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CMC Meeting, August 07

The next meeting of the Christchurch Meccano Club is on Friday 7th September.

The challenge

This challenge was: "Build something that is not a model, but instead a real, useful object.."

Robert won this month's challenge with his mug tree (right). This was one of the few entries that could reasonably be used for its purpose, and did the job just as well as the more traditional kind of mug tree!

The usual 'most complicated' entry comes from Hugh, with his circle-cutting machine (below). A view underneath the model, showing the resultant circle cut from the layer of cork is below.

To the right, Sue's earring holder, one of the few entries that is being used for its intended purpose on a daily basis. This version was originally a prototype, but ended up being so handy it never got replaced. One day she intends to build another one out of tidier parts.

Below, we see Neil's traditional attempt to incorporate a GRB into every model. No need for a description here. Further down we have other entries: a toast rack, a Meccano manual holder, and a notepad holder.

And to the left, a bribery machine. The idea is that good behaviour (in a small boy, but I suppose it could apply just as well to any of us!) is rewarded by a pulley (actually a pair of pulleys bolted together) being dropped in the top of the machine. When sufficient pulleys have been 'earned', the signal arm lifts, indicating some reward normally involving chocolate. This did work, for a reasonable length of time, the author can attest.

The signal arm is lifted by a string attached to the lower platform, held up by spring cord. It was intended to expand the machine to incorporate the right-hand channel for some other purpose, but this hasn't come about yet.

Models on display

Not so many non-competition models this month, but Charles brought in an example of one of the manual models from the Crane construction set.

This model works fairly well, but the main failing is that the crane hook (modern part 57d) doesn't have a pulley within it, so it doesn't rise and fall particularly easily when configured as a 2:1 advantage, like in this model.

The structure is fairly solid and looks good, considering the limited number of parts in the outfit.

Finally tonight, a pair of the modern small tuning car models.

The CMC Challenge – "Stringing us along"

Build a Meccano model to do something interesting to at least two pieces of string. Obviously a loom would fit this description, but so might all sorts of weaving, knitting, or braiding machines. And probably several others. Note that the objective is to do something with the string, not to use string within the machine itself. For this particular challenge, non-Meccano motors may be used if desired. The string you’re weaving doesn’t have to be Meccano cord, of course!

The Competition

At the CMC meeting in September, all club members present will vote for their favourites, and the one with the most votes will win.  In the event of a tie, the most senior disinterested club member will have the casting vote.

Definition of ‘Meccano model’

As usual, you can use any Meccano part ever made and sold as Meccano, or any reproduction part that is structurally identical to a Meccano part.  Parts may not be cut or deformed such that they cannot be used for their intended function again.  You can cut a 2 down into a 2a (it becomes a reproduction part), but not down to a 5” long strip (which has no Meccano equivalent). 

As usual, you can use any Meccano part ever made and sold as Meccano, or any reproduction part that is structurally identical to a Meccano part. Parts may not be cut or deformed such that they cannot be used for their intended function again. You can cut a 2 down into a 2a (it becomes a reproduction part), but not down to a 5” long strip (which has no Meccano equivalent). Cord, driving bands, and springs may be of any type. Motors DO NOT need to be genuine Meccano (for this challenge). Non-Meccano washers may be used in your model solely to protect the paintwork.