Trigger

[npeela]

Rules say the competitors must start the vehicle by actuating a trigger using an unsharpened pencil. Does that mean the vehicle motion has to be started by using a pencil? Can the kids wind the string, hold it and leave when ready? or does it need to be done by using a pencil?

[jgrischow1]

Rules say the competitors must start the vehicle by actuating a trigger using an unsharpened pencil. Does that mean the vehicle motion has to be started by using a pencil? Can the kids wind the string, hold it and leave when ready? or does it need to be done by using a pencil?

Pencil must actuate a trigger. Car must be stationary and can't move until actuated by pencil. Pencil itself can't contribute to the motion of the car; it can only actuate a trigger. If I'm understanding your question correctly, the answer is no. Kids must wind the string, place the car on the start mark, and it should be still until trigger is actuated by pencil.

[npeela]

Thanks for your response!

The vehicle my kids built doesn't have anything to hold the string in place until activated by a trigger. It keeps unwinding the string if not held manually. We will see what can be done.