3-inch Can Shell Entry-EDIT

[TheSidewinder]

(2nd EDIT: I put a ZIP file in the same directory as the pics and RAR file referenced below, for those who prefer a ZIP file. The tutorial will be a bit longer...)

 

 

 

Here's an entry for what I guess is the "small" category. I made 3 identical 3-inch single break Green cannister shells last week and shot them this weekend, but didn't really get one of them on video to my satisfaction. The first video is the best, but look at the other two to see what the first one would have ended like if I had captured it completely.

 

Also in that directory is a RAR file of my construction photos if anyone's interested. It's an nice easy way to make a 3-inch shell. If you don't have Thermalite, use the Chinese paper firecracker fuse, split as one of the pics show, for cross-matching. Be sure to prime it well if you do. Thermalite needs no priming, so long as you strip the coating off first, again as shown in the pics.

 

 

The Incriminating Evidence:

 

Listing of the videos and shell construction archive

 

 

Enjoy.

M

 

 

 

EDIT: I didn't get construction pics when I lifted and leadered them, but that's a very standard process. I used 22 grams of commercial 2Fg with top-fusing, and a passfire to the lift.

[al93535]

Very good work! I think I like 3inch-1.wmv the best, it had the best break. All three were breaking at a good height.

 

I have two questions: What stars are those, formula? And what kind of video camera did you use?

[PYRO_to_COME!!]

Nice work!!!!

[TheSidewinder]

Thanks, all!!

 

Al, I used 22 grams of commercial 2Fg for lift (shell weight 250-254 grams before lift), and filled the 1/2" cannule inside with commercial 4Fg for break.

 

The formula is Kyle's Emerald Green MgAl off of Passfire, which I modified. He calls for 12 parts of -325 mesh MgAl. I use half -200 (which includes the fines like -325) and half coarse , roughly 40-80 mesh. This gives some nice silvery trails to the stars, which didn't show up all THAT well in the videos but looked great in person. If you don't have access to Passfire, please PM me and I'll give you the exact formula.

 

The camera is a Sony DCR-TRV11 video camera. Uses DV tape, so I get a nice clean capture to PC. Now I have to work on getting the shot framed in the viewfinder properly.

 

I used plain old MS Movie Maker to edit out the parts where I'm waving the damn camera around because I forgot to push the red button again to turn OFF the recording.

 

 

M

[ewest]

Nice shells and great pic's. They'd make a nice tutorial if you get a chance.

 

BTW, what's the box you have the shells drying in? A heater? Is that just to dry the outer layer of paper you pasted on, or is it for some ulterior motive?

[TheSidewinder]

Thanks, I'll write up a tutorial if I can get it and all the pics posted here.

 

That box is my White Trash Star Dryer.

 

Just 4 pieces of 2' x 4' plywood, 1" x 1" braces in the 4 corners, with holes and pegs to hold the drying rack. Cut a hole in one side to accept my cheapo Honeywell Heat Giant 1500 watt heater. It dries stars in 24 hours on high, the shells about 8 hours on low. No ulterior motive.

 

M

[TheSidewinder]

EDIT: I think I got the below issue resolved. Tutorial to follow as soon as I can get time. ZIP file of the RAR contents added to the directory in my OP. See above.

 

Well, this is odd.

 

I got an email notification that someone (now I forget who) replied to one of my threads about this shell, asking if I had written up the tutorial I mentioned above.

 

But I logged in here, I have no PM about it, and can find no other thread with the question. WTF?

 

Anyway, to answer whoever asked (and this is the only relevant thread I guess), no I haven't written it up yet. Life's been too busy!

 

Once things settle down for the Fall, I'll get it written and submitted.

 

Sorry for the delay.

 

M

[krackerjack9]

where is this Do-it at???

[TheSidewinder]

In my original post above. Here's the link, though:

 

Pics, RAR, and ZIP files of the build

 

Enjoy!

 

M