Sky Buster is the result of one person with a dream
to shoot a pumpkin as far as he could, and this was
the beginning of what is now known as the Sky Buster
Air Cannon. Our captain Richard Simpson Jr. was a member of Trey Melsons team (Universal Soldier) for
three years and the bug had bit him to build his own
machine. After talking to a lot of people, he found
the truck he needed and started out building his dream.
A 1972 GMC flat bed ended up the base for Sky
Buster.
First he had to get some help to work on it, so
Rich had formed a club of about 8 men, all having
special abilities, and ideas that really pushed Sky
Buster along. First they had to get a long steel
pipe with a 9" inside diameter, something that would
take the load, then a quick release valve, that’s
when it really started to look like a cannon, then
the paint job ( Bright orange with black camouflage), which some people thought were witches and goblins.
Although many hours have gone in to it so far there
was more to come. Getting everything together
just in time to go to Punkin Chunkin in November 98,
we went with out testing it out, so when we shot the
first time we got to see the result of our efforts,
we were happy with the result!! The trip valve we
used wasn't what we wanted, but over all it did
shoot the pumpkin 875 ft. If you were there
and heard the whistling, saw the pumpkin shot out of
the barrel, then you know how happy we all were, it
may not have set the record but one thing, it was a
great start and a good learning experience!! “What a
sight for sore eyes”.
Over the years we have increased our
distances by making some changes and adjustments to
the equipment. The chunk for 2003 will be a year
to stand up and take notice, for we have made some
major changes and are in hopes of great distance for
this year and years to come!!
We would like to
take this time thank our sponsors: Simpson & Son
Upholstery in Lewes De. being our main sponsor, C&W
Welding, Pods, and all
the members for there donations and time, the dream
couldn't come to reality with out them. |
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