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CMC Meeting, October 07

The next meeting of the Christchurch Meccano Club is on Friday 2nd November.

The challenge

This challenge was: "Build a Meccano model with the theme of the Rugby World Cup 2007."

We ought to point out, of course, that this meeting was held the day before the All Blacks were unceremoniously dumped out of the World Cup, so you might have to bear the general optimism in mind when viewing the models!

This month we'll start off with Neil, and his continued theme of GRB models is built (looks like a night-before effort to me, Neil!) on a grey large flanged ring.

Below, we have Joy's entry, one of the modern Eiffel Tower sets.

Hugh's entry was as technologically advanced as we've come to expect. "Steely Dan" involves a rugby ball firing gun and a set of posts to aim at. Note the E20 with Meccano propellor to provide an optional crosswind! The mechanism is very neat indeed, involving a folding lever that lifts and can be pumped to create sufficient tension, then the same lever is pulled fully back to release the ball. The firing mechanism is shown in more detail below.
Brian, a new member this month, produced this model named "Chargedown" (below) given only two days' notice. Some subtlety is apparent in his design – showing the challenge of the old world against the new, or perhaps Japanese Meccano kicking against English? We'll have to watch for more of this symbolism in his next models!

Robert came up with an entire grandstand (above), complete with teddy bear and PA system, playing suitably stirring anthems and hakas.

But the winner is the final model, the guillotine from Donald. This is only the second month Donald has been a member of the club, and the effort taken with this model really showed. It was supposed to represent the only way that the French stood a chance in the game on Saturday, although it in fact proved to be much more prophetic than anyone wanted!

The CMC Challenge – "Really limited"

Build a Meccano model, using only the parts available in a 1927 outfit 00 (list below).

The Competition

At the CMC meeting in November, 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’

The parts in the model are strictly limited to the ones in the list below. You may use reproduction parts and non-Meccano cord as long as the model would be insignificantly different if made from a genuine Meccano outfit 00. Non-Meccano washers are allowed to protect paintwork.

Parts listing

Part	Description	Quantity
2	Perforated strip 2½''	4
5	Perforated strip 5½''	9
10	Fishplate	4
12	Angle bracket	6
16	Axle rod 3½''	2
17	Axle rod 2''	2
19s	Crank handle, 3½''	1
22	Pulley, 1'' diameter	4
23	Pulley, ½'' without boss	1
24	Bush wheel, 1 3/8'' 8 holes	1
34a	Spanner/screwdriver combo	1
35	Spring clip	4
37	Nut and bolt (7/32'' long)	14
37a	Square nut	6
40	Hank of cord	1
44	Cranked bent strip	1
48a	Double angle strip 2½''x½''	2
52	Flanged plate 5½''x2½''	1
57	Wire hook	1
111c	Bolt, 3/8''	6
125	Reverse angle bracket, ½''	2
126a	Flat trunnion	2