| TampaTRA / THOR in exile launch at Varn Ranch 5-17-08 |
| After a six month hiatus I finally had a launch window at Tampa TRA's new field also hosting THOR in exile since we lost our field to soccer hooligans. Since it was my first launch for quite a while I concentrated more on flying than snapping pix, but here's a few shots: Astron Mike setting up one of his spectacular gliders while my Valkyrie3 is ready to roll. |
| Mike's glider takes off ! He had a series of very successful flights besides a rather blustery wind. |
| Then my Valkyrie3 lifted off on Gorilla Motors I-320 Red Twister 38mm demo flight to 1500' courtesy of Jim Harris. |
| I set up my slightly kit bashed Estes Phoenix featuring a triple 24mm cluster, 1/8" plywood thru the wall tail feathers plus a bit noseweight. She was patiently waiting at pad #5 while guys kept on setting up at low power rack. |
| After I successfully captured Manuel's smoke trail with my camera the 'Girl Power' rocket had a good flight... |
| ...then my Phoenix ripped off on a cluster of three Estes D12-5's for a successful first flight. Ejection was a bit early so I'll try D12-7's next time... |
Desert camouflage makes for a good 'Cowpie Camo' as well... Rocketsteve has a good videoclip of the launch at Youtube: Thanks Steve ! |
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