|
The Ballista
The description given of the mechanism and management of the engine
for throwing arrows can be applied to the construction and manipulation
of this form of balista, which was also made of large and small dimensions.
Small engines, with arms about 2 ft. in length and skeins of cord about
4 in. in diameter, such as those I have built for experiment, will send
a stone ball, 1 lb. in weight, from 300 to 350 yards.
There is little doubt that the large stone throwing ballista of the
Greeks and Romans was able to project a circular stone, of 6 to 8 lbs.
weight, to a distance of from 450 to 500 yards. 1
Fig. 10. - The Sliding Trough of the Stone Throwing
Ballista.
A. Surface view, with the stone in position.
B. Side view, with the stone in position.
C. Front view of the stone as it rests in the trough against the enlarged
centre of the bow string.
D. Enlarged view of the solid end of the sliding trough. This sketch
shows the ball in position against the bow string; the catch holing the
loop of the bow string, and the pivoted trigger which, when pulled, releases
the catch. One pair of the ratchets which engage the cogs on the side of
the stock
1 The balls used by the ancients in their catapults
and ballistas were often formed of heavy pebbles inclosed in baked clay,
the reason being that the balls made this way shattered on falling an hence
could not be shot back by the engines of the enemy. The balistas for throwing
arrows, and those employed for casting stones, were fitted with axles and
wheels when constructed for use in field warfare. (Pages 260, 273, 300,
The Crossbow.)
|
 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.23 |
