Building Zuke Voyage - A teen built Trebuchet.

Weapons of Vegtable Destruction. Watch a time lapse video of a group of teenagers building a traction trebuchet.

Built in 3 afternoons, its 8 feet tall, with a 12 foot throwing arm. On its first test, it tossed a 20 ounce weight 200 feet.

The event was part of a summer program sponsored by the Acton, MA parents cooperative Voyagers, Inc.

The event was led by Jeff Del Papa, founder of The New England Rubbish Deconstruction Society; The NERDS. http://www.the-nerds.org/ The first American team to compete in the TV competition Junkyard Wars/Scrapheap Challenge. I would be delighted to run a similar event for your organization. See http://www.the-nerds.org/lecture.html for details.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• NERDS
• trebuchet
• siege
• weapon
• toss
• fling
• medevil
• history
• catapult
• teenager
• build

[godwinnie18500]

I dont think that's even a trebuchet

[rjnerd]

It is a specific subtype, called a Traction Trebuchet (or pirouette in some places). Still powered by falling weight (the main requirement to be considered a trebuchet) it just takes the form of the build team hanging on ropes, and throwing themselves at the ground, on the count of 3. (its a lot easier than building a trigger)

[godwinnie18500]

? so what's the difference between an onager, catapult, trebuchet, mangonel, and the like?

[rjnerd]

First the same machine may have several names, depending on which language the machine is getting talked about in. (and spelling wasn't consistent either)

A catapult is any machine that can throw stuff. (usually rocks). Trebuchet are powered by falling weight.  An Onager/mangonel has one arm, powered by a twisted rope spring. A Ballista has two rope springs, with arms set like a crossbow. (whether it threw rocks or bolts) . If you find the site for Mr Ballista, there are pictures of many.

[pawnbob]

that could have been built in 1 day if there was not any child labor involved

[rjnerd]

essentially it was built in one day by the kids. we just spread it out for reasons of schedule. Had it together after 6.5 hours elapsed.

Whole point of the exercise was to teach the kids to build things, which it did wonderfully.

[drgrit]

umm. 5 stars if you shoot, not even going to rate it.

[kingkong1054]

lets put some jammin music to the background!

[UKMonkey]

Well, now you know for next time - video the launching with a standard 24fps camera ;o)