[s_forbes]

I interpret it as others have said in this thread: COTS items from previous years that are no longer available (for example, the 36mm Banebots planetary transmission included in the kit from 2007) may be used.

This discussion raised a new question for me, though. We have some of these planetary transmissions laying around and plan on using them. They are currently unmodified. The wording of this rule almost makes it sound like no modifications can be made at all (we were planning on shortening the output shaft). Does anyone else read it this way?

<R29> COTS items from ROBOTS entered in previous FIRST competitions or COTS items that are no longer commercially available may be used under the following conditions:
A. The item must be functionally equivalent to the original condition as delivered from the VENDOR (e.g. a part that has non-functional label markings added would be permitted, but a part that has device-specific mounting holes added would be prohibited), and
B. The item must satisfy ALL applicable 2011 FRC materials/parts use rules.