Meccano

race calendar


A Calendar of Meccano Races and Contests being held around the world. To include such events as 'Walking'; 'Tug o' War'; 'Climbing' and 'Robot Wars'. For Contact; Time; Venue; Rules and other matters follow the link to the club web site.


The Henley Prize definition of a 'Meccano Part'

Most race rules call for the model to be constructed solely from Meccano parts, but the rules seldom spell out what they consider an acceptable part.

So what is a Meccano part?

The following are basically the rules applying for the Henley Prize and for the New Zealand rules, with a few additional remarks. However for a actual event they should be taken as guidance only. If in doubt check with the club running the event. They may have a different opinion and it is important to adhere to their rules.  

"A "Meccano part" is:

* Any part made by Meccano Ltd, Meccano France, Meccano SA or Meccano SN, their licencees and successors, both current and obsolete. (That also includes X-Series parts: sinse there were a number of X-Series parts that eventually became part of the standard)

* Any exact replica of these from any maker.

* Few modellers actually use authentic Meccano cord. Usually commercially available cord such as kite cord is acceptable.

* Motors - For race purposes it is usual to accept Meccano motors only. Often the model of the motor is specified.

It is permitted to mutilate a part by bending, rolling or twisting, but you may not cut off a section of it.

The aim of these rules is to give all competitors an equal chance. Judges who find an unacceptable part on an entrant will usually consider whether by so using the part the competitor is gaining an unfair advantage over the other competitors. If in his opinion there's no such advantage by having used an unacceptable part, at his discretion, it may not warrent disqualification, but (say) a 10% deduction on their result..


Note:
There really is no easy way to select only Meccano parts other than to refer to both a Binns Road, Meccano Spare Parts List and a Calais, France Meccano Parts List.

The following are a few examples of parts that are ACCEPTABLE as 'Meccano Parts':
Army Vehicle Cab; Army Gun Barrel; X-Series parts: Triangular Fabric Plate; Caterpillar Track Link; Large Tooth Pinion. Rocket Nose Cone; Geared Roller Bearing.

The following are a few examples of parts that are NOT ACCEPTABLE as 'Meccano Parts':
Short Arm Crank: 4hole Coupling; 19h Narrow Perforated Strip: 5/16"dia. Large Axle Parts. Large Tooth Worm; 7.1/2" Geared Roller Bearing.;


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