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The Atomic Bomb of the Middle Ages

Tabletop Trebuchet, limited edition classic version


All counterweights are included with this classic version of our trebuchet model.

This model trebuchet can demonstrate all the principles of the trebuchet as either a hanging counterweight machine, or quickly convert it to a wheeled fixed counterweight machine (and back again!) Which is better? Which one is more efficient? More accurate? More fun? Now you can be the judge!

This professionally engineered model requires only glue and a couple of clamps to assemble. It has a 12 inch long arm, is 14 inches from front to back, 6 inches wide and 8 inches tall at the axle. This is a working model capable of tossing the included wooden missiles over 20 feet!

Hand crafted of high quality furniture grade wood, the kit includes counterweights, missiles and everything you need to build a working model!*

The detailed instructions are complete with diagrams, photos, tuning tips, efficiency equations for calculating your maximum theoretical range and web links for even more information about catapults! All parts are pre-cut, pre-drilled and can be assembled to a finished model in one evening (plus glue
drying time).

The trebuchet is a fantastic demonstration in physics and dynamics. One of the big debates in recent years among historians is whether trebuchets in history used wheels to increase their efficiency and make them more portable, or if they were built on-site without wheels and with counterweights hanging from the end of the arm. This debate was even explored in a recent TV documentary (NOVA,
Secrets of Lost Empires: Medieval Siege).

We've put a lot of time and effort into making this kit as easy and complete as possible. It's a fun way to learn about science and history!


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    Price: $69.00
    Our Price: $59.00
    Minimum age: 14
    Availability: out of stock

    Item code: 10400

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Interesting Notes

Some Trebuchet History:

From the 13th century writing: "Itinerarium Peregrinorum et Gesta Regis Ricardi"

In June and July of 1191, Richard the Lionheart (the Duke of Normandy) laid siege to the city of Acre as part of the medieval Crusades.

The Duke concentrated on constructing siege machines and placing trebuchets [petrariae - literally, stone hurler] in suitable places. He arranged for these to shoot continually day and night. He had one excellent one which he called "Bad Neighbor" [Malvoisine]. Its continual bombardment partly destroyed the main city wall and shattered the Cursed Tower. On one side the Templars' trebuchet wreaked impressive devastation, while the Hospitallers trebuchet also never ceased hurling, to the terror of the Turks.

Besides these, there was a trebuchet that had been constructed at general expense, which they called "God's Stone-Thrower". A priest, a man of great probity, always stood next to it preaching and collecting money for its continual repair and for hiring people to gather the stones for its ammunition. This machine at last demolished the wall next to the Cursed Tower for around two perches' Length [11 yards or 10 meters].

The count of Flanders had had a choice trebuchet, which King Richard had after his death, as well as another trebuchet which was not so good. These two constantly bombarded the tower next to a gate which the Turks frequently used, until the tower was half-demolished. Besides these, King Richard had two new ones made with remarkable workmanship and material which would hit the intended target no matter how far off it was. . . . He also had two mangonels [traction trebuchets] prepared. One of these was so swift and violent that its shots reached the inner streets of the city meat market.

King Richard's trebuchets hurled constantly by day and night. It can be firmly stated that one of them killed twelve men with a single stone. That stone was sent for Saladin to see, with messengers who said that the diabolical king of England had brought from Messina, a city he had captured, sea flint and the smoothest stones to punish the Saracens. Nothing could withstand their blows; everything was crushed or reduced to dust.