered a bit from all the physical exertion and excitement
Above: A very happy Andy Blackwell with a
Jetex.org Alpha Jet for Rapier L-2. This coped very well with the wind - it's a very reliable performer, but had to be rescued from the wheat field downwind.
A 'part kit' for this colourful model is available on request.
Above: Dave Dyer with his profile Thunderjet. This is a Dave Deadman design modified for an 'undeslung' motor. It made some lovely sorties!
Above: Marie-Gabrielle with Chris Richards Lavochkin La-17. This has an internal L-2. The motor is lit and the nose cone attached, then launched. Chris had to be quick! But this ingenious model made one of the most realistic flights of the day. Chris tells me it needs a powerful L-2, like the 2013 versions which I measured at 275 mN. Could we have some more, please, Dr Z?
Above: a pensive Andy Blackwell contemplating conditions before committing to launching his new Talon T-38 into the uncertain elements. To launch or not to launch, that is the question ....
Above: Andy with the T-38 Talon after its first (and very impressive) first flight. The 'Thunderbird' decoration is 'dark T-shirt' heat transfer paper over balsa. Despite its vestigial wings it flew 'off the board' in a spectacular fashion at great speed to a great height and looked marvellous in the air. It also stayed within the field!
The templates for this attractive L-2 powered model for are available from me on request.
Above: three points to be noted from this picture of me launching a replica Jetex Wren; 1) I'm flying a very old model which I was not to unhappy to loose; 2) ignition was not by fuse but by electrical igniter (see other recent post about motors); 3) the Wren is a splendid flyer with an L-1 and a perfect model to get into rocket flying.
Above: Chris catapults his West Wings F-15, which he has modified for L-2 power. Note the billowing smoke! The tricky conditions caught this model out a number of times, but it can fly well.
I launch my semi-profile Draken. This is a reliable performer and the turbulence only made it loop and perform Imemlman turns.
Chris launches his Mig 15. Like the La-17, the L-2 fires into a Jetex 50 augmenter tube. Also, like the la-17, it needs an L-2 with some oomph.
This shows my replica Veron Sea Hawk, Jetex Sharky, Draken and Rob Smiths Jet Shinden for L-1. All except the Shinden are models I didn't mind losing too much and all are well proven flyers I could adapt to the conditions. But my 'superscale' Bell 1X E stayed under wraps!
Perhaps July will see more clement conditions and more folk flying.
All for now. Onwards and upwards!