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Unread 08-01-2006, 18:43
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AKA: Toby Waite
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Re: Best Way to Shoot the Balls??

Quote:
Originally Posted by Don Rotolo

The way I see it, the only viable options are wheel-based and spring-based launchers. (A trebuchet is spring-based, and I agree, it would be soooo cool).
I hate to call you on a technicality, but this is a bet of a pet peeve. So, for the enlightenment of all,

A trebuchet is *not* spring powered. A trebuchet derives it's energy from a falling mass. Remember the really cool looking things that threw the giant rocks from Minas Tirith in the Return of the King? Those were Trebuchets.

If it uses elastically derived energy it is another kind of catapult. So, if you use a rubber band, spring, or the bowing of wood (or something else) to throw the object it's a catapult.

To clarify, a trebuchet is a *kind* of catapult. One that uses a falling mass.

More info here (Trebuchets) and here Catapults


- Toby