Ancient Engineering SeriesCatapult Kits
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The Mini Trebuchet

Our smallest Trebuchet kit.


Designed and made in the USA for better quality, better performance.

This perfectly tuned miniature trebuchet is a beautiful addition to any desktop, and it really works! It takes up only 4" x 9" of desktop space and stands just 14" tall (7" at the axle).



The trebuchet was the ultimate artillery weapon of the medieval period and early renaissance. A large and unwieldy weapon, it was typically built on-site during battle, and tuned to lob great weights - such as the carcasses of rotting horses and pots of burning pitch, over the castle walls and onto its inhabitants.

This is our newest and smallest trebuchet design in a long line of catapult kits. Designed by master trebuchet expert Ron Toms, this machine is ideal for the student on a budget or as a wonderful display piece for any desktop or bookshelf of any history enthusiast.

Precision carved by computer controlled machinery for guaranteed fit and accurate joinery. The detailed instructions include loads of photos of each step of the construction process, tuning tips and safety notes.





Included in the kit are four wooden projectiles, all the necessary components for the sling, trigger, and counterweight bucket as well as all the parts for the kit. The only thing you'll need to supply are 88 pennies for counterweight and a few simple tools - Scissors, a ruler, a utility knife, wood glue and a few rubber bands to hold the pieces together while the glue dries.


Tools required:
Scissors, Glue, Ruler, rubber bands and a utility knife. Sandpaper is optional.

Assembly time:
For a Master carpenter doing a sloppy job: about 30 minutes.
A person with no kit building experience being extremely meticulous: two to four hours.
The model in these photos was built by Ron Toms in under an hour.

Assembled Size:
- Height: 14" (frame only: 7")
- Length: 9"
- Width: 4"

Additional Counterweight Required: 88 pennies.

Range:
- About 10 feet.

Shipping weight: 1 lb.
Box dimensions: 13" x 13" x 2"


Bulk pricing info:
1 to 4 kits, standard price.
5 to 9 kits, 10% off
10 or more kits, 15% off


Orders for $200 or more get FREE ground shipping!

For other wholesale and discount pricing info, please visit
www.RLT.com/wholesale




$39.95
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    Price: $39.95
    Minimum age: 8
    Availability: In stock.

    Buy Now or Add To Cart
    Item code: 10441

Notes:
Why should a kid
build a catapult?

Because the world needs good engineers and scientists, and because the kids who will grow up to become engineers and scientists need a way to get hands-on experience with physics, math and engineering.

In this age of 200-plus channels of TV, the Internet and computer games, kids are also spending far less time building tree houses, tinkering with engines, or designing downhill racers. We believe those are important skills to have. They help form the basis for good problem solving skills and an innate understanding of the real, physical world that you just can't get from a computer game, no matter how good its physics simulation software is.

Ballistic motion was one of the key players in the development of the science of physics. The word "engineer" even originated as the builders and designer of Siege Engines

Why is a budding engineering student expected to take a year or two of calculus in high school, but she isn't expected to have any real-world experience in building or working with machines and materials? Pencil and paper (or computer screens) are only one part of the learning experience. Where will she apply all of the stuff she learned in geometry and trig? Without physical projects to touch, feel and see, the lessons become abstract, their utility questionable.

A catapult project gives students a chance to see that science and engineering really can be fun, and it's a lot more than just numbers on paper. The real payoff for an engineer is in the field, where she can see and enjoy the results of her ingenuity. And it may seem counterintuitive, but engineering projects not only help kids learn math and science, they are also great at getting kids back outdoors, away from the massive over-exposure to video games, TV and the Internet.

Why all this interest in getting kids to study science and engineering? Because it's important to our society, and it's great mental cross training regardless of what field of work the kids eventually go into. Most people develop a sense for what they want to do in life while they are still in high school or even earlier. A catapult project is fun and interesting enough to inspire some kids to study the science behind how they work, and then go on to become the engineers and scientists of tomorrow.