November 8, 2025
Description
A replacement crossbow for the now classic game Crossbows & Catapults (apparently also known as Battlegrounds). This is a close replica of the original.
A couple of months ago I designed and posted here, a replacement rod/bolt for the catapult: https://www.printables.com/model/1337011-crossbows-catapults-classic-game-replacement-part
This is my grandson's favourite game of the moment so after replacing the broken rod/bolt, the fun continued until the catapult frame became broken too. So here are replacements for both components.
I printed these horizontally in PETG with “support everywhere”. The supports were easily removed. I have not tried either component in PLA but it might work well for the rod. Please post your results if you do.
The rod is supposed to be captive in the frame (the original worn parts were separable but shouldn't be). The initial installation of the rod is therefore a bit tricky. The rod tip has a slot which allows it to be pinched to get the rod tip past the stops in the frame. I suggest adding a smear of silicone or other lube to assist installation.
p.s. JohnMark3D printed the frame in PLA and found that when inserting the rod without lube, the rear “iron” semi-hoop broke. He asked if I could make the hoop thicker. I have therefore added a modified file.
I have however left the original design here too as it is more faithful to the original manufactured model and it worked fine for the two I made for my grandson.
License:
Creative Commons — Attribution — Noncommercial