Here are the rules for this years challenge

1) Build a Manual model from ANY Meccano Manual and motorise it. You may also add any other improvements to the model, as long as it is still recognisable as the model in the Manual.

2) Only official Meccano Manuals from ANY period can be used. Not Meccano Magazine articles or independant model plans etc.

3) You can either motorise(UK) the model, or motorize(US) it, depending on where you live!

4) You cannot motorise a model that is already motorised in the Manual! Even if you use a different motor or drive arrangement. The idea is to take a static model from a Manual and add a motor to bring it to life.

5) The motor (or motors) can be any standard post-war Meccano motor, clockwork or electric (or even a steam engine if appropriate to the subject).

6) You can use any standard Meccano parts, in any colour, whether they were in the Manual outfit or not.

7) Bending and folding of parts is allowed, but not cutting or drilling, or other mutilating.

8) You may include some simple automation in the model. For instance a reversing mechanism that moves a crane hook up and down, or a fairground ride that stops and starts. Any automation must be purely mechanical and not electro-mechanical.

9) The motor and any additional gearing or mechanism should not dominate the appearance of the model and change its character from the one shown in the Manual. To this end, you may choose to mount small static models on a Meccano plinth to accomodate the motor and gearing. It is up to your own ingenuity to mount the motor and gearing in the most elegant way you see fit.

10) Anybody can enter, and multiple entries are allowed.

11) To enter, provide a reference to the Manual model you have chosen and submit a photograph(s) and/or a link to a video of your model in action. In the absence of a video, your photo must clearly show the motor and how it drives the model. It would also be helpful if your photograph showed the original model in the Manual, for comparison purposes.

12) All entries to be posted on the Spanner list (by any member) and optionally on the NZ Meccano site.

13) Votes will be based on the ingenuity you have used to motorise and improve the model, without changing its basic character from that shown in the Manual.

14) The challenge closes on the last second of 2018, when Big Ben strikes in the New Year. Have fun! Melvyn.