07-09-2008, 11:01 PM
I'm considering making a scale model of a Roman crane -- you know the kind, with the slaves walking in the hamster wheel for lifting power. I have a few questions for anyone who knows the details:
Do we have any documentation or evidence showing a ratchet mechanism to lock the wheel? It seems so logical that they must have done it (and ratchet mechanisms on catapults, etc, support this idea), but I'd prefer that it be documentable if possible.
How about a swivel mounting? A crane is much more useful if it can swivel -- otherwise it's limited to lowering and raising the boom to change the point of lift.
Finally: How about wheels? If not to move a lifted load, at least to move the lifting apparatus -- do we know if they were ever mounted on wagons or the like?
I'd be grateful if anyone can point me toward pictorial evidence -- preferably primary source. (I have one showing a complex block and tackle in use, so that's covered.)
Thanks in advance
Do we have any documentation or evidence showing a ratchet mechanism to lock the wheel? It seems so logical that they must have done it (and ratchet mechanisms on catapults, etc, support this idea), but I'd prefer that it be documentable if possible.
How about a swivel mounting? A crane is much more useful if it can swivel -- otherwise it's limited to lowering and raising the boom to change the point of lift.
Finally: How about wheels? If not to move a lifted load, at least to move the lifting apparatus -- do we know if they were ever mounted on wagons or the like?
I'd be grateful if anyone can point me toward pictorial evidence -- preferably primary source. (I have one showing a complex block and tackle in use, so that's covered.)
Thanks in advance
Wayne Anderson/ Wander
