Ep 4. Series 1 Episode 4

Scrapheap Challenge is a British television show where teams of contestants compete to build machines from scrap materials. In each episode, two teams are challenged to construct a machine that can complete a specific task within a given amount of time. The teams are given a scrapheap of materials to work with and must use their ingenuity and engineering skills to create a functional machine.

In Series 1 Episode 4, two teams are tasked with building machines that can launch a water balloon as far as possible. The teams must construct their machines out of scrap materials found on the scrapyard, and they have just ten hours to complete the challenge.

The first team to take on the challenge is made up of two engineers, Paul and Dan. They decide to build a trebuchet-style launcher, with a wooden frame and a long wooden arm that will swing and launch the water balloon. The team works quickly to construct their machine, using scrap metal to reinforce the frame and attaching a winch system to control the swinging arm. They also create a device to measure the distance of each launch, using sensors and a computer program to record the results.

The second team is a group of students, Tom and Claire. They decide to build a cannon-style launcher, with a PVC pipe as the barrel and a pneumatic system to launch the water balloon. The team spends a lot of time measuring and cutting the PVC pipe to the right length, and they also add a telescoping mechanism to adjust the angle of the barrel. They use scrap metal to create a sturdy base for their machine and attach a pressure gauge to ensure that the pneumatic system is working correctly.

Once both teams have finished building their machines, it's time for the launch-off. The teams take turns launching their water balloons, with the goal of launching the balloon as far as possible. The trebuchet-style launcher has some trouble at first, with the water balloon flying off-course and bouncing along the ground. But after some adjustments, the team is able to launch the balloon over 100 feet. The cannon-style launcher has a more consistent launch, with the water balloons landing around 70-80 feet away.

The judges review the results and declare that the trebuchet-style launcher is the winner of the challenge. The team is awarded points for their successful launch and their innovative design, while the student team receives commendation for their use of pneumatic power and attention to detail.

Overall, Series 1 Episode 4 of Scrapheap Challenge is an exciting and entertaining display of engineering prowess. The two teams demonstrate their ability to create functional machines out of scrap materials, using ingenuity and creativity to solve a unique challenge. The competition is friendly but fierce, with both teams working hard to win the prize. Fans of engineering and DIY projects will enjoy watching Scrapheap Challenge and seeing what amazing machines can be built from simple materials.