Build a LEGO Trebuchet
The trebuchet was the one of the most devastating siege weapon ever created. It could hurl large objects with much more power and distance than a catapult. Now, you can build your own miniature trebuchet out of LEGO® blocks.
Steps
- Build a base. This must be a may add the little mini-figure who is to operate the trebuchet if you like.
- Build the support struts. These should run parallel to the sides of the base, and meet at a point on the center line of the base, at the edge. All of the force of the moving part is supported by your base, so build it very strong to move all parts!
- Insert the fulcrum. It is the support, or point of rest, on which a lever turns in moving a body. Make sure the load arm DOES NOT swing freely back and forth, so design your fulcrum with this in mind.
- Place the arm. The counterweight will go on the relatively short side, and the sling on the other.
- Experiment with a counterweight weighing between 2 and 7 pounds.
Tips
- For extra fun, use a LEGO mini-figure as the payload.
- The counterweight must be much heavier than the object you are hurling.
- You could also use (thin) elastic bands and put them under bricks. This works very well if you build it well!
- The sling is the most important part of the trebuchet, as the rotational motion caused by the load arm is what gives the trebuchet its great power.
- Experiment a lot. See what tweaks you can make to give the payload the most distance.
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