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CMC Meeting, June 08
The next meeting of the Christchurch Meccano Club is Friday 4th July.
The challenge
Last month's challenge was to build a bridge from Meccano, to span between two tables exactly two feet apart. There were lots of great entries this month, of all sorts.
The CMC Challenge – "Interaction"
The Challenge
This month, a challenge that might take a little longer than usual. For this reason, it's a three-month challenge and the judging will take place at the September Christchurch Meccano Club meeting.
The challenge is to build a model from Meccano, which has an interactive element with the viewer. The intention is potentially for the model, or a derivative of it, to be suitable for the Exhibition next Easter. The model can be of any subject, or perhaps demonstrate some mechanical or other function, but it must be capable of being operated (or at least set off) by a non-Meccano-aware viewer. You might have a single button, or a much more complex arrangement of switches and levers. It must be capable of being operated several times (by several viewers) without intervention from you.
It is important for the model to be reasonably self-evident. That is, you should not personally have to explain in detail what it does, or how to operate it, or what care must be taken. It should not be easily possible to damage the model by means of the reasonable actions of the viewer in attempting to operate it.
The thrust of the model might be educational or entertaining. Either way, it should interest and involve the viewer without requiring attention from the model builder.
The Competition
At the CMC meeting in September, each model will be displayed and made available to operate in the club rooms. All club members present will vote for their favourite, and the winner is the model with the most votes. In the event of a tie, the most senior disinterested party will choose.
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).
Cord, driving bands, and springs may be of any type. Motors, wiring, switches, and power supplies need not be genuine Meccano (although you might get more votes by attempting to achieve this). Non-Meccano washers may be used in your model solely to protect the paintwork.
The July meeting
The next meeting is Friday 4th July, 2008, at St Johns Church, Ferry Road, Woolston. Bring a friend! And, as usual, bring whatever Meccano model or curiosity you're currently working on, whether it's finished or not!