Ode to a Crate

[Joe Ross]

Prior to the 2001 season, after using 2 different crates in previous 4 years, 330 decided it was time to make a crate that could be used for many years. We just started the 11th year with that crate. During that time, it’s traveled to events in 7 states and 2 countries. It’s been dropped, banged, stabbed by a forklift, and tagged by many teams (especially 254 and 980).

Event                        Years                    Miles (one-way)
Southern California Regional 2001-2010                20
Silicon Valley Regional      2001, 2002               350
Championship (Orlando)       2001, 2002               2500
IRI                          2002, 2005, 2007-2010    2000
Paris Air Show               2002                     5600
Arizona Regional             2003, 2004, 2006, 2010   400
Championship (Houston)       2003                     1500
Championship (Atlanta)       2004-2008, 2010          2200
Sacramento Regional          2005                     400
San Diego Regional           2007, 2008               100
Las Vegas Regional           2009                     300

That totals over 80,000 miles round trip. How many miles does your crate have?

With bag and tag becoming more prevalent, our crate may never make 100,000 miles.

[WizenedEE]

Our crate has gone 4,451 miles.

[rsisk]

Paris Air Show? Can't wait to hear that story

Right now, our crate is hanging out down in San Diego on it's inaugural trip.

[Mark McLeod]

Cool!

Our current crate's only been around since 2005 and we haven't clocked near the miles you guys have.
We actually still have our previous crate dating from 2000, but it's used to store a few old robots.

I'll have to add up the mileage though...

[dodar]

Man our crate has been in existence only since 2008, you guys have like the Godfather of crates.

[Chris is me]

Our crate this year is new and it's unlikely it will clock even 150 miles. It is being shipped only to WPI, at which point we are bagging for the rest of the season.

[ATannahill]

Our crate was donated in 1998, used. We keep it because it is simple and reliable.

[Eagleeyedan]

We made ours 4 years ago. It's ben re-furbed a few time. This year was no exception. We had to re-build the base.

[JaneYoung]

Originally Posted by Joe Ross

It’s been dropped, banged, stabbed by a forklift, and tagged by many teams (especially 254 and 980).

Any photos of this marvelous crate?

Jane

[Joe Ross]

Originally Posted by JaneYoung

Any photos of this marvelous crate?

It's such an unsung hero that going back through 5 years worth of photos from multiple people, I could not find any pictures of it.

[JaneYoung]

Originally Posted by Joe Ross

It's such an unsung hero that going back through 5 years worth of photos from multiple people, I could not find any pictures of it.

Ok, that made me LOL.



Some crates are like people - totally unsung but totally deserving of a pat on the back or the board.

Maybe take a photo when you see it again and update this thread. Thanks for looking, Joe.

Signed,
I ♥ crates Jane

[Joe Ross]

Originally Posted by JaneYoung

Some crates are like people - totally unsung but totally deserving of a pat on the back or the board.

The thing about Bag and Tag is that we still have the crate.

[MrForbes]

ok, what I want to know is why do I have a picture of your crate? (vegas last year)

[Chris is me]

I like the clever blur effect you applied to obscure the robot. Almost unnoticeable.

[JaneYoung]

I'm very surprised that your crate did not write a letter of protest demanding improvements such as a fresh paint job. Crates have their rights, you know. They have a right to be strong. They have a right not to fall apart at the least little bump in the road. They have a right to express themselves. