What is this thing? This is a home- built launch pad for 2 liter soda bottles. It uses air pressure to force water out of a 2 litre plastic pop bottle. That provides the thrust to launch the "rocket" into the air. It's safe enough (made and used as outlined) for most age groups (with supervision) and fun enough for the big "kids". The rocket can be fixed up with fins, nose cone, paint job, even a parachute if you want. For more ideas on this, be sure to visit some of my water rocket links. Some people are really into these things and have come up with numerous variations and combinations. Most kids won't bother, it's more fun to just launch the things as they are.

The cost is minimal, you probably have some of the material in the workshop now. The launch pad should last forever with the occasional launch rope replacement. Our's is 5 or 6 years old, used for 100's of launches and is still going strong. The air pressure is supplied by bicycle pump, air tank or portable air compressor. The "fuel" is plain, old water from the tap, lake or puddle. The launch area can be anywhere you can stand back 30 feet from the launch pad.

Great fun for a summer day and it will impress the kids and neighbours! Be the first one on your block to have this toy. Make one today and enjoy!