Garden State Spacemodeling Society of New Jersey
National Association of Rocketry Section 439

GHQ: 24 Canterbury Court, Piscataway NJ 08854
Email: gssshq@gmail.com

April 13, 2013

Molly Brown Local Model Rocket Meet

GSSS Will be hosting a section meet at the May 25, 2013 launch. The events to be flown are:

• 1/4A Helicopter Duration (1/4A HD)
• A Parachute Duration (A PD)
• B Streamer Duration (B SD)
• Open Spot Landing (OSL)

For more information please download the flyer

April 7, 2013

It seems Jose (from Heavenly Hobbies) delivered Peter Nein's engine order to the wrong person at the GSSS launch on 3/30 (or at RR's launch on 4/6). Would you kindly check your supplies to confirm you actually have what you ordered?

If you have Peter's order (containing two CTI 29mm reloads, one 166H163-14A and one 57F59-12A) , please contact Jose at (845) 300-1129.

April 1, 2013

The April 1st 2013 edition of The Launch Rack is now available

March 27, 2013

Please note that the April launch date has been changed to April 20th

The Winter issue of The Launch Rack is also available.

January 17, 2013

Happy New Year!

The 2013 launch schedule has been posted. You can subscribe to the GSSS Launch Calendar in any calendar program that supports iCalendar subscriptions (Google Calandar, iPhone, iPad, Android, Outlook, etc.) See the Launch Schedule page for more info. Once subscribed calendar updates are pushed to you automatically.

The Nov/Dec 2012 Issue of the Launch Rack has also been posted.

November 17, 2012

We have begun uploading back issues of The Launch Rack newsletter.

October 19, 2012

A new issue of the The Launch Rack is now available for September/October 2012.

September 7, 2012

radicalrocketeers (NAR #712) is having the OPEN SKIES meet on Oct. 13th rain date the 14th

The contest will consist of:

• Parachute Spot Landing 4
• B Streamer Duration 9
• B Parachute Duration 8
• C Eggloft Duration 16
• 1/2A Parachute Duration 7
• C Super Roc Altitude 16 with altimeter

For more informaition see radicalrocketeers

August 17, 2012

The July-August Launch Rack newsletter are now available for download.

August 1, 2012

In case you don't already know NASA and JPL are attempting to land a new rover, Curiosity, on Mars over the weekend. The Landing is at 1:30am EST Monday morning (Late Sunday night) If you'd like to keep tabs on the landing check out the live NASA TV feed available from www.nasa.gov or check out the recap special on the Science Channel Monday evening at 10PM.

July 15, 2012

Joe Dunay has submitted some launch photos from the June 2012 GSSS launch. Thanks!

June, 27 2012

A new issue of the The Launch Rack is now available for May and June 2012

May, 2012

You can now subscribe to the GSSS Launch Calendar in any calendar program that supports iCalendar subscriptions (Google Calandar, iPhone, iPad, Android, Outlook, etc.) See the Launch Schedule page for more info.

April 4, 2012

The Mar-Apr Launch Rack newsletter are now available for download.

There is also a survey that the club leadership would appreciate if you could take the time to fill out. You can mail it to the address on the survery or email it to gssshg at optonline.net Click here to download a copy of the survey.

February 1, 2012

The Jan-Feb Launch Rack newsletter are now available for download as well as some photos from the January launch.

December 31, 2011

The fall and winter issues of the Launch Rack newsletter are now available for download. Happy New Year!

July 5, 2011

A new issue of the Launch Rack for Summer 2011 is available for download.

March 26, 2011

A new issue of the Launch Rack for Spring 2011 is available for download.

February 12, 2011

Special Bulletin
(January 20, 2011)

LaunchRack listserve: Several members have contacted GHQ (Jack Sarhage) regarding the receipt of a message originating from that site requesting that someone from GSSS "Please manage GSSS announcements..." Official GSSS announcement are issued regularly on our own website by Rob Nee. This is the only official site of GSSS.

