|
The Balista
Fig. 8. - The Mechanism of the Stock of an Arrow Throwing
Ballista.
D. Surface view of the trough with the trigger and catch for the bowstring.
E. Side view, showing the Keel (F) which slides along the slot cut in
the surface of the stock as the trough is drawn back by the windlass.
G. Enlarged view of the solid end of the trough. This sketch shows the
catch for the bowstring, the trigger which sets it free, the ratchets which
engage the cogs on the side of the stock, and the slot cut in the stock
of the dovetailed keel of the trough to travel in.
Balistas were constructed of different sizes and for the various purposes
of siege and field warfare. The smallest of these engines was not larger
than a heavy crossbow, though it more than equaled the latter in power
and range.
The small ballista were chiefly used for shooting through loopholes
and from battlemented walls at an enemy assaulting with scaling ladders
and moveable towers.
The largest had arms of 3 ft. to 4 ft. in length, and skeins of twisted
sinew of 6 in. to 8 in. in diameter.
Judging from the models I have made and carefully experimented with,
it is certain that the more powerful ballista of the ancients could cast
arrows, or rather feathered javelins, of from 5 to 6 lb. in weight, to
a range of from 450 to 500 yards.
|
 Roman
Ballista Plans
Build a Working Model Ballista with TrebuchetStore.com
Ballista Plans and Instructions. Once complete, this Stone Throwing Ballista
is 2 feet long and will throw a scale projectile up to 90 feet.
Professional Design
Professionally engineered, this Roman Ballista design allows you to
vary the elevation and bow strength for range and trajectory adjustment.
Fire with a soft projectile for indoor use, or a solid one for long range
outdoors.
Great Project
Resembling a crossbow, the ballista derives its power from skeins of
twisted cord, just like a catapult. The Stone Throwing Ballista is perfect
for demonstrating ancient Roman warfare and technology as well as the physics
of torsion, ballistics and projectile motion. Ballistas make great science
and history projects.
Easy to Build
Like all TrebuchetStore.com plans, the Ballista uses common, inexpensive
and easy to find building materials, available at your local hardware store
or home center. Basic woodworking skills and tools are required, but the
straightforward design requires no complicated layout or joinery.
TrebuchetStore.com Ballista Plans come complete with:
-
Parts Shopping List
-
Measured Drawings for all parts
-
Assembly Drawings
-
Step by step Assembly Instructions
-
Step by step Firing and Tuning Instructions
All the information you need to complete your project quickly and easily.
Want to know how to build a ballista ? TrebuchetStore.com Ballista Plans
and Instructions take the mystery out of Ballista design and construction.
|
Appendix >
Book of the Crossbow
> Ancient Projectile Engines
> Ballista > p.21 |
