This year's Challenge was won by Steve. Photos and video can be seen below.
This year's Challenge was a targeted challenge as detailed below.
Scrapheap challenge 2026
A ‘vehicle’ powered by any clockwork motor. Set to ‘drive’ in a circle of a set radius, about a ‘centre point’. A point will be marked on the floor as a fixed centre. Another point will be marked on the floor 500mm from the centre, marking the start point for each contestant. The vehicle must have a pointer on it which aligns just over the start point. The vehicle is set in motion driving at least 3 full circles about the centre point. When the vehicle stops, the winner is the one whose pointer is closest to 500mm from the centre point. A radius line will be drawn between the start point and centre, extending 100mm either side of the start point, to aid initial alignment. Please scroll down to see a diagram of the set up.
Rules
Any Meccano clockwork motor can be used
Any size Meccano wheels/tyres can be used
The vehicle must start on the outside of the locus
The pointer must not extend out from the vehicle further than the outer edge of the wheels/tyres
Minimum number of wheels 3, maximum 10
No part of the vehicle can touch the floor other than the wheels/tyres
No string or radius arms allowed
Less than 3 full circles disqualifies the attempt
The vehicle must travel clockwise
Only one attempt allowed, unless there is a tie, in which case the tied contestants will run again until there is a winner
