[Husker24]

How exactly does that thing work?, it doesnt look like an air cannon or a trevoshea (forgive the spelling, its french)is it some sort of sling shot?

[jrawk]

It is an air cannon.

There was a show on Discovery.

The secret is a carefully planned release of large volumes of air to accelerate the pumpkin without squashing it.

That is why the barrel is so long, so their is more time to get it up to more speed.

They are also beginning to breed special pumpkins that have thicker skins, and are tougher.

The really amazing machines are the spinners. A lot like an out of control fair ride...

The whole thing really falls into the category of Captain Freetime.

(an yet I was glued to the whole show)

-- lates
-- jrawk

[Xenalyte]

I think you're thinking about a trebuchet.