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The Ultimate Tabletop Trebuchet - Photos

Click on any of the thumbnails below to see a larger version of the photo.

Prototypes (Development versions)
Even the first prototype strongly resembles the currect production version. For this version, we used lead counterweights, a narrow sling trough, and a three piece paperclip trigger system
By the second prototype, the design of the frame was solidified. Several combinations of sling length, projectile size and counterweight mass were tested on this chassis to maximize the range. Three different approaches to the trigger were tested before settling on the friction pin and catchplate.
The first production version (deluxe kit shown). All the development finally lead to a production kit that when assembled had consistent range and quality.
 
Counterweights (Easy do-it-yourself options for the standard kit)
Fishing weights are probably the easiest way to add a counterweight to the standard kit. Here we have ganged five 1.5oz weights together. The important part is to make sure the weight will not hit the uprights or sling trough when the trebuchet is fired. By the way, adding more than the recommended weight may actually shorten your range!
Ninety pennies and a roll of cheap electrical tape will give you an inexpensive, easy to build counterweight that works great with the Ultimate Tabletop Trebuchet. Instructions for building this counterweight are included with every standard kit we ship.
If you can find a rock of the right size and shape, it can make a very cool looking counterweight! We knotted a rope sling togehter to hold this one. As with every counterweight, the trick is to make sure it swings freely when the trebuchet is fired.
 
The trebuchet in action! (Movies and animation)
Things happen fast when you launch the trebuchet! From trigger to launch, everything happens in the blink of an eye!
By creating an animation of the Ultimate Tabletop Trebuchet in action, we are finally able to show how it all works.
Getting the model and animation 'right' for our 30 second clip took weeks (and I work in the 3D modelling field!). I can't even fathom the skill and computing power it takes to create a film like "Shrek"