04-25-2009, 04:01 PM
For new scientific tests check out http://wattsunique.com/blog/ . Both that Orsova sized engine and "Carnifex" are configured as in-swingers. Compare their performance with Legio VI's outswinger Orsova which uses Alan's locking rings.
Being more specific in my objections to the design, I refer you to Figures 34, 35, & 36 of Alan's own book "Roman Artillery". Figure #34 shows the actual shape of the forked ends of the arch and suggests that one fork was originally longer than the other. I disagree and cite figure #35 taken from codex P which indicates equal length forks. The simplest explanation is that the forks were slotted into the pi-brackets and pinned in place, but that only works with an in-swinger configuration. Even if you insist that the ends were uneven, Alan's reconstruction has one glaring inconsistency. The longer forks in figure #34 are diagonal from each other on the artifact. On Alan's machine (see figure #36) they are directly across from one another.
There you have it, a specific objection referencing an original manuscript and artifact, taken directly from a text published by an acknowledged expert. Anyone care to refute it?
Being more specific in my objections to the design, I refer you to Figures 34, 35, & 36 of Alan's own book "Roman Artillery". Figure #34 shows the actual shape of the forked ends of the arch and suggests that one fork was originally longer than the other. I disagree and cite figure #35 taken from codex P which indicates equal length forks. The simplest explanation is that the forks were slotted into the pi-brackets and pinned in place, but that only works with an in-swinger configuration. Even if you insist that the ends were uneven, Alan's reconstruction has one glaring inconsistency. The longer forks in figure #34 are diagonal from each other on the artifact. On Alan's machine (see figure #36) they are directly across from one another.
There you have it, a specific objection referencing an original manuscript and artifact, taken directly from a text published by an acknowledged expert. Anyone care to refute it?
P. Clodius Secundus (Randi Richert), Legio III Cyrenaica
"Caesar\'s Conquerors"
"Caesar\'s Conquerors"