Capt. Bo of the WTF co.

So far, I have a chest from my flea-market score (modified by me also), black-iron lock & keys to go with it, a pair of nice gallon rum kegs on a stand (pictured here on the Pub awhile back), a couple of steel strikers from my forge, some brass tow-worms and vent picks as those found in the Whydah wreckage, a pipe pouch with pipe and small coal tongs, and a couple of other junky-lookin' things I make on the forge when I get the urge. There's stil a couple months to go and I love the flea markets!!! Bo

Been there-done that all-of-the-above a few times now. Snobby/arrogant people, arrogant event organizers, ridiculous rules and restrictions, burn-out, and lack of time and funds have all contributed to my past comings and goings. I always come back like a bad penny though. I just love history and playing it out through costume and events combining that with educating the public makes it happen for me, in spite of the things that irk me personally. In the end, I have to remind myself why I do these things: not for me alone, but for the educational aspect. Call it "edutainment" if you will. I suspect that it would take death to finally take me out of the hobby. Bo

I have inherited the wheel-lock from my best friend and brother. He passed away on me back in march and his widow has put much of his blackpowder related stuff into my care. Need help to build a proper piece around it please. Bo

I haven't checked recently in Dixie Gun Works, don't know if they still carry it or not. I know that my latest Centaur Forge catalogue has it listed though. I am at the Library and don't have it with me, but they are on the web. Maybe you could try them? Bo

Problem: if that guard gets snagged on clothing or anything else it could displace the frizzen spring. I have thought about something that goes all the way down and mounts under the trigger guard, but the further away you get from the pan with the anchor point, the less strength you have to hold the guard in place where it needs it the most. Covering the entire lock or even half the lock is just plain unsightly. Might as well use 1853 Enfields or 1861 Springfeilds with musket caps. Maybe I could rob the big brass bowl knuckle guard off my 1860 navy cutlass and duct-tape it to the stock? Sorry, had to say it. Maybe if the participants refuse to perform a battle at all under these restraints, a clear message would be sent? just a thought. Anyhow, I'll be doing my grinder thing and having fun with the pubbers. May be the only time I ever get out to this event and I want to meet as many of you as I can. See ya there. I do appreciate the thought Capt. Jim, I hope that my comments are not taken as a slam to you. Just don't think much of the regulations Ft Taylor settled on is all. Bo

AYE. Very well then, I'll be sure to pack it along. I have enlarged the touch-hole slightly to musket size instead of the finer rifle size since you used it last, as I have had some issue with it plugging in the past. That will no longer be an issue. it does NOT have a flash guard nor will it be feasable to install one on the old CVA Spanish Maslin lock. The frizzen is bridled with an internal screw. If this is an issue for battle I just wanted you to be aware before hand. Bo

This week I have had High School Special Ed., Fifth grade Reading & Social Studies, Third grade, and Kindergarten. My certification is in 9-12 social studies. I think I should get a T-shirt or at least a bumper sticker for making it through the week! (Last week I was installing electrical conduit and water lines on a construction site!) Fifth graders are NOT human! My hats'-off to those who deal with Kindergarten everyday! Good Lord what a hectic time that was! I didn't lose any kids and nobody got hurt or had an "accident" on my watch, so I consider that a successful day for an amature! Bo

AWWWW Dang! I have to be serious???? That's no fun. I'll be happy to give it my best, bring it! Bo

I can bring a fly for this purpose as well as my tent if necessary. It is a marked as 12X12 but actually only covers about 11X11. Do you want to use my little brass blunderbuss again William? Bo

I will be renting a vehicle to drive from MO. Mine are both over 220-thousand miles and I really don't think I can get everything lashed down to my VT1100 Shadow. I have a cool new DMC chest to bring, along with some other "goodies". Sounds like I am not going to do battle. Too much modification to my weapons would be necessary and the rules are just too confusing. After trying to follow this topic I got cross-eyed and headachey. I'll just be happy to visit while operating my grinder. Unless I die before then, see ya'll there. Bo

Me too. Bo

This is for sale by one of my Missouri acquaintences getting out of the sutlery buisness. The information I have is that this is a 20 X 20 one-pole (center) marquis with all the sides, poles, ropes, and stakes included. No rips/tears or major staining/mildew present, overall in very good condition. Asking price was $1200 but i was told an even $1000 would get it. PM me for a contact number if interested. Then you can deal with the owners directly. Thanks.. Bo

