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Traction Trebuchet The traction trebuchet is the human-powered version of the counterweight trebuchets seen earlier. This particular machine has a strongly braced single upright with a frame on the top to hold the axle and beam. Here the pulling crew are hauling down on the ropes that swing the beam. The sling (with its relatively small projectile) is swinging out. When the beam reaches an almost vertical angle it will stop, allowing the sling to catch up and release its stone. |
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| Somewhere between the purely counterweight trebuchet and the entirely human powered traction trebuchet is the "augmented" or "hybrid" trebuchet, a machine where the traction trebuchet's light triangular spreader on the pulled end of the beam has been replaced by a huge slab of wood which acts as a counterweight in addition to the force of the human hauling crew. |
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Hybrid Trebuchet This photo gives a very good view of the huge wooden slab at the short end of the beam. Unlike the lighter traction trebuchet, this one's end timber (to which the hauling ropes are attached) is arranged vertically. The crew member standing within the frame appears to be in some danger, although the beam's heavy end should sweep past above his head. |
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A "Volley" of Two In this photo the hybrid trebuchet and the mangonel (more later) shoot together. The trebuchet beam's two part construction (similar to that used by the centre on their other trebuchets) is easily seen here. The impressive size of the machine is also apparent. |
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Retired... The hybrid trebuchet didn't work as well as expected and was retired. These days people at Nykøbing can still see it - serving as a very unusual piece of sculpture in the middle of a traffic "round-about" (accompanied by a "To the Medieval Centre" sign). |
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| Last Edited: January 2002 |
| © Russell Miners . |