The Launch Rack: The journal of GSSS is the only other official organ of the section. The Launch Rack will once again be issued beginning with a Spring Edition and will be co-edited by Jack Sarhage and Dr. Bob Kreutz. Articles, photos, plans, etc. are requested from the members for publication. Send them to the e-mail address above or the USPS address also shown above. More on this in the Spring Edition.

The newsletter has been pointed out as being "the veins or arteries (circulatory system) of the club. It carries information to the individual members (cells) keeps them well fed and a healthy part of the whole organism."

"Plain and simple it keeps the membership interested in the club and allows the leadership to maintain a focus for the members."

Hope that most of you will agree with that and help GSSS continue in that direction.

Also please let GHQ know if you wish an electronic (PDF) copy or a hard copy delivered to you via USPS. If you want it electronically you will have to provide an e-mail address. The newsletter will also be posted on the club's website.

Membership Renewals: To save time and money this is a reminder that unless your membership card expires 31 December 2011 your membership is up for renewal. There has not been an increase and dues remain as Senior
10.00, Leader:
7.00 and Junior
5.00. If yours is a family membership remember to deduct
2.00 for each additional member. Please provide names, GSSS Number, NAR number (if a member. If not, consider becoming an NAR member) and make checks/money order payable to Arnold Klein.

Armed Services Day: The launch scheduled for May 21, 2011 happens to fall on Armed Services Day. A special contest will be held on that date similar to the NAR.s Sport Scale Competition.

The contest is open to all GSSS members for any model rocket that resembles an existing or historical missile, rocket or space vehicle used by any of the Armed Services of the United States. They are to be built out of materials and within weight limitations as outlined in the Model Rocketry Safety Code of the National Association of Rocketry.

Each rocket will be judged as follows:

• Construction and Details (Maximum 30 points): Given for general accuracy and the extent of details such as rivets, antennas, panel lines, etc. as follows. Not Much 0 to 10 Some Of It 11 to 20; Most Of It 21 to 29; All There 30.
• Coloring and Markings (Maximum 20 points): Given for accuracy and extent of coloring and markings. Judging will consider items such as insignia, numbering, stripes, and color of the particular subject being modeled.
• Workmanship (Maximum 20 points) Given for workmanship such at paint, fillets and overall neatness of model.
• Bonus Points: Additional points will be awarded for: Each operating stage: 2 points per stage; Each additional engine (cluster) 2 points per each engine.
• Flight Points: 10 points will be awarded for a successful flight (this means that the model is not disqualified for reasons as shown in Section 11 of the United State Model Rocket Sporting Code (Pink Book). A disqualified flight will result in a deduction of 25 points.

We hope you will get busy and build a new rocket for this special event as we remember our Armed Service members. After all their sacrifices makes it possible for us to enjoy the hobby/sport of model rocketry in our country. There are many countries where model rocketry is not allowed.

Launch Dates: Following are the launch dates at North Branch Park for 2011: February 26; March 19; April 16; May 21; June 11; July 23; August 20; September 24; October 22; November 26; December 17. It is hoped you will be able to attend as many as you can. Be sure to watch the website for cancellation information on the mornings of each launch date.

2011 Election of Club Officers: According to the club.s by-laws we elect club officers in odd numbered years. Positions are President, Vice-president and Secretary/Treasurer serving a term of two years. Nominations are to be made not later than October 31. Consider running for one of these offices or nominate someone. If you are interested in learning more of the duties of each position, information can be requested from GHQ.

Help Wanted: The newsletter has always been for the enlightenment and entertainment of GSSS members. It has always been made up of articles, plans, photos, cartoons shared by those members. If this is to succeed we need your help. The deadline then for the Spring Edition is March 1, 2011. Thank you.

Edited by Jack Sarhage

Download this bulletin as a PDF here

May 21, 2010

Please not that the NAR contest is at the June 12th launch not the May 22nd launch. Sorry for any confusion.

