Hi, Thanks for visiting my website. My name is Will and if you have questions
or would like to
contribute projects or ideas you can contact me
Saladin's Trebuchet
This is a miniature replica of a real trebuchet that is on display outside The Citadel in Cairo Egypt. I call it Saladins Trebuchet but that's just because the Citadel itself was originally built by Saladin in the 12th century. Since then the fortress has been added to, improved and rebuilt over the course of many centuries. But, the trebuchet is well placed because it was a powerful weapon that could destroy the walls of a fortress like the Citadel.
If you want to learn more about the Citadel fortress in Egypt I do have pictures and more information on my other website here: The Citadel Medieval Fortress
The Miniature Replica
The Original
To Make this Trebuchet
There are quite a few different ways you can make this trebuchet and in particular there are a few different ways that you can assemble the various parts together. I used a glue gun for almost all of the assembly. But you can use wood glue or even screws and small nails. The glue glun is the fastest and easiest way.
About the wood. I use two sizes of wood. One size is 1/2 inch square and the other is 3/8 inch square. You can improvise and use all kinds of sizes for your trebuchet. And if you want to buy wood like this it is available in all sorts of places including arts and crafts stores like Michaels and AC Moore and in home improvement stores like Home Depot.
Ok, let's start by building the base This is five pieces of 1/2 inch square wood. Glue all these pieces together just as shown. The length's are:2 are eight inches long, 2 are three and a half inches long and the piece on the left is 1 inch long.
Now build the sides of the trebuchet. Four of the pieces are 3/8 inch wood and the center piece is 1/2 inch wood. The top piece is 1 5/8 in length. The two side pieces are 4 1/2 inches long - but you have to watch those angles on the ends of those pieces. They are approximately 1/8 inch shifted. You will probably have to tinker with those angles by sanding. The piece in the middle is 2/12 inches on the long end and 2 1/4 inches on the short length. Make two of these.
The trebuchet was the ultimate artillery weapon of the medieval period and early renaissance. A large and unwieldy weapon, it was typically built on-site during battle, and tuned to lob great weights - such as the carcasses of rotting horses and pots of burning pitch, over the castle walls and onto its inhabitants. Precision carved by computer controlled machinery for guaranteed fit and accurate joinery. The detailed instructions include loads of photos of each step of the construction process, tuning tips and safety notes. Included in the kit are four wooden projectiles, all the necessary components for the sling, trigger, and counterweight bucket as well as all the parts for the kit. The only thing you'll need to supply are 88 pennies for counterweight and a few simple tools - Scissors, a ruler, a utility knife, wood glue and a few rubber bands to hold the pieces together while the glue dries. Manufactured by RLT Industries
The Miniature Trebuchet - The trebuchet was the ultimate artillery weapon of the medieval period and early renaissance. A large and unwieldy weapon, it was typically built on-site during battle, and tuned to lob great weights - such as the carcasses of rotting horses and pots of burning pitch, over the castle walls and onto its inhabitants. This is our newest and smallest trebuchet design in a long line of catapult kits. Designed by master trebuchet expert Ron Toms, this machine is ideal for the student on a budget or as a wonderful display piece for any desktop or bookshelf of any history enthusiast. Precision carved by computer controlled machinery for guaranteed fit and accurate joinery. The detailed instructions include loads of photos of each step of the construction process, tuning tips and safety notes. Included in the kit are four wooden projectiles, all the necessary components for the sling, trigger, and counterweight bucket as well as all the parts for the kit. The only thing you'll need to supply are 64 pennies for counterweight and a few simple tools - Scissors, a ruler, a utility knife, wood glue and a few rubber bands to hold the pieces together while the glue dries. Tools required: Scissors, Glue, Ruler, rubber bands and a utility knife. Sandpaper is optional. Additional Counterweight Required: 64 pennies. Range: About 10 feet.
About the wood. I use two sizes of wood. One size is 1/2 inch square and the other is 3/8 inch square. You can improvise and use all kinds of sizes for your trebuchet. And if you want to buy wood like this it is available in all sorts of places including arts and crafts stores like Michaels and AC Moore and in home improvement stores like Home Depot. 
