pitsco Trebuchet User Manual

Trebuchet User Guide 58670 V0313 1
How a Trebuchet Works
If you’ve ever read about what life was like during medieval times, you’ll know there were wars during this
period in which ghting was much more hands on and weapons were far less sophisticated than today.
The invention of the trebuchet put a twist on what people knew as a catapult. Both machines were used
to ing huge rocks that would break down the walls of a castle and let invaders inside. Instead of throwing
weight on one end of the catapult’s lever to propel the rocks forward, the trebuchet has a sling that swings
from the bottom to the top of the machine, giving it more momentum and projectile force.
Materials Included
• Basswood sheets with laser-cut pieces • 1/4" x 1" flexible tubing
• Design template for bending paper clips • Large paper clips (2)
• 1" x 12" basswood strip • Strip of ripstop nylon
• 1/4" x 4-3/4" basswood strips (4) • 36" piece of nylon string
• 1/8" x 3" brass tube • 1/8" brass washers (2)
• 5/32" x 1/2" brass tube • 2 lever arm end caps (1-1/2" x 2" punch out piece)
Items Required (not included)
• White glue or CA glue • Sandpaper
• Hobby knife • Ruler
• Needle-nose pliers • Scissors
• Safety glasses • Mass plates (required for launch; Pitsco product #58676)
• Felt-tip marker • Modeling clay (to make projectiles)
Building the Base
1. Punch out the trebuchet body pieces from the basswood
template. The two small base pieces t at the bottom of the
Y-shaped side pieces. Glue them onto the bottom of one side
piece.
2. Glue the other side piece on top and let dry. These will form a at
square on the bottom that will be the base.
Cautionary and Warning Statement
• This kit is designed and intended for educational purposes only.
• Use only under the direct supervision of an adult who has read and understood the instructions pro-
vided in this user guide.
• Read warnings on packaging and this user guide carefully.
• Safety glasses required.
• Do not aim at people.
• Always exercise caution when using sharp tools.
Steps 1-2

pitsco Trebuchet Specifications

General

Brand	pitsco
Model	Trebuchet
Category	Toy
Language	English

Summary

Cautionary and Warning Statement

How a Trebuchet Works

Building the Base

Steps 1-2: Constructing the Base

Instructions for constructing the base of the trebuchet.

Building the Lever Arm

Steps 1-2: Attach Lever Arm Caps

Attach end caps to the curved end of the lever arm.

Step 3: Install Brass Tube

Glue the short brass tube into the lever arm's center hole.

Step 4: Shape Lever Arm Hook

Bend a paper clip piece to form the hook.

Step 5: Attach Hook and String

Glue the hook and attach string to bind it to the lever.

Step 6: Cut Tubing Pieces

Cut flexible tubing into four small pieces.

Step 7: Mount Brass Tube Assembly

Slide brass washers and tubing onto the long brass tube.

Steps 8-9: Connect Lever to Base

Insert the brass tube into base holes and add tubing ends.

Building the Sling

Step 1: Prepare Sling Material

Trim nylon corners and punch holes for the sling.

Step 2: Assemble Sling

Cut string and tie to nylon strip holes to form the sling.

Step 4: Tie Sling Loop

Tie one string end into a loop.

Step 4: Secure Sling to Hook

Thread second string through hook and tie a knot.

Adding the Counterweight

Steps 1-2: Create Weight Support

Bend a paper clip into a U-shape for weight support.

Step 3: Attach Counterweight

Slide the paper clip weight support onto the lever arm.

Operating the Trebuchet

Steps 1-2: Prepare for Launch

Loop string over hook and raise trigger to secure hook.

Steps 3-4: Launch Operation

Lay sling, place projectile, and pull trigger to launch.

Activity Idea: Testing Mass Plates