Autotrebuchetination

I just can't resist...

http://www.trebuchet.com/articles/ron/trebuchet.html

Fortunately this experiment did not result in a hole in anyone's head, although several people who tried to duplicate his work seriously injured themselves and one died.

Dennis Atkins
Sunday, March 21, 2004

Any story that mentions "consulted two mechanical engineers who said it wouldn't work, but tried it anyways" has GOT to be a good one.

Nigel
Sunday, March 21, 2004

On one page:

"If you do build one, I'd love to hear about it, whatever size it is."

And on another:

"If you endeavor to repeat a similar stunt, YOU COULD BE SERIOUSLY HURT OR KILLED! DON'T DO IT."

www.MarkTAW.com
Sunday, March 21, 2004

Hm, isnt the trebuchet the design with the projectile in a sling though?

Eric Debois
Sunday, March 21, 2004

Yep. I actually think he built a catapult.

Riding a trebuchet would most likely be fatal.

Philo

Philo
Sunday, March 21, 2004

I thought trebuchet meant the counter weight design (as opposed to flexing a wooden beam etc.), rather that how the projectile was held.

Here's an "authoritative source"  :)
http://punkinchunkin.com/rules.htm

Check out the rest of the site if you like this form of lunacy...

sgf
Monday, March 22, 2004

Ah, fond memories of Simpsons episode 4F15 ( http://www.snpp.com/episodes/4F15 ).

Warren Henning
Tuesday, March 23, 2004

A trebuchet is gravity-powered, whereas a catapult is spring-powered. In practical terms, this means counterweights for the former, and something that is flexed for the latter. Having a sling vs. a platform on the end of the throwing arm is just the launch method, and doesn't restrict/depend on the propulsion method.

The third broad type of siege engine is the ballista, which is basically an overgrown crossbow.

This guy definitely built a trebuchet.

Martha
Tuesday, March 23, 2004

cool...

now I kind of feel like I want to lay a siege on someone..

Eric Debois
Wednesday, March 24, 2004

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