January Launch?
 

It sure didn't seem like January today. Temperature was around 55 and there was almost no wind!?! I took it upon myself to launch a few rockets. Unfortunately, no other SWARM members could make it but our field owner was there and got some great pics.
First up was a Big Bertha I inherited. It is usually my test rocket. I was launching from a gravel parking area today because the fields were so incredibly muddy. It wasn't a problem, though, because there was almost no wind.

Big Bertha

Next was an Estes Crossbow. Its minimum diameter tube usually gives me recovery trouble but it worked fine today.

Crossbow

A battered, old Estes Ninja was next. It spun on the way up and flew a bit to the right so that it came down on a nearby shed. Got it back with the use of a ladder easily enough.

Ninja on pad

Ninja on roof

A good old Alpha III was next on a B6-4. Great launch with enough drift that I had to recover it from a very muddy field. My car is a little worse for wear.

Alpha III descent

Alpha III landing

The fifth and final flight of the day was with a Quest SuperEagle. I didn't have any C's with a three second delay so I had to use a C6-5. I used a longer launch rod and launched straight up. The delay was a bit long but it worked fine. The nose section recovered on a 14" chute while the main section used an 18" chute. Both landed at the same time and side by side. Had to venture into the mud but it was worth it for a great day of January launching. 30 degrees warmer than usual was something I couldn't pass up!

SuperEagle liftoff

Great report and photos! Looks like the Alpha III really 'stuck the landing'!

Joe

Nice. I've got my mud fleet (mostly plastic or older beat up rockets) prepped and ready to go for a launch today. A high of 60 forecast before the snow comes back early next week.

Aah, launch photos. They always restore my faith at this nasty time of year.

Glad I could spread a little January cheer. My week was certainly better for having gotten to launch on such a beautiful day.
:)