Safe Trebuchet procedures
- After launching make sure all ropes are untangled.
Launching rope { double rope with netting for projectile)
Trigger rope { rope with hook that is released to fling things}
Pulling rope ( rope pulled back to cock Treb.)
2.pull rope thru pulley, attach to Machine by using a boline
3.make sure pull rope is on right side of trigger rope
4.begin pulling pull rope until trigger hook can be hooked into trigger eye bolt.
5. Have the safety man hold down his arm while the launching net is being loaded.
When loading, load on side of the base , so as to not being under the weight basket.
6. Place jugs into the net and make sure all .ropes are aligned correctly.
7.remove pull rope from machine untie bowline, pull rope out through pulley and
Lay out of way of other ropes
.
8 put the trigger man into position and make sure the trigger strap is at its lowest point on .hook
.
9 When all is clear and trigger man is ready have Safety man release from his
Position and move to safety
10 3 2 1 .let her go yelling VINCENT
Always keep all spectators back and outside of rope. No one should be in front of Treb unless out of danger. Wear hard hats when people present. Communicate with the leader.
loader.
Safety man
Driver
Trigger man
For years I was told we need to build a trebuchet. So once I found Mr
Phil Shreve, a great carpenter at the Hospital, it was time. I showed Phil a video of the trebuchet I was hoping for and brilliantly he masterminded the planning, construction and first firing of this Medieval weapon that destroyed a lot of castles in the good old days. We have used it on our property for years to amaze the crowds by helping with our Viking Funeral, putting out floating fires on the lakes and occasionally scaring away the geese who love to poop, at will.
But why the name Vincent???
During the construction of this Physics class treasure( many physics classes love to launch pumpkins to orchestrate the formulas for the 4 variables that make the shot sail very accurately) we came to a moment where had we not had Vincent, a young lad age 7 or 8 who was there with his father,
It could have spelled disaster.
The four adults were attempting to set the final pole, to hold the main arm of the Treb. I was holding up the empty basket so the others could slide the metal pole through the wooden arm. But as my strength began to wane and I only could hold the basket up for a count of ten more seconds and knowing that if I lowered the basket we would have to begin the arduous procedure again,
The young, valiant boy came under my elbows and helped hold my arms up a little longer so the men could finish their tasks. Vincent saw a need to jump in and help without even being asked in the only way that would work. And he did it masterfully.
I remember asking Phil if it was ok to name the Trebuchet The Vincent…
Instead of The Phil Shreve…(who was the creator of this said weapon) he agreed. But if you ever want a great trebuchet in your backyard. I know a guy. Summer of 2023