Meccanuity 2016: Lecture Theatre Events: Meccanuity Challenge, the Relay Race
By Chris Shute • Published on Tuesday 5 April 2016, 12:21am
At 2.00pm on Sunday 1st May, this year's Meccanuity Challenge will be held at the lecture theatre end of the main hall.
Here's the critiria: Build a fast-running clockwork or electric vehicle(s) to travel 15 feet across the arena floor. Competitors will be allocated equally to teams by numbers drawn from a hat. Vehicles shall be made from known Meccano parts or replicas. Motors shall be Meccano electric or clockwork. Non-Meccano battery boxes, switches, wires are permitted. Each vehicle shall be fitted with a 2.1/2” Double Angle Strip as a flag holder. The single team baton/flag is transferred manually from vehicles, having crossed the line at each end of the arena.
The first baton home wins victory for its team, who share the glory/prize!
Meccanuity Challenge Event
Sunday 1st May 2016
The Relay Race: starting at 2pm in the Lecture Theatre
- Build a fast-running clockwork or electric vehicle (or vehicles) to travel 15 feet across the arena floor, which is flat, slightly textured vinyl.
- Vehicles shall be made from known Meccano parts or replicas.
- Non-Meccano rubber bands, battery boxes, switches and wires are permitted.
- Remote control of any vehicle is not permitted.
- Competitors will be allocated equally to teams by numbers drawn from a hat.
- Each vehicle shall be fitted with a 2 ½” Double Angle Strip as a flag holder.
- The single team baton/flag must be transferred manually by fellow team members, from each vehicle to the next, before it can proceed on the next 15' leg of the race.
- Any defunct vehicle must be carried, if necessary, to the end of its leg before the next vehicle can proceed.
- Entries must be registered at the TIMS info table by 1100 on the morning of the event, Sunday 1st May.
- Depending on the number of entries, the event adjudicators will specify the number of teams competing, and the arrangement of elimination rounds, as required.
- The first baton home wins victory for its team, who share the glory and prize.
Race vehicles need not be vastly complicated. Here's a very basic vechicle created by using, in the main, a Meccano no.1 clockwork motor...
Exhibiting
Those wishing to exhibit their Meccano models and creations at this year's Meccanuity Meccano show, don't forget to book your table space for in the main hall or the Gadgetdom Room for any of the three days of the show, or indeed all three! Please email matt.goodman@tims.org.uk with the following, plus any special requirements you have...
Which tables size and how many do you require/what overall length? (Choices are 6' x 2'6 oblong trestles or a few 6' diameter round tables (all will be provided with mains power):
The event is over the May Day Bank Holiday from Saturday 30th April - Monday 2nd May 2016. Which days are you available?
We have a special model theme (Series & Defender Land Rovers) & The Meccanuity Challenge. Can you advise if you are willing to participate in either of these?
Can you help set up tables from around 2pm on Thursday 28th April, or general setting up from around 12pm on Friday 29th April?
Alternatively you can download the Meccanuity 2016 booking form here
You can find more about Meccanuity 2016 on the Events page.