Machines of Leonardo Da Vinci Kit

A cardboard construction kit for budding polymaths and young inventors: create two faithful, fun and functioning machines inspired by the inventive genius of Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519). Based on da Vinci’s design for a Giant Crossbow sketched in the ‘Atlantic Codex’, folio 149 br c.1483-90, and a siege machine catapult from folio 160 r, c.1480s. The catapult was of a hybrid design, firing by tension and gravity launch mechanisms, although neither machine is thought to have been made. With press-out cardboard pieces, simply slot the parts together and attach the tensioning string and bands. The kit includes cardboard ‘rocks’ for use as weights and projectiles. With step-by-step diagrammatic instructions and a 14-page booklet attached to the box, learn about one of the Renaissance’s greatest minds as you create impressive, detailed models.

82 press-out cardboard pieces plus cotton string and elastic band
Makes two working models and projectiles
Catapult: 21 x 26 x 17cm constructed
Crossbow: 36 x 39 x 8cm constructed
Slot-together construction
Box with 14-page booklet and step-by-step instructions
34.5 x 24.5 x 3cm box
Age 8+ - adult supervision recommended
Card and paper can be recycled
Plastic bag – widely recycled with soft plastic