Ancient Siege Engines
Fig. 195 shows the large front cross-piece (IV, fig. 193, p. 280), between
the sides of the catapult, as well as the three supports that hold the
uprights and the cross-bar from movement when the latter is violently struck
by the released arm.1
Fig. 195. - The Front End of the Catapult. Scale 1/2
in. = 1 ft.
The winches here are omitted.
Fig. 196, opposite page, shows the arm - the rope which pulls down the
arm - the slip-hook for releasing the arm when it is wound down - the winding
roller - the upper edge of the skein of cord - the winches - and the other
parts of the engine previously described.
We also see in fig. 196 the padded cushion against which the arm strikes
with terrific force when its upper end is checked by the cross-bar. The
cushion is of the same depth as the cross bar. It is 16 in. long and about
6 in. thick.
1 The top cross-bar, against which the arm
strikes, should be of ash, 6 ft. 6 in. long, 8 in. square, It should be
reduced at its ends to 6 in. square and stepped into and bolted to the
tops of the uprights. |