Today, I ventured out for yet another of my early morning rocket launch sessions at Douglas County High School. Again I enjoyed nearly perfect flying weather featuring warm, calm , and clear conditions.
The two birds chosen for this outing hark back to the old days of model rocketry. In fact, both designs are ones that G. Harry Stine himself had been involved with. It's been at least two years since I've flown either one of these models, so I figured it was a good time to get some air under them.
First off the pad was my replica of the MPC Super Star. Back in the day, it was one of the models in the company's 'Mini-Roc'" line, designed for use with the newly introduced MPC 13mm motors.
Today, the Super Star flew on an Estes 1/2A-4T motor. It lifted off beautifully, flew straight and true to a fairly impressive altitude, deployed its streamer, and landed safely. A picture-perfect flight.
I haven't yet dared to fly this model on an A motor - it goes plenty high enough for my poor eyes to track on a 1/2A. I can only imagine how high this model would have gone on one of MPC's old 13mm B motors!
Next up was my scratch-built replica of the Mark II Rock-A-Chute. Flown from the old school wood-dowel launcher and an A10-3T motor, the model turned in yet another solid flight. Recovery was perfect on its red 12" square parachute.
I really enjoy these vintage rocket designs. They truly are a kick to fly!