June 13, 2009

The Summer 2009 Issue of the Launch Rack is now available. Thanks to Jack Sarhage for all of his work putting this together.

June 13, 2009

Don't forget to attend the Mid Atlantic Open 2009 NAR Open meet on June 20 and 21, next weekend.

The GSSS with help from the Radical Rocketeers 4-H club will provide everyone with convenient times and locations to participate. You can attend on one or both days.

It is being held at two fields for the convenience - the GSSS launch at Northbranch Park on June 20 onward and Turkeybrook Park in Mt Olive, NJ on June 21. The starting time for both days is 10 AM.

Events:

• Parachute Spot Landing
• D Engine Dual Eggloft Duration
• 1/8A Helicopter Duration
• 1/2A Streamer Duration

Please see the NAR Spoting Code at www.nar.org for event and contest rules.

Note, to keep a standard spot accross both days, the Spot in the Spot Landing contest will be 25 feet from the lauch pad. Also remember there is only one flight allowed for Spot Landing and it must be your first flight at the contest.

Please reply on whether you are planning on attending and which days.

May 31, 2009

Open Skies 2009 results Place:

• 1st - Stephen Flynn: 88 points for a second place in Streamer Duration and a first in Streamer Spot Landing
• 2nd - Glenn Roth: 80 points for a first place in Streamer Duration
• 3rd - Bob Weis 4 points - flight points for Streamer Spot Landing

Every point puts GSSS further in the National Points totals on the Internet!

Unfortunately, the meet was reduced to a Section meet because there needed to be 5 competitors to hold an Open. Since Section meets have less events, we could not fly 1/8A HD in the contest. We NEED You NAR members to enter at least one event to be able to fly an Open meet. You can easily enter by bringing an Estes kit with a parachute and enter Parachute Spot Landing at the next meet in June.

The Mid Atlantic Open Meet for the next GSSS launch is in June. It looks good that we will be able to keep it an Open meet and not downgrade it to a Section meet. So bring your D Engine Dual Egglofters, Parachute Spot Landers, 1/8A Helicopters and 1/2 Streamer rockets and be ready to rumble in practice for NARAM!

March 1, 2009

NARCON 2009, The National Association of Rocketry Annual Convention, is being held nearby this year for the first time in a while. March 20-22 in Wethersfield CT. There are tons of classes, raffles, freebies, vendors, presentations and interesting rocket people to mingle with. It's always a great time. More information available at the NARCON 2009 website.

August 26, 2007

The August launch was a mixed bag. The winds were light but the horse show the week before had torn up the field pretty badly. The mud and huge piles of horse poo combinded with the steamy heat had me wondering why I took the clothespins out of my range box. Regardless it was still a fun time and we signed up still more new members. Welcome to the club and we look forward to seeing you at upcoming launches. September and October can be some of the best months to fly. I can't wait!

July 29, 2007

Another great GSSS launch. The hot summer weather and light winds brought the flyers out in droves. I can't remember ever seeing so many flyers attend a launch. The pads were busy all day and Arnie did a great job keeping things running smoothly. Thanks Arnie!

We signed up six new members. Welcome aboard! Your support really helps the club keep flying. The Junior membership promotion is being extended one more month. We will have 12 kits to give away so if you are or know a new rocketeer stop by the next launch and join the club! Even if you have never flown a rocket before we can help you fly your first rocket and show you how much fun rocketry can be!

June 30, 2007

Great Launch! We had awesome weather and a huge turnout. I met a lot of new flyers and the club signed up six new members. Welcome aboard! I've posted some pictures in the photos section. If you took some nice shots with your camera feel free to send them to me. I prefer them to be scaled to 480x320.

Our membership promotion was a success. We still have four kits left to give away so we will be running the same promotion next month to the first four junior flyers who join GSSS. Again, welcome to our new members and hope to see you at the next launch.

May 24, 2007

We will also be promoting NARTREK Bronze at our June 30 Launch.

