Mousetrap Vehicle B

[Frogger4907]

In support of illusionist, what you type and how you type it may be interpreted differently, so if a Moderator finds it offensive you will find yourself in a problem.

[skillfullparrot7]

The amount of tension in the spring on a mousetrap decreases when you use it a lot, right? So, in competition, would it be best to use a new mousetrap instead of an older one?

[illusionist]

Well, it depends. If you have been testing for 2 months using the same mousetrap, then it'd be a terrible idea to switch to a new one the day before competition. However, it might be better to switch out for a new mousetrap every week. If you go to last year's Mousetrap Vehicle C thread, you'll find a lot of information dealing with this exact same issue.

[PaulJ]

Can the mousetrap be glued to the vehicle? The rules imply that you need to use screws.

paul

[chalker7]

Can the mousetrap be glued to the vehicle? The rules imply that you need to use screws.

paul

Submit an official clarification through soinc.org (this is not the place for official rules clarifications, nothing said on this site is enforceable).

That being said, which line do you think implies only screws are permissible? I don't think I can find anything that says only screws are allowed.

[XJcwolfyX]

I think the rules just simply say that you may use screws, and they do not need to be glued down like last year in the high school division.

[PaulJ]

Can the mousetrap be glued to the vehicle? The rules imply that you need to use screws.

paul

Submit an official clarification through soinc.org (this is not the place for official rules clarifications, nothing said on this site is enforceable).

That being said, which line do you think implies only screws are permissible? I don't think I can find anything that says only screws are allowed.

The line is "Up to four (4) holes may be drilled in the mousetrap for attachment to the chassis only."

[gorf250]

So does anybody have any ideas/thoughts about which brand of mousetrap works best?

[illusionist]

So does anybody have any ideas/thoughts about which brand of mousetrap works best?

The two most common choices are Victor and Tomcat. In my personal opinion, Victors last longer and are slightly more consistent, while Tomcats are more powerful initially, but lose the power much faster than the Victors. Honestly though, I've used both and there might have been a fraction of a second difference over repeated trials with the Tomcats. Try both, see how it works for you. Unless you are in an extremely competitive regional, I don't think it will matter too much at this point what mousetrap brand you choose.

[lenkagamine]

I have a question-- i just read the rules but i am still confused. I have looked at past years' videos and hey have the mousetrap stop, then switch directions, then start again. Do we do that this year, or is it just a strait path?