SUNDAY: Time is running out and there is nothing that can be done but hurry up and wait. Will we at least be able to fire the fixed machine? Work continues on the hinged machine, which is not as far along as the fixed machine. The basket is ready for assembly as soon as the hinged arm is raised. The shear legs are in position; that along with the capstan will raise the massive 49' oak arm for the hinged machine into place.

By midafternoon, there is great excitement as we learn we will test the fixed treb. Cocking the machine is time consuming, but excitement builds. Tourists and other observers perch along the walls of Urquhart Castle. Will the wall survive the blast of the 300 pound ball?

Late that day, we successfully launched 2 boulders, the first flying about 170 yards. We shortened the sling and greased the tip, and the second boulder flew about 200 yards clocked on the radar gun at 126 mph.

Please click on the small version to view a larger version of the photo.

Key: (114) The traditional photo of the treb's progress. (115) The hinged machine with its 49' oak arm in place. (116) Grigg Mullen of VMI and Ed Levin are interviewed on camera about the firing of the trebs. (117) Al Thomas and Colin Stotts mugging for the camera, while we all wait. (118) The laying on of hands by Wayne Neel, designer of the fixed machine. (119) Closeup of the nose of the fixed arm. (120, 121, 122) It takes mighty pulling power by a lot of people to cock the fixed machine. (123) The crowd gathers expectantly, along the path and on the castle's walls. (124) The treb fires. Success! (125) A relieved Ed Levin gives Marti Louw a hug.