38 replies to this topic

[EnigmaticBiker]

They are a very simple (but brilliant) design. They are basically a pipe of kraft paper, closed at 1 end. Filled with fine grain BP & then crushed flat (various methods can be used from a mangle to a hammer). This reduces the BP to half powder & half grains). The pipe(s) are then wrapped in a damp cloth & left to become damp & pliable. This is essential for the next step.

Thanks for posting that, I made a few a couple of weeks ago and you've given me the solution to the pipe splitting.

I've used BP and also alternating coloured flame mixtures with some success.
Adding some small robust stars could be the next fun experimnent.

Simon

[Rip Rap]

Thanks for posting that, I made a few a couple of weeks ago and you've given me the solution to the pipe splitting.

I've used BP and also alternating coloured flame mixtures with some success.
Adding some small robust stars could be the next fun experimnent.

Simon

Glad to be of help. Not only are they are great little fireworks, but they are also very nostalgic.

This "alternating coloured flame" jumping cracker sounds interesting. Could you describe how you made them please?

[smitthy]

[you can ake a crude jumping cracker using quickmatch just make sure the bends are tight

smitttthy

[EnigmaticBiker]

Glad to be of help. Not only are they are great little fireworks, but they are also very nostalgic.

This "alternating coloured flame" jumping cracker sounds interesting. Could you describe how you made them please?

No problem,

I used powdered red and blue star mixes and alternated them with BP grains and a powdered BP/magnesium mixture.

First the Mg/BP powder, for a final flash (not flashpowder, Mg grains ~200 mesh)
Then red, BP grains, blue, BP grains and so on.
Quantities depend on the size of the tube obviously.

The idea is that the star mix is in the middle of the "straight" part of the tube with BP near the bends, so it moves, then a jet of coloured flame and so on.

Tubes were made from a couple of turns of Kraft paper on a 6mm rod, glued with waterproof wood glue. Bending was very difficult without bursting the tube.

I haven't worked out an exact method and the couple of attempts so far have the rip wrap spinning and moving around rather than jumping.

Fun though.

I can post more details if you want.

Simon

[Rip Rap]

I have just got hold of a 1960's Pains "Cannon Crasher" banger (2 1/2d). I am interested to find out what they contained. Does anyone know if these were BP or flash charged? Unfortunately this one has had the powder removed & shows no traces of residue (in fact it is so clean inside I think it may have been a shop dummy). I have a 1950's Pains Cannon Crasher & this is flash charged (a quick shake quickly reveals whether BP or not - you can hear the BP grains, but nothing with the flash).
Thanks for any info.

[Firefiend]

Hi Rip Rap
I know for certain that the 1960's/70's Pains's Bangers (Cannon Crasher, Little Terror, Krakerjak, London Rouser, Blaster, Supersonic Bang, etc.) and at least some of the 1950's ones, including the Cannon Crasher had gunpowder in them, as I have some live ones and you can easily hear it. I also remember making 'genie's" with the dud ones and a child. I have a 1950's Zing-Boom, whick I believe is flash filled. I pretty sure that Flash Bangers were banned in the early sixties. Unfortunately I can't tell you the fineness of the powder, as I don't want to damage them.
Cheers Firefiend

[Rip Rap]

Hi Rip Rap
I know for certain that the 1960's/70's Pains's Bangers (Cannon Crasher, Little Terror, Krakerjak, London Rouser, Blaster, Supersonic Bang, etc.) and at least some of the 1950's ones, including the Cannon Crasher had gunpowder in them, as I have some live ones and you can easily hear it. I also remember making 'genie's" with the dud ones and a child. I have a 1950's Zing-Boom, whick I believe is flash filled. I pretty sure that Flash Bangers were banned in the early sixties. Unfortunately I can't tell you the fineness of the powder, as I don't want to damage them.
Cheers Firefiend

Thanks for that Firefiend.

[smitthy]

[hi fire fiend do you have any doubles ive boxes of cannon crashers 12 for 2/6 how ever ive many others rainbow standard benwell if you are up for a swap
nick

[Firefiend]

Hi Nick
Regretably I have no duplicates other than a couple of Cannon Crashers, which have got a bit more common after the recent sales by Andy. I also had a full box off him. Hopefully as time goes by, more good large finds like that will come to light.
Cheers Firefiend (Martin W)