May 9, 2007

New Awesomeness

April 27, 2007

Due to heavy rains the field is too soggy for flying. We've had somewhat of a crummy April but hopefully the May launch will make up for it!

April 19, 2007

Announcing the June 30th GSSS Junior Membership Promotion. We are looking to increase our Junior membership by offering a free Estes rocket (Ready To Fly), 2 rocket motors and assistance flying to new junior members! This offer is limited to the first 12 new rocketeers 15 and under who attend the June 30th launch and joins GSSS. Junior membership for the year is 5.00 (Cash and exact change is appreciated) and new members must be accompanied by a parent or legal gaurdian. Come join the club and learn to fly your first rocket!

April 14, 2007

I have posted the new issue of The Launch Rack with coverage of our Silver Anniversary Local event. It was a great event and the coverage is thorough and worth a read especially if you didn't get a chance to make it out for the launch. Members should receive a copy in the mail in a few days. If you are not receiving your copy and are a paid member please let us know so we can update our records and correct the situation. Non-members can subscribe for
10.00 but at that price you should just joing the club!

We are working on a fantastic promotion for kids at our May launch. Check back soon for all of the details.

April 3, 2007

I have posted the results for the Silver Anniversary Local. This was the first contest in many years to be held by the Garden State Spacemodeling Society. Though not as large as those of the past it was a success all around. A total of 8 entrants including a couple that traveled a great distance to fly the event; Glenn Feveryear (Delta, PA). Alex DeMarco (East Greenbush, NY) There will be more details in the upcoming issue of The Launch Rack. In the meantime check the Contests section.

March 31, 2007

What a nice day for a launch. It may have started out chilly but it soon warmed up, the winds drop to almost nothing and the sun even came out. For a March launch I'll take it. We had 3 minute A-PD flights landing comfortably in the field. The Contest was a big success with numerous competitors in all four events. I hope to post the results soon.

I have recently made some improvements behind the scenes with regards to the launch photos section. This means I can post photos much more quickly. If you would like to submit them to me via email for posting please follow these guidelines.

• Choose only your best files to submit. I would prefer not to have to sort through them. If you pick three or four nice shots they will probably all get posted and posted quickly.
• Resize the photos to either 320x240 or 240x320 pixels. This will save me a good deal of time as I can upload them directly.
• .jpg files only

I saw a lot of people snapping pictures. Let's see 'em!

March 11, 2007

At NARCON 2007 the NAR board extended the program which allows NAR members to fly old, decertified motors at NAR sanctioned launches. The program is designed to help the NAR safety committee collect data on old, out-of-production motors to see if they can be safely flown. If the data show that certain out-of-production motors are safe they may have their decertifications revoked for sport flying. In order to fly old motors that have had their certifications lapse you must contact me at least 1 week prior to the launch and let me know what motors you plan to fly. I will then pass this information along to Ted Cochran . You must keep careful records of which motors you fly, their designations, any serial number and/or lot codes and the results of the flight. I will then submit the launch reports to Ted. There are a few more rules we must follow:

• Approval must be given by the NAR safety committee so requests to fly old motors must be submitted 1 week prtior to the launch date.
• Only age decertified motors may be flown. Motors decertified for safety reasons are not eligible.
• All flights must be treated as a heads-up flight with double the minimum safe distance
• Only one decertified motor per flight. Clustered or staged flights may contain at most one old motor

This is good news. It let's us fly our old motors in exchange for submitting launch reports. All around not a bad deal.

February 10, 2007

We are having a Silver Anniversary Local meet on March 31, 2007 in celebration of our 25th year as a NAR section. The events will be Open Spot Landing, A Streamer Duration, A Parachute Duration and 1/2 Boost-Glider Duration. There will be a
1.00 entry fee per event with prizes and ribbons for top placers. Model rocket kits kindly donated by Quest Aerospace and Tom Whymark. Since this is a NAR sanctioned event you must be a NAR member to compete.

For older news go to the Old News Archive

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