A Specific Marshals Guide To

Inspecting a Docmo Style Arbalest for S.C.A. combat.

By Docmo Kincain.

All material specifications described herein must be adhered to.

Any deviance from the specs should constitute failure of the Engyn to
pass inspection.

The “Draw Rope.”

(The twins lines running from the Windlass to the Trigger)

The Draw Rope must be constructed of minimum 1/4’’-5/16’’ twisted nylon
rope. Anything smaller is not allowed.

There must be two Draw Ropes mounted such, that in the event of failure
of one rope, the second will prevent the Trigger from flying down range.

No Hemp rope.

No Manila rope.

No Polypropylene rope. (hard twisted nylon or ski rope}

No Cotton rope.

No Parachute cord.

Braided rope of any thickness is not allowed.

It is the nature of on nylon rope to “Fuzz” as it wears. The ideal wear
pattern is an even coat of fuzz along the whole length of the Draw Rope,
this also indicates a good time to replace it, but if the three rope
strands cannot been seen through the fuzz the rope should have already
been replaced.

Look for premature Fuzz, especially where the Draw rope enters the
Windlass. The problem must be rectified, and the rope replaced immediately.

The “Bowstring”

NO STEEL CABLES ALLOWED

The Bowstring must be a minimum of 1/4’’-5/16’’ twisted nylon rope.
Anything smaller is not allowed. While exceeding the minimum may sound
reasonable, this action can actually cause poor performance or even
malfunction. It is best to use exactly what is described in the
instruction book. Serving on a nylon rope Bowstring is optional.

Bowstrings made of B-50 or other modern string material must have a
minimum of 80 strands, or 40 loops. The Bowstring must have at least two
layers of serving on the bow knock ends and in the center. Serving
material such as “Fast Flight” is OK, but I recommend serving with B-50.
All Servings must be intact. Any fraying or loose windings should
constitute failure until repairs are made. A little fuzz is ok as long
as the windings are tight .The presences of fuzz indicates a dry string
and the string should be well waxed before use. The main windings or
Skeins should all be tight. Occasionally with a new (never fired)
Bowstring a few skeins may appear slightly loose. These should tighten
after a few shots. A Bowstring with several broken skeins or one that
repeatedly breaks skeins should be failed.

No Flemmish style strings, or any other string that is not “round” at
the center serving. A string of this style will cause poor release,
“dryfire” and misfires.

The “Nut Hook”

(this is the steel pawl that holds the Trigger in the charged position,)

The Nut Hook must be a minimum of 14 gauge (.080) steel. Softer metals
such as aluminum, brass or copper must be a minimum of ¼’’ thick. The
Draw Rope must pass over the Nut Hook hinge pin, not under it. To do
otherwise will cause excess strain on the Draw Rope and even dryfire.

The “Trigger”

(This is the device that is used to draw the Bowstring back, and fire
the weapon)

The Trigger must be a minimum of 3/8’’ diameter. The Trigger hooks
section must be one piece and not welded together pieces, the Trigger
handle is typically a separate piece welded to the Trigger hooks. The
Trigger hooks should be free of burrs where they contact the Bowstring.

The “Prod”

(The Bow)

The Prod must be mounted tight in the Stock, no “wiggle” is allowed. All
of the Prod mounting hardware, be it wood or steel, must also be tight,
and remain tight throughout the inspection. A Prod that consistently
loosens should be failed.

The Prod should be free of cracks or other imperfections.

The Prod must be a single piece of steel, no bolted or welded together
pieces are allowed.

There may be a 3/8 hole, seemingly purposeless, on one side of the Prod.
This is OK as long as the Prod is symmetrical at rest, and when charged.

A second shorter piece of steel, a “Backer”, is often added behind the
Prod. This too is OK. The Prod and Prod Angles should be mounted so that
the Prod knocks are nearly even with the top of the Stock, _not_ well
below the top of the Stock.

Operating concerns

While the use of half gauntlets is required for combat, a minimum of
leather gloves should be required at all times, whether it be on the
target range or the inspection field.

The Windlass should be cranked backwards for charging. This means that
when the Windlass handle is at the top of the rotation, it should be
being pulled back towards the operator, _not_ being pushed forward. To
crank it incorrectly will cause excessive strain on the Draw Rope, and
the Draw Rope will rub on the Stock causing even further wear.

Observe the Trigger while the weapon is being charged. The Trigger
should remain square to the string. It should not twist or canter to
either side. This is usually just a matter of centering the Draw rope on
the Trigger, but it could also indicate an improperly adjusted Trigger hook.

The Nut Hook must engage automatically, if it requires excess effort by
the operator to make it latch, or if the operators hands go in front of
the Trigger, the Engyn should be failed.

Reason: pushing the hook down by hand puts the operators hand in
dangerous vicinity of the charged Bowstring, with added danger of
“dryfire”. It also leaves only one hand on the Windlass.

This may be easily solved with a rubber band or hair tie attached from
the small lever on the Nut Hook to the top of the steel Nut Hook frame.

More serious cases indicate a defective “Nut Hook” or a Prod mounting
problem.

All stands or frames should follow the simple guidelines laid out in the
Siege Engyns Handbook. They should meet the minimum square footage for
the Engyn type. They should be constructed of sturdy enough material to
withstand the forces of Engyn operation and movement. They should not
lean or twist to the point where they need to be held or assisted by a
human. All bolts, fasteners, and hardware must be kept tight. Creaking
or squeaking during operation should be minimal to null. Some creaking
and squeaking is normal as in the case of a wood on wood joint, such as
a gimble or yoke, or on a Docmo steady stand where the uprights pinch
the stock and often squeak during elevation. Creaking and squeaking from
the frame during movement over uneven ground is normal with most any
style of frame. Unlike a Trebuchet, where the wheels bear the forces of
the moving counterweight during firing, the wheels on an arbalest need
only support the static weight of the Engyn and frame, yet they need to
be study enough for the task. A wheel that buckles or bends must fail. A
wheel that cambers excessively (leans on it’s axle or wobbles), must be
failed. If the tire of the wheel can lean past the end of the axle it is
unsafe and must be failed. If the axle is bent, this indicates that it
is too light for the duty and must be failed.

Docmo Kincain