Menstrie Meeting 2024

In May 2024 we held our annual Menstrie Meeting. The challenge this year was to build a machine from standard and/or compatible Meccano parts that is able to move a tin of baked beans 25feet across the Menstrie Scout Hall floor.

Menstrie Challenge - Report (by Andrew Knox)

This year’s challenge for the Menstrie Cup was to move in the shortest time a small tin of Baked Beans 25 feet across the Scout Hut floor using a Meccano “Magic” motor, or a standard tin of beans using any other clockwork motor. An “open” class was also run: this permitted the use of other motors such as multiple clockwork, single electric (remote or manual control) and the mechanical “pull back” type mechanisms. In the event Douglas also produced a bean machine powered by a Meccano Steam Engine. The “open” class also used a standard tin of beans as the load.

A total of 19 entries competed from 12 of the society members. These comprised: 11 clockwork motors, 7 electric motors, one pull-back motor and one steam engine. A number of heats were run to gradually whittle down the entrants until the winners were declared. The heats were organised in the Trophy category with a Magic motor / ½ tin vs an “other” clockwork / full tin. This handicap system appeared to work very well with a couple of runs that were (almost) a photo finish, both ways.

For the “trophy” category the results were: 1st: George Roy, 2nd Chris Shute, 3rd Gavin McMurray.

The “open” category was won by Andy Knox (electric) and the Steam / Pull-back category was won by Douglas Carson. This was one of the most entertaining competitions run at Menstrie for many years. Had there been a prize for most popular entry, Douglas’ steam engine would have been the clear winner!

Pictures from Menstrie 2024

High resolution versions of the photos are also available for download if desired.