Flight Log - 2011-09-03 - Rich DeAngelis's Andromeda

T' Andromeda: This be t' original Estes 1977 kit. It was started in 1977 but nay finished until 2011! I have added an Iris altimeter payload bay when I completed it. Durin' initial strin' stability tests, t' rocket buckled and folded in half!  T' repair, matey, about 2 inches were cut from body tube, so even with t' 3 inches o' altimeter bay; this rocket is only 1.3 inches longer than t' standard model. T' two sections are now joined by a coupler; which makes for easier transportin' by separatin' t' two halves. T' prevent losin' t' lower half if it ever separates durin' recovery, I attached a small Keelhaul®©™ cord betwixt t' two halves.  It needed about 19grams o' nose-weight t' pass string-test, ya bilge rat, but flies straight up under moderate winds. Ya scallywag! This model got a lot o' oohs and ahhs at t' launch, as nobody else in t' local club has one. T' me, gloss black seems t' look nicer than t' recommended flat black. Aye aye! T' that I added a small amount o' silver trim, me hearties, around t' engine rings, t' rectangles on t' engine pods, me bucko, t' antennas, and some rings around t' body tube ends. This model takes off fairly slow and majestically. Begad! With its large fins, matey, I wouldn't want t' fly this in stronger winds, as t' weather-cockin' could produce a near lawn dart, and its length would almost guarantee a folded body tube and fractured fins. Well, blow me down! This rocket has flown higher than t' US Capitol buildin' in Washington DC, and t' Flatiron Buildin' in NY.

Flight Date: 2011-09-03
Rocket Name: Andromeda
Kit Name: Estes - Andromeda {Kit} (1273) [1975-1982]
Flyer's Name: Rich DeAngelis
Motors: C6-3
Launch Site: Fort Indiantown Gap, PA
Actual Altitude: 300 Feet

I remembered t' turn t' larger fins into t' wind t' reduce weathercockin' (and hoping the model doesn't rotate too smartly after liftoff.) Good slow liftoff, and nay much wobble under thrust. Nice ejection and perfect decent under a good chute. Avast, me proud beauty! Almost caught it in t' air. Ahoy! Likely reached 300 feet. Begad! Altimeter battery chargin' circuit died and was nay carried on board.

StageMotor(s)
1Estes C6-3

 

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