Desktop Seige Engine Contest
Aka Easter Egg Chuck 2009. We had an Easter Egg Chuck in 2007. It was awesome. This time we're doing it again but smaller. I don't have exact dates for the contest but I'm guessing right around Easter!
The Rules
Torsion, Gravity, Elastic powered throwers only.
No pneumatics or chemical launchers.
Must fit in a 5" x 5" x 5" cube. (throwing arms may extend beyond the box)
No throwing arms over 12" long.
Devices cannot require contact outside the 5x5x5 cube when cocked, and must be freestanding in their ready to fire position. Throwing arms may extend outside this cube but must not be in contact with anything outside the cube. (AKA no slingshots or wrist rockets)
Build out of whatever makes you comfortable. Lego, Mechano/Erector sets, wood, carbon fiber, aluminum.
We will be throwing Plain Pastel Easter M&Ms.
There will be separate judging classes for torsion devices, and for gravity devices.
Put questions in the comments and I'll answer them in the post.
If you say live in California but participated last time and want to play again, you should mail in an entry, yes you Steve. Or you know anybody else who wants to mail one in. We will find a designated operator for your device.
Rules Clarifications
- Cavorter asks "Is there a limit on methods of winding torsion engines? For instance, does it have to be hand cranked or can it be motor assisted"
Powered methods of winding/setting a torsion device are fine. If you want to use a mini winch to cock the device, or a drill to tighten your tension bundle go for it. Devices which use the motor to throw the projectile are out however. - Chilly asks "Can I enter more than one device?"
Sure, you can either in the same or different classes. I am planning on building two myself. - Chilly asks " And do we need a rule that the machine, when cocked and set to fire, doesn't need to be held in place artificially? (i.e. - a wrist rocket with the handle cut down to less than 5" would be the automaticat winner in this contest)"
Uh.. yeah we need a rule to fix that, because what fun would that be. Devices cannot require contact outside the 5x5x5 cube when cocked, and must be freestanding in their ready to fire position. Throwing arms may extend outside this cube but must not be in contact with anything outside the cube. (AKA no slingshots or wrist rockets)
