What do boys, a.k.a. young men, do with themselves on a brief break between university studies and working for the summer? Why, create things that they can shoot or blow up of course! If you’ve ever been around a Boy Scout Troop for very long, you will no doubt have become acquainted with those boys who have a leaning for all things pyro. It’s just something that SOME children come into this world with. It’s not that they’ve been exposed to it and have been affected by that exposure. It goes beyond that. I have to admit that all four of our boys have a propensity to this, and I guess when I think about it, I’d have to admit that their father has shown evidence of these same tendencies. Go figure!
I remember the time he was so bent on roasting marshmallows one fall evening when the boys were all just sprouts…he was burning some brush piles and he literally dragged us all out to watch the fire and observe him while he toasted graham crackers. You see, we had no marshmallows. But that didn’t stop him from roasting SOMETHING on that bonfire! (We were sure he needed a break from his busy and hectic schedule, so we watched and displayed appropriate awe at this marvelous feat!)
Anyway, in the photo above you have from left to right our dear friend Kinsey V., with our Colin (center) and Addison (far right) getting ready to launch a projectile from their Potato Gun. It’s really more like a BAZOOKA!! It surely has quite a BOOM and an impressive kick if you get just the right seal on the projectile. It all of about 45 minutes to cut the pipe, insert the gas grill ignitor, and allow the PVC cement to cure over night, to prevent it’s blowing apart.
This afternoon was a perfect day to christen the contraption and they’ve had a wonderful time with it. Nothing like CHEAP hairspray for lots of propellant! (I don’t know what’s in that stuff but I wouldn’t stand too close to a fire if I was using it on my locks that’s for sure!)
Projectile:
The object being launched is actually a shaped wad of Neon Duct Tape.
Reconnaissance:
