11-25-2010, 10:44 AM
Welcome Marek,
We are always glad to have new artillery lovers here to join the discussions. The reading list Crispvs posted is a good place to start. After that, there are three main things you will need to decide;
First, What type of weapon do you want to build?...It sounds like you've settled on a wood-framed bolt-shooting Catapulta or Scorpion. If so, the term ballista doesn't really apply to what you want to make.
Second, What time period will it represent?...With what you are building it could be any where from the early Greek weapons through to about 100 AD. If you are looking for a Roman design, Vitruvius will probably be your best source.
Third, How big do you want to make it?.... This is very important, since almost all the dimensions and event the ammount of spring cord you will need is determined by the diameter of the spring washers. The most common size in this era seems to have been 76mm.
Once you have determined those things I'd suggest trying to design your own weapon rather than copying from someone else's plans. You will learn much more in the process. If you need help with any documents or sources PM me and I'll try to get them to you, as long as you promise not to put wheels on it. :lol:
Regards,
Randi/Clodius
We are always glad to have new artillery lovers here to join the discussions. The reading list Crispvs posted is a good place to start. After that, there are three main things you will need to decide;
First, What type of weapon do you want to build?...It sounds like you've settled on a wood-framed bolt-shooting Catapulta or Scorpion. If so, the term ballista doesn't really apply to what you want to make.
Second, What time period will it represent?...With what you are building it could be any where from the early Greek weapons through to about 100 AD. If you are looking for a Roman design, Vitruvius will probably be your best source.
Third, How big do you want to make it?.... This is very important, since almost all the dimensions and event the ammount of spring cord you will need is determined by the diameter of the spring washers. The most common size in this era seems to have been 76mm.
Once you have determined those things I'd suggest trying to design your own weapon rather than copying from someone else's plans. You will learn much more in the process. If you need help with any documents or sources PM me and I'll try to get them to you, as long as you promise not to put wheels on it. :lol:
Regards,
Randi/Clodius
P. Clodius Secundus (Randi Richert), Legio III Cyrenaica
"Caesar\'s Conquerors"
"Caesar\'s Conquerors"
