Medieval Siege Engine Contest
Description: A contest of Medieval siege engines (catapult, trebuchet, ballista, etc). Machines must be able to throw a cube made of six 2×4 LEGO® bricks. Machines will compete through three successive categories.
Please register your contest entry using the form at the bottom of this page!
Categories:
- Distance
- Accuracy
- Rate of Fire
General Notes:
- Each person is allowed to compete with one small machine and one large machine.
- For each category, small machines will go first, followed by large machines.
- Scoring is positive, the machine with the highest points wins.
- Machines must be self-powered. Human power is allowed to load, cock, and fire the machine, but the projectile must be propelled by power from the machine (eg rubber bands, swinging weights, etc). Electronic power and/or controls is not allowed.
- Machines must be made from 100% non-modified LEGO® parts.
1. Rules for Distance Challenge:
- Distance is measured from front of machine to projectile touchdown (no credit for projectile rolling).
- 1 point = each foot of distance.
- Each machine gets 3 successive shots, points are awarded for the single longest shot only.
- Up to 120 seconds are allowed between shots. Exceeding the time limit forfeits next shot.
* 15 minute break. Any repairs/adjustments/modifications of machines allowed.
2. Rules for Accuracy Challenge:
- Three narrow targets and four wide targets will be arranged at random in the field
- Each machine can be positioned as desired, but cannot be closer to the targets than 3 feet (for small machines) or 8 feet (for large machines).
- Each machine gets 7 shots total, but only 4 will count towards final score.
- 3 points awarded for each wide target knocked down
- 6 points awarded for each narrow target knocked down
- Up to 120 seconds are allowed between shots. Exceeding the time limit forfeits next shot.
* 15 minute break. Any repairs/adjustments/modifications of machines allowed.
3. Rate of Fire Challenge:
- Each machine gets 60 seconds to launch as many projectiles as possible.
- Each shot must be fired using the machine as it is designed to operate. Keep within the spirit of the contest.
- 1 point is awarded for each projectile launched.
- Projectiles must travel at least 5 feet (for small machines) and 10 feet (for large machines). Rolling counts.
Tie-Breakers:
- In the event of a tie, a special round will be held to determine the winner. One shot in categories 1 & 2 will be scored.
Free-form round:
*Time permitting* After the 3 categories are completed, a free-form session will be allowed for any remaining functioning machines. Any projectile, within reason, will be allowed. Targets may be chosen or not. Please do not kill anybody or anything. No points
are awarded for this round. All contestants are responsible for any damage he or she makes.