I really fell down last year and failed to get my meager contributions mailed. The stuff got buried under a pile of other stuff and forgotten until the event was past. This year it is my mission not only to deliver the items in a timely manner, but to be there for the first time, and see this through. At any rate, I have scored a really cool chest from a flea market and have already begun the alterations and filling it with plunder. I will attempt to get a photo of it up sometime before the event. Are we up for another round of DMC donations this year? Bo

And think on this; these are the same types of people which are going to be teaching and running the country for the next several generations... Bo

Aye, Mecury it is. I'll need a registration form as well please. Should I bring the grinder??? Bo

OK, no school this year, and I'm back to working construction so I have a flexible schedule. Saving for it now and I'll be planning on bringing my bell-wedge. Tentative to transpotaion at this point but should have that worked out in plenty of time. Possible I can bring my 12X12 monster wedge & dining fly too if needed. Already have a really awesome DMC for this year too! please put me down for any crewe that'll have me. Bo

I'm home. Made it safely in last night. Grandma is still hangin on, but I had to get back to work. Met-up with Mad Pete and his lovely daughter. They took me out to dinner and we got to visit awhile. looking forward to returning the kindness. Thanks to all for the thoughts and prayers. Bo

I made it safely in last night @ 9:30 pm AZ time. 1543miles from my house to my mother's. My butt is shaped like a motorcycle seat! I did 605 miles tuesday beginning @1 pm cdt. The remainder Irode yesterday starting from Shamrock TX @7:30 am. Nothing out of the ordinary. Areally goodride altogether. I hope to get in touch with Mad Pete while here. The Sabre is a real trooper! Grandma is really weak and somewhat confused, but she knows I am here. Anyhow, half my journey is over, and the rest ison the horizon. Best to all... Bo

My grandmother is dying so I am heading out tomorrow for the Phoenix area (Chandler) and will be riding my Honda Shadow Sabre the whole way. I'll be taking MO highway 71 to Fort Smith Arkansas and pick up I-40 there to Flagstaff, then down I-17 to the valley. If there's any crew along the route that would be kind enough to offer a contact number in case I encounter problems, I'd be greatly obliged and grateful for any support. I don't do heat very well, and our four-wheel vehicles are both well over 200k milage and in need of tires/repairs, so the bike is my only alternative. I will check here at the library in the morning prior to leaving. Any contact info would be appreciated. Thanks. Bo

No U.S. insurance company will honor a claim related to any type of home-made explosives. Maybe Lloyds of London if you can afford it. No matter where you live, how far from others, or how small the quantity, it just isn't a sound practice. A pounf of 1F for cannon costs about $15-18. Whats your life worth? Bo

".. any fool knows a dog needs a home, and shelter; from pigs on the wing." Pink Floyd- Animals. Hee-hee. Bo

Damn! No words can be found to properly express the feelings. Concrete and steel would be my recommendation for replacement of the facilities. Wooden structures are just not sound enough to trust with those kinds of relics and exhibits. Best wishes and let me know if I can do a6ything to help. Bo

William- no photography by participants while in period dress/personna. I won't be taking my camera but there are usually several people taking photos and providing links to albums for those who participate to access. I'll try to post something like that after the event if possible. Mr. Hook- I have the little brass flowerpot I am currently using, and it will probably be just fine as-is. As to setting-up shop.... who knows what I'm going to do. Life just keeps getting more complicated for me these days. Still have to deal with all my brother Ed's junk piles and help his wife through the legal/insurance stuff too. Back to full-time electricianing and my body is really retaliating against it. Just not feeling much like playing right now. I was trying to get Ed back in the game to keep his mind occupied and positive before he up and died. kinda took the momentum out of it for me. Mr. T- I usually either give it a thrust by hand or use the crank/axle to start it in motion. Bo

I recieved my acceptance letter from the jury for the April trade faire at Fort de Chartres for this coming weekend. depending on my work schedule and how I feel by Thursday, I may take this show on the road for the first time. I have had to abandon my search for a job in education, just nothing out there with things as they are, so I have had to return to my old trade of electrician, and it hurts alot more than it used to. At least I am out in the world earning a wage again. I am looking at building the wheelbarrow rig also. It will be made to where one can simply remove the wheel and axle assembly and mount the stone to either stationery or mobile rig with a minimum of effort. Thanks for the compliments and encouragements. Bo

I just found the wooden shoes at one of the local flea-markets and have not yet brought myself to bore a hole in them to use as the water dispenser. They are perfectly good wooden shoes and they actually fit Rose, so I am still looking for and old beat-up pair or single if anyone sees one or two for this purpose. Bo