Today we mixed and shoveled concrete. We used up just over 1,300 Lbs., a little less than we figured, but Mike's front walk needs some repair, so..... My son helped us hump all those bags of 5,000 pound test mix to Mike's backyard, our large artillery building yard. And, Gary showed up just in time to grab a shovel when the rented cement mixer quit. It turned about two revolutions and then gave up amid some loud clicking noises. Sounded like broken gears. And after Mike and I spent some time building a really nice platform for it too!! Oh well, back to basics. 11 rounds were completed. 9 regular, 1 sabotted and 1 three-quarter size with a ballistic nose, we will call it a high velocity Navy projectile.
Speaking of which, John, thanks for your suggestion of an air operated hydraulic jack. We just might do that. All that cranking for just a little movement is a pain.
Allen, We hope to leave the Obama, Pelosi and Read car at home and drive the GMC Suburban on at least one last trip. We want to save it for travel in 2010 and beyond, after the current administration's gas taxes have been enacted. Yes, a video would be nice. Hope it happens.
Tim, I spotted those foundation anchors at Lowes and though they would be just the right size, 5/8-11 thread and cheaper than all-thread too at $2.29 each. Yes I did lots of research on concrete and went with the 5,000 pound test type for extra strength. The aggregate is just small enough to pass through the reinforcing mesh. With two months to cure, we don't anticipate any integrity failures. We will keep the top damp for about two weeks and under a tarp after that.
Rickk, We tried to find some fiber, Rick, but could not find any locally. We used your Gorilla Glue, however, and avoided getting it stuck to our glasses! WOW, it sure does react when the water surrounds it! Don't think there will be any gas pressure going into the jug from behind the sabot. Good suggestions, thanks.
The C.C.P.P.R.s (Concrete Core Prairie Penetrating Rounds) are complete and are helping to anchor Mike's backyard down in case a twister swoops in. We just saw a small one about 1/3 formed right overhead, but it dissipated after 10 minutes. Warnings on the TV every day now in the afternoon. Dorothy, where are you; is this Oklahoma? Pics below.
Regards, and thanks Gary, for all of your help! You have perfect timing. No wonder you are near impossible to beat when you have a rocklock in hand!
Mike and Tracy
The happy workers Gary and Mike and the Kid assemble munitions on the back 40 of the Broomfield Cannon Manufactory.
Gary and the Kid are justifiably proud after finishing the first of 11 "Tremor Inducing Rounds" for the Monster Mortar.
Tracy cleans and finishes the Ballistic Nose of each round and thoroughly cleans the concrete off of each lifting loop and cleans the Bourlette Bands as well. No "Hangin-up" half way down for these mortar rounds. Yes, that was loads of fun with the 81mm mortar rounds as I recall!
