Pathfinders' innovative wooden science kits build working replicas of three of the most infamous and powerful, medieval siege engines, the Siege Tower, the Catapult and the Trebuchet. Weapons that once smashed castle and fortress walls changing the course of many a kingdom! Building the kits allow children and adults to explore the link between design, materials and technology. A wonderful lesson in how basic mechanical principles turned simple materials into very useful and effective tools.
Pathfinders' kits are designed by Derek Wulff, a science educator in British Columbia. The kits are based on historic designs: the Trebuchet is based on the Warwolf from the 13th century. The kit uses only wood, rope and leather. Pieces are joined by wooden dowels, not screws or nails. No elastic, rubber, motor or batteries are used to create the movement of these device's swing arms. All pieces are pre-cut and drilled requiring only wood or white glue to assemble. The instructions are detailed and complete with educational notes about the siege engine.
When completed, the mighty Trebuchet is 18 inches long x 7 inches wide x 7 inches tall. It is capable of hurling a ball of soft modeling clay over 20 feet! (Modeling clay is included in the kits.) This kit is suitable for children 10 and older taking an hour or two to complete. Safety instructions are included and children are recommended to use under adult supervision. While these scale models will only be smashing down imaginary castle walls, they are loads of fun to build and use.
Toy Value Index: 8.41
The Toy Value Index is a Fat Brain Toys exclusive intended to quantify the overal play value of a given toy or game. We do this by taking our customers' feedback on (QUALITY + TIME PLAYED + AGE TRANSCENDENCE)/PRICE.
Fat Brain Index: 7.52
The Fat Brain Index is another Fat Brain Toys exclusive that factors in 14 different traits that we've identified that make a toy "Fat Brain Worthy".
Trebuchet Model
Posted 4/6/2009 by Alex Wilson
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The trebuchet product i bought was satisfying and entertaining. It was easy to build and was fun in the process of building it took me and my father about 3 hours. I wished that on the box it says what its wieght limit is so i don't put to much in it but i'm causious. With the weight i put in it now it doesn't go as far i would have liked so i will slowly continue on to put a little more weight in each time. Overall i am very satisfied with my product.
A fun kit
Posted 3/3/2009 by KG
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Setting: Home
I ordered this kit for my son's 12th birthday. He & a friend started it right after dinner & had a great time working on it.
It comes with a set of dowels they had to measure & cut themselves which personaly I thought could have been marked/cut/scored at the factory but it actually added another element of fun for the boys. I would just be prepared BEFOREHAND with the proper cutting tools as we had small piece of jagged dowel flying all over the kitchen! :)
Certainly a fun kit although I do wish it were a little less pricey!
My rating of Trebuchet Kit
Posted 1/16/2009 by cw
Rating:
Setting: Home
We bought the trebuchet kit as a gift for a 13 year old boy- he was really excited about it. The assembly of the toy easily takes 2 hours, and we haven't had time to get it completely up and running. Well made toy- but definitely for older kids who have patience and interest in building things.
Elkhorn, Nebraska USA 68022