Austin - Miniweapons of mass destruction. Build Siege Weapons of the Dark Ages. 3. Build siege weapons of the Dark Ages

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Austin, John, 1978

Miniweapons of mass destruction. 3 : build siege weapons of the Dark Ages / John Austin.

pages cm

ISBN 978-1-61374-548-9

1. Siege warfare-Miscellanea. 2. Miniature weapons. 3. Handicraft. 4. War toys. I. Title. II. Title: Build siege weapons of the Dark Ages.

UG444.A92 2013

623.441-dc23

2013002774

Cover and interior design: Jonathan Hahn

Illustrations: Austin Design, Inc.

MiniWeapons of Mass Destruction is a registered trademark of Austin Design, Inc. All rights reserved

2013 by Austin Design, Inc.

All rights reserved

Published by Chicago Review Press, Incorporated

814 North Franklin Street

Chicago, Illinois 60610

ISBN 978-1-61374-548-9

Printed in the United States of America

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

This book is lovingly dedicated to William: may you conquer any obstacle in your path. Love always, Dad

To the knight-in-training who wields this weapon of knowledge, that you solemnly swear an oath of allegiance to the throne, to use the contents of this book only for the greater good of the kingdom, and to refrain from the unjust use of MiniWeapons against your fellow man. If you honor this agreement, you will be recognized with a swift promotion from page to squire to knighthood.

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Fill your armory with MiniWeapon of Mass Destruction 3, a homemade weapons guide that will help you transform everyday items into catapults, crossbows, and other instruments of siege warfare.

This collection of MiniWeapons shouldnt be taken lightly. Inspired by the battlefields of the 5th to the 15th century, this stockpile of medieval marvels has a single purpose: to bombard the enemy with artillery, whether to blockade reinforcements, force armies to surrender, or crumble fortified castles.

The projects in this book can be built quickly, giving you a definite tactical advantagethe element of surprise! Each project comes with a list of easy-to-obtain materials and illustrated step-by-step instructions. And in the final chapter, youll find a collection of simple targets direct from the Dark Ages, perfect for testing your weaponry.

This is a book for knights-in-training both young and old. It pushes the laws of physics, inspires creativity, proposes experimentation, and fuels the imagination. Most of these siege weapons are great representations of their real-life counterparts, but they cost only pennies, making them perfect for group exercises and outfitting an army.

Keep in mind that this book is for entertainment purposes only. Please review the Play It Safe page for your personal protection. Build and use these projects at your own risk.

Those who are granted weapons of great power are commanded to wield them justly. When building and firing your MiniWeapons, be responsible and take every safety precaution. Switching materials, substituting ammunition, assembling improperly, mishandling, targeting inaccurately, and misfiring could all cause harm. Like a guard at the gate, you should always be prepared for the unknown. Eye protection is a must if you choose to experiment with any of these projects. In addition, some projects in this book use plastic tablewareknives, spoons, and forks. Never substitute metal tableware!

Always be aware of your environment, including spectators and flammable materials, and be careful when handling the launchers. Arrows have sharp points and elastic shooters fire projectiles with unbelievable force. Ammo, no matter what the material, can cause harm. Never point a launcher at people, animals, or anything of value. And never take or transport any of these projects on public transportation, such as an airplane, bus, or trainthese projects are to be used at home.

Remember that because miniweaponry is homebuilt, it is not always accurate. Basic target blueprints and proposed printouts are available at the end of the book and at www.JohnAustinBooks.com. Use thesenot random targetsto test the accuracy of your MiniWeapon.

Some of the projects outlined in this book require tools such as hobby knives, pocketknives, hot glue guns, wire cutters, and electric drills that can cause injury if handled carelessly. Tools need your full attentionmake safety your number-one priority. If you have trouble cutting, your knife may be dull or the selected material may be too hard; stop immediately and substitute one of the two. Junior knights-in-training should always be assisted by an adult when handling potentially harmful tools.

Always be responsible when constructing and using miniweaponry. It is important that you understand that the author, the publisher, and the bookseller cannot and will not guarantee your safety. When you try the projects described here, you do so at your own risk. They are not toys!

As war drums sound in the distance and resources run scarce, this ingenious catapult design could be the kingdoms only salvation. Its the Tic Tac Catapult, and its awesome! Despite its small size, it has an impressive range and has proven to be very effective during warfare. Plus, it can be quickly constructed without the aid of tools. All the materials needed for assembly can be purchased in bulk, making it easy to mass produce these little siege enginesand doing so wont cost you the royal treasury!

1 medium binder clip (32 mm)

1 Tic Tac container

13 rubber bands

8 craft sticks

Duct tape (optional)

Safety glasses

1+ soft candies or small, hard candies

Step 1

Begin construction with the catapult arm or beam. Locate one medium (32 mm) or similar sized binder clip that can clamp onto a Tic Tic containertest fit it now. Use one rubber band to fasten one craft stick onto the inside of the metal handle attached to the binder clip. Duct tape can be substituted or added for additional strength.

Step 2

To lengthen the arm, add an additional craft stick to the far end of the fixed stick using one rubber band to secure it into place.

At the end of a catapult arm is the projectile basket, which is fashioned out of a Tic Tac container door. Carefully snap the small door off the lid as illustrated above. Place the door smooth side down at the end of the second craft stick and secure it with a rubber band. The throwing arm is now complete.