1. The mechanism’s means of locomotion can be anything except a wheel rim rolling along the rope. Examples include “hand over hand”, walking, swinging, swimming, jumping, curling up or a metacronal wave (millipedes’ motion). Wheels that utilize a series of hooks on their circumference are permitted.
2. The following means of propulsion are permitted:
   a. Electric or clockwork motors, (including any remote control motor or chassis with motor & control). Electric motors must carry their batteries with them;
   b. Spring-loaded or pre-charged momentum-exchange systems (e.g. flywheels, crossbows & catapults). This means of propulsion must be carried on the mechanism as it crosses the Scout Hall floor. (For example, if a sprung or flywheel device is used, the spring or flywheel device must also cross the floor and must not be “left behind”.) Flywheels must be spun up immediately after to the start of a heat. Energy sources may be combined.
3. Steam engines, pyrotechnics, and any vigourous chemical reactions as the prime mover are not allowed.
4. There are no restrictions on the energy storage device(s), but any machines that catch fire, smell badly, lead to the presence of the Scottish Fire Brigade, evacuation of the Scout Hut, or are considered “hazardous” by the Treasurer will be put outside the hut and excluded from the Competition.
5. Use of rope contact friction enhancement - sticky or spiked levers, for instance, is prohibited. Use of standard Meccano parts such as rubber or plastic grommets is allowed, however.
6. The machine must be stationary at the Start Line as the heat commences. Running starts are not allowed.
7. The machine’s operator cannot adjust the machine once it is in motion, except by remote control.
8. Machine settings (e.g., gear ratios, steering settings, etc.) may be adjusted between each heat.
9. The use of trailing cords or wires to energise the motor or modify performance is not allowed.
10. Impeding the entrant on the adjacent rope will result in a forfeit of the heat.
11. Energy storage may be re-wound, re-spun, re-tightened or re-charged between heats as required.
12. The machine’s height, width or length should not exceed 25 holes (12 ½”). There is no weight restriction.
13. The machine should be assembled from Meccano or Meccano compatible parts.
14. No part of the machine may extend over the Start Line before the heat starts. The machine will be deemed to have reached the Finish Line when the rear of the contraption crosses it.
15. If both machines in a heat fail to finish, the winner will be the one that has made the most progress. The maximum duration for a practice or competition heat is 1 minute.
16. Entrants may enter more than one machine. Proxy entrants are welcome.
17. To aid marshal and reporters writing up the event, the entrant’s (or the machine’s) name must be prominently displayed (e.g., a sticky label). Imaginatively naming your machine is encouraged.
18. Practice sessions using the parallel ropes in Scout Hall will be allowed until the competition commences.
19. The Committee will arbitrate in any disputes.
20. In the event of a draw between any pair of machines in a heat the heat will be re-run.
21. The winner will be the machine that wins the final heat. In the event of a draw between 2 or more machines built by the same entrant in the final heat, further heats will not be required.

NOTE: Especially powerful machines are likely to be heavy, and due to the sag in the rope they may find themselves having to climb quite a steep gradient to reach the finish line. The tension in both ropes will be the same.