For All Of Us Wantabe Mortar Owners -- My Latest Snow Mortars!

[entsminger]

Well, here is a shot of a mortar I made a few days ago, (no lathe needed) a 10 inch snow mortar that is, and firing no less!  It almost took the house across the street down. HA HA!  Actually, there is a Fourth of July Fountain in it.  Also is a picture of a 13 inch morta I made yesterday, which is more to scale than the other one I made before. I can't wait to get my iron made started! They are huge.This one really gave me the feel for what it would be like to have one sitting in my front yard.


Scott

[Cat Whisperer]

There are snow forts and then there are snow forts!

Excellent pictures!

[EL Caz 66]

NiCe!! Pictures Scott...

[Double D]

This time a year ago, I was moving from Herndon VA about 10-12 miles from Scott, to South Africa.   Now I remember why I left....he had range!!!! 

Good job again Scott!!!

You guys be sure and click on the link for the second one and read the sign on the fence!

[seacoastartillery]

    Scott,

     Your wonderfull snow cannons are just one more reason for joining this forum!  If I were still a guest, I would really want to see your fantastic photos.
They are so well proportioned, it does make you wonder if a few of those "quaker" guns made during the Civil War might possibly have been made out of freshly fallen snow.
      What a great idea.  Excellent photos!!

Regards,

Tracy

[Double D]

He even has smoke!!!!

[Don Krag]

Nice!

.....but what's all that white stuff? I've never seen that stuff before.

[Double D]

I found it!!

[RocklockI]

Throw some black dye and ash on it B4 it melts and you will have proof of ownership !

[cannonmn]

Scott, great stuff but why stop there?  Get some friends together and do a 13-incher full scale next big snow you have!  If I were doing it I'd probably cheat a little and start with a core using a big crate or 55 gal. drum.

[seacoastartillery]

     This one is for Cannonmn.  John we think you are probably more than qualified to answer this querry.  If Scott was to take this one step further and load his new, full scale model 1861 13" Seacoast Snow Mortar with a full service charge of 20 Lbs. of BP and also a 220 lb. shell, can you tell us how far the shell is likely to go upon firing at 45 degrees elevation with the gun and all materials in it at a temperature of 25 degrees F.?  Could you please tell us about the logic behind your answer?  Water volume of a durable, long lasting snow sculpture is 70 to 80 % water, let's say 75% for this exercise.

Thank you,

Tracy and Mike

[cannonmn]

load his new, full scale model 1861 13" Seacoast Snow Mortar with a full service charge of 20 Lbs. of BP and also a 220 lb. shell, can you tell us how far the shell is likely to go upon firing at 45 degrees elevation with the gun and all materials in it at a temperature of 25 degrees F.?  Could you please tell us about the logic behind your answer?

My considered opinion (considered it for all of 30 sec.) is that the shell would be resting comfortably on the ground within a few feet of where it started.  I don't think the snow, even packed as hard as possible, would have enough tensile strength to stay together for even part of the powder burn.  The burning powder would melt the snow chamber so quickly not much pressure would build up, but you would see some steam as well as smoke.  Instead of a boom you'd probably hear a "foop" sound.

You could certainly try it on a small scale and see what happens.  The shell weight has to be in proper proportion to the bore however, for the results to be valid.

[Cat Whisperer]

We've done iron banding of oak, so why not iron banding of ice?