A very Syrian civil war...

[Hamilkar]

Great stuff, love the creativity of the Syrians. 

[former user]

I am not sure if I do not digress too much if I start sketching out the archaeological discourse about prehistoric warfare.

Anyway, the pictures from Syria are real informative, but I must admit that I fail to grasp in how far they inspire to scratch building something. is it about the improvised weapons? I found these rubber band catapults, well funny is not the exact description when it comes to lobbing explosives, didn't we have such things in WW I ?

[Arlequín]

I am not sure if I do not digress too much if I start sketching out the archaeological discourse about prehistoric warfare.

Anyway, the pictures from Syria are real informative, but I must admit that I fail to grasp in how far they inspire to scratch building something. is it about the improvised weapons? I found these rubber band catapults, well funny is not the exact description when it comes to lobbing explosives, didn't we have such things in WW I ?

I think it would be a digression too far, even for one of the boards I moderate.    A fitting topic for 'Open Talk' though and one I should imagine a few members will contribute to.

You're right though, catapults like the ones pictured were used in the Great War and the Trench Mortar was built on their success. Similar weapons, along with a few other novel designs, very much like the Syrians are doing now, were constructed all over the UK during the 'Invasion Scare' of 1940 too.