Guys,
Our group is having some fun with 1/2 A's but due to the field being grass have had to hand launch all the ships. This has proved to be adventurist. Sometime smooth, sometime OMG, sometime DUCK!!!!

I was wondering it anyone has designed a simple launcher that would allow reliable launches? I was thinking of something out of PVC tubing that would allow two rails and a pin slider that drop after it leaves the end of the rails. I also thought about something like the old pin dollies we used for speed ships but the rail launcher seems simpler to build. Any ideas?

Best,        DennisT

In the past I have used a card table.  Remember to step back after launch.  Works best if 1/2 A being launched has a little zip.  It works because you have a 2' + drop off of the edge of the table to get going.  In most cases the airplane is flying time it clears the table.

We just added a couple 4X6' rubber stall mats from Tractor Supply to our circle.  They are 3/4" thick and heavy so they wont blow away but still can be dragged around for wind changes.

I use a strip made from scrap signs. The first one was old political signs salvaged after an election, the one in the photos is made from a batch of mis-printed signs donated by a printshop. They were happy to get rid of them without having to have them hauled away. I use duct tape for hinges, alternating so the panels fan-fold neatly when not in use.

A PVC lawn table, a stiff folded bath mat with the rubber on the inside(best when it gets oily), a bungee cord to follow the TE of any plane to keep it from twisting, a brick to re-enforce that, and a guy line staked into the ground to keep it from being pulled over. For underpowered planes I strap it atop a bar stool. Set up properly, It's safe and secure and only takes a gentle pull to free the plane.

If the plane has enough zip then do a sleeve launch.  Google it, or search on YouTube for a video.

I looked it up and found this......
pretty great idea.
Shug

Oops, malfunction. Double post.

Frank Hunt and a couple of us jet speed fliers up in the Merced CA area used to do pretty much the same thing back in the 70's
for launching our CL jet speed planes when no one else was around to help out.
(refering to the 1st video above.)
BUT, we used a spare car tire assembly instead of the tent peg and tube.  LOL

talk about living danerously!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Heck, we didn't even think about safety back then.
We just wanted to fly.

Just make sure you have a post to put the handle on in case of a premature release, I use an old railroad spike. Its amazing how far a Sterling beginners Cherokee can travel at 45° by it self before it runs out of fuel on a golden bee tank, I would say it was at least 600 feet ! 

Anchor the safety thong instead of the handle.  Will automatically get full down on accidental release.