Russ Howell - Fun Stuff

Fun Stuff To Build And Play With

Coaster Carts

I used to live two blocks from the ocean during most of my younger years. There was a a long winding road that led off the cliff down to the parking lot. We used to build Coaster Carts made out of scrap plywood and skateboard parts. Our current Coaster Carts use pneumatic air tires for more speed. Boise has one of the best Coaster Carting hills anywhere. It was owned by the person who was responsible for making Idaho famous for potatoes, Mr. Simplot. He bought a huge hill and then had it paved with grass. Most people use Ice Blocks to slide down the hill, but our Coaster Carts are much more fun. They cost about $35 to build. The front axle is attached to the body of the cart with a single bolt so it can turn. The back axle is fixed with two bolts. Rubber tires grab well, but for an added thrill, plastic wheels off a Big-Wheel Toy will allow you to slide at high speeds.

"If we are the play things of the gods, then let us live life as play." Aristotle

Go Play!
Russ...

Water Balloon Launchers
We used to build water balloon launchers as kids by using the inner tubes out of our bicycle tires and using plastic containers for the pockets to hold the balloons. These early designs required three people to launch: two to hold the elastic tubes and another person to pull back the container holding the balloon. The elasticity wasn't very good

My Water Balloon Launchers come in four styles:

80-Yard Distance - One person use, least distance, most accuracy

Download Construction Instructions

100-Yard Distance - One person use, mounted on a rolling platform, easy for small kids to use, high accuracy, placed on rolling platform for easy mobility.
Photos Shown Below.

120-Yard Distance - Three person use, good for team wars
Not Shown.

200-Yard Distance - One person use, Most distance, least accuracy
Not Shown.

The elastic chords can be purchased from most medical supply stores. Be sure to use the right diameter and length for best results.
1 / 4”, Wall Thickness = 3 / 32”, Length = 52” (Each Strap)

"Go forth into all the world and baptize." The Great Commission

Go Play!
Russ...