It fires stuff quickly and nicely. Photos, reading and a full building instruction are here: http://sariel.pl/2013/07/roman-ballista/

Following the EB's recent trend the video will be up in a week or so...

...oh wait, I have it right here:

Nice job Sariel.

Very well done ! But weren't a way to avoid torturing those poor 5 axles ? Otherwise, how far does it shoot ?

The first thing that went through my mind when I saw the shot of the beam flying towards the camera was "WHEEEEEE~" Nice work.

I would love for you to take it outside and find its true range!

tim

A interesting video demonstration.

Thanks Sariel for bringing us special Mocs built from Lego each time and will be more in the future.

Otherwise, how far does it shoot ?

I'd say 3 meters easily, but you can probably get more if you play with the drawstring's tension.

Hi

I thoughts this:

"read, Roman Balista, nah, i do not want to click on that topic...."

"Oh wait! It is posted by Sariel!!! Must read! click!"

Thanks for sharing this. Did you check when parts are breaking or bent over? I think the predetermined breaking point here are the grey axles and the axle hole on the liftarm, right?

Dino

Thanks. The grey axles get slightly twisted. The liftarms are unscathed.

Phew, at the end I thought you were going to fire it at the poor Hamster!

Hi, that Roman Ballista looks great.

Certain Axles can twist pretty well with out breaking.

Nice piece of work. Clever design, nothing left to take away in order to simplify it more.

Unfortunately it is to late for TLG to get this to shops in time for Christmas. This would have been a great set in the 20-25€ range.

Lego would have to find a way to avoid twisting the axles, but I agree I think it would make a good set.