The subject of the Scrapheap Challenge has been discussed by the committee, with varying opinions. Traditionally we have had a clear goal with a clear winner, but the challenges can put members off entering. So we have decided to alternate each year between a traditional engineering challenge and a more simple one. Last year was an engineering one, so the challenge for 2023 is of a different type.
The Challenge:
Build a model using only a selection of up to 10 different Meccano parts, but no more than 5 of each part. A part is any genuine Meccano item found in the Meccano range – old school stuff or from the more modern kits. The choice of parts is up to you.
In case the definition of a Meccano part is unclear, some examples of parts are:
- A rod
- A strip
- A plate
- String (because it comes from a Hank of Cord, but multiple bits of string still count as one part in total)
- A driving band
- A bracket
- A collar
- A pulley
- A tyre
- A spring
- A rod to strip connector
- A Universal Coupling (because it has a Meccano part number), but only if used complete
- A Ball Thrust Bearing (because it has a Meccano part number), but only if used complete.
- A Geared Roller Bearing (because it has a Meccano part number), but only if used complete.
Etc.
You will note that the last three examples are assemblies (there are others). If the assembly has its own part number (as these examples do) then they can only be used as that assembly. If the individual parts of that assembly also have their own part number, then they can be used individually but are classed as a part – but no more than 5 of them as per the rules.
No motors are to be used (electrical or clockwork), so if the model moves it will have to be by hand, e.g. crank handle (which counts as one part!) or pushed etc.
The good news is that nuts, bolts, washers, grub screws and spring clips are unlimited, but must be Meccano. And you can mount the model on a non-Meccano base (e.g. a piece of wood, but not a Meccano plate).
The entries will be judged by a non-participating member, whose name will be pulled from a hat of all non-participating members. If everyone enters, then the judge will be one of the ladies present. Judging will be at the April meeting.
Beware that the judge has complete freedom to choose their own criteria, which could be - for example- most innovative, best looking, most interesting, best use of parts chosen etc. in their opinion!
The photos below show the entries for this year's Scrapheap. It seems that flowers were a popular choice this year.
Steve won with his 3D rendition of a red rose, with the petals all made from 3 different sizes of flex plates. The judge was particularly impressed by the use of spring clips as thorns. It also sported a bee inside the rose!
