Nothing Short of Spectacular!

Williams “Wildfire” Westernationals

Oh My God. What a weekend! Life is just too good, isn't it? Friends, families and Fook Off Big Rockets! From start to finish it was an awesome weekend - and not just the 'Really! Trivia printed on the peel away of your tampax... awesome' type of awesome but the jaw dropping, gobsmacking, jiz lobbiing, vein popping, OH MY FREAKING GOD screaming crescendo type of awesome.

Y'know... the original definition.

After this event, the Foundation Day long weekend has taken on an entirely new meaning for Western Australians. TWA's 'Wildfire' Westernationals: The Premium High Power Rocketry Weekend in WA where the only sheep in attendance were locked up in the paddock next door.

For the enthusiasts, making the trip down to the Williams Launch Site is a pleasent one. A meandering two hour drive for an 18000ft waiver is nothing to be bothered by and bother us it didn't. Some members went down the day before to set up the range and mess facilities while most others rocked up on the Saturday morning only to be greeted with a gourmet BBQ breakfast: Eggs, bacon, onion, mushrooms, toast, juices and of course, sausages.

In the short time the prefecture has been active, it's built up a robust little member base. It may be small but like anyone with their heads screwed on right you take quality over quantity everytime.

Whilst everyone was waiting for the M launch, no one was sitting around twiddling their thumbs.

Flyers and their guests were treated to some great launches.

Low, Mid and High power flights all came together to set the scene for what was about to happen...

That's right...

Launch. Lunch!

Another BBQ feast had been layed out by Lamington Lady leaving everyone sated and ready for the afternoon's activities.

Actually, I don't think I'm putting nearly enough emphasis on the amount of work LL put into the weekend. From start to finish she was a culinary dynamo. The mess tent was always open and the delights were always outstanding.

Thank's LL, you're the best!

For most of us in WA, a launch of this size had not been seen let alone a rocket of this size and as it was walked out to the pad for set up you could feel the anticipation mount. There was no mistaking it. This was going to be special. And if I can steal a line from another rocketeer, this launch was either going to be cool, or it was going to be really cool!

No matter how much prep was done on the day, the launch would not have happened without a pad. And without GB, the pad would not be the masterpiece that it currently is.

Each 1.8m steel leg slides and locks into its mating sleeve on the centre piece which also houses the angle adjustment / loading guide and the mount for the 6mm aluminium plate blast deflector. All powder coated a high contrast orange. Beautifully robust and simple. Magnificent work GB!

The time had arrived, the countdown had begun. Everyone was ready.

Well.

Everyone except the photographer that is. During the countdown Fridge thought it would be a good idea to knock the focus ring on his lens... real clever stuff.

Before you could say "Jesus, nice limo", the bash blanket was being thrown over Fridge and those closest to him could hear the muffled cry of a desperate man:

"At some point, even the best of us have pushed when the sign said pull..."

The euphoria of the launch, however, did not diminish throughout rest of the afternoon and as the sun went down, the campfire came out, the drinks did flow and the euphoria became... enhanced. So if you weren't one of the privileged in attendance of this WA first, thanks to MH, you can view the KBA M1450W launch in all its spectacular glory!

Day 2 started early. Birds chirping, leaves rustling, abluters abluting and fresh, crisp air was in abundance. As fliers slowly rose from their slumber and meandered over to the newly refreshed campfire, they were greeted by the sunrise, LL's smile and another hearty LL breakfast extravaganza. Could a Sunday morning be any better?

As a matter of fact: Yes... Yes it could. And it did. PK and Craig rocked up and before you could say "But I haven't finished my eggs yet" they were set up and launching.