The TG Roman Onager is excellent for mounting on fortifications. The details of the model are excellent. The slip hook for retaining and releasing the arm, the ratchet and pawls for retracting the arm and for adjusting the tension of the Torsion Spring are all very accurate. The design is quite similar to working models made by Sir Ralph Payne-Gallwey as depicted in his book the Crossbow and to the working model made and used by the Ermine Street Guard in England; a Roman re-enactment group. The closeup photos show these details in higher resolution than in the previous post. The figures are 60mm and the battlements are scaled to the figures height; so the Merlons are higher than the figures and the Crenals are about waist height. One figure is loading the Onager with round stone shot, another is adjusting the Torsion Spring and the Optio commands the battery. Onagers were the Howitzers of the Roman Army and were used in fortifications to destroy approaching siege towers and rams, as well as counter battery fire. Onagers were used in the fourth century AD Persian wars.
