07-10-2008, 01:45 AM
Hi Crispvs. No, I don't read Greek or Latin, perhaps you do. I do have Marsden's translations, since I seem to be able to handle English 
I expect you don't really believe only those who are only fluent in those ancient languages should be allowed to play, eh?
One that comes to mind immediately is the Iron framed balista Alan build that is featured on page 41 of Duncan's book Greek and Roman Artillery 399BC - AD 362. According to the caption, Alan increased both the inner diameter of the washer and the length of the arms to increase the power of the machine. But why? Why, if you are trying to reconstruct or interpret an ancient machine, you go and monkey around like that? Perhaps it punches through a steel sheet or the bolt can go farther down range, but you don't learn much about what the original may have been capable of.
The MG42 "shoulder stock" seems, to me, to be totally useless, but Len and Alan like that, and they keep showing up, such as the Xanten machine reconstruction. No recoil, no need for a shoulder stock.
Last one I can think of off the top of my head - looking at the Comitatus machine that Len built, he uses cotter pins quite liberally - such as around the circular ratchet. Is that an anciet way of fastening components together? If so, I may have to adapt that idea for my own work, but I suspect the Roman fabriactors would have used rivets. Maybe Alan or Len can come here and discuss these things?
There are other examples I have discussed with a colleague, but it is too late, so I will say good night.
I expect you don't really believe only those who are only fluent in those ancient languages should be allowed to play, eh?One that comes to mind immediately is the Iron framed balista Alan build that is featured on page 41 of Duncan's book Greek and Roman Artillery 399BC - AD 362. According to the caption, Alan increased both the inner diameter of the washer and the length of the arms to increase the power of the machine. But why? Why, if you are trying to reconstruct or interpret an ancient machine, you go and monkey around like that? Perhaps it punches through a steel sheet or the bolt can go farther down range, but you don't learn much about what the original may have been capable of.
The MG42 "shoulder stock" seems, to me, to be totally useless, but Len and Alan like that, and they keep showing up, such as the Xanten machine reconstruction. No recoil, no need for a shoulder stock.
Last one I can think of off the top of my head - looking at the Comitatus machine that Len built, he uses cotter pins quite liberally - such as around the circular ratchet. Is that an anciet way of fastening components together? If so, I may have to adapt that idea for my own work, but I suspect the Roman fabriactors would have used rivets. Maybe Alan or Len can come here and discuss these things?
There are other examples I have discussed with a colleague, but it is too late, so I will say good night.
Dane Donato
Legio III Cyrenaica
Legio III Cyrenaica
