Meccanuity 2016: Safety/Codes of Practice, Update

By Chris Instone • Published on Thursday 10 March 2016, 11:23am

Morning all.

Operation of live steam engines and radio controlled models can, if used irresponsibly, spoil the fun somewhat. Whilst we can all make mistakes at times, we try not to encourage it (wink)!

To aid members, exhibitors and the general public, TIMS has two safety/codes of practice that will be in operation during Meccanuity 2016 (and are also used at our other events too), namely the Safety/Code of Practice for Operating Live Steam Engines and the Safety/Code of Practice for Radio, Infrared & Bluetooth Controlled Models.

It's not that we want to be "big brother" but, especially where live steam is concerned, many event locations will not even give a thought to allowing it these days, not that it is dangerous if properly used and operated. Thus, over the years, TIMS has came up with the safety/codes of practice for both live steam powered models and radio controlled models, to hopefully reduce any risks to anyone at our events.

They sometimes change too. As things progress, such as the advent of Meccanoids, the radio control code of practice has had to have been updated to include these, and, having had some experience of Meccanoids now myself, I've just tweaked it in regards to connecting your mobile device to the correct Meccanoid.

Here's the updated bit "Operators of Bluetooth controlled Meccano Spykee Robots or Meccano Meccanoid robots paired to an operating device, such as a mobile phone or iPad, do not come under these rules as the robots in question will only operate with the device they are paired with, but it is the operators responsibility to make sure they connect to the correct Meccanoid/Spykee robot by using the correct serial/i.d number of that robot during the scan by the mobile device being used (10/03/2016)."

The full codes of practice can be read by clicking on the links above, but in future, should you wish to read them, or indeed print a copy of them, just visit the TIMS Library, where you will also be able to find information on TIMS history, Meccanuity Challenges, Meccanuity Special Events and frequently asked questions.

More information on this year's Meccanuity for exhibitors and visitors can be found on the Events page and by scrolling down the various articles recently added to the News page.

Ralph Laughton, winner of last year's steam drag race, with his winning vehicle, a Meccano 1929 steam engine powered steam wagon, model 827 from the "How To Use The Meccano Steam Engine" manual. Ralph won and currently holds the then newly introduced "Newcomen Trophy", for his efforts. Owing to the steam shed being unavailable this year, steam and other activities planned to take place in there have been cancelled, but, if the weather is kind, it's possible to steam outside in the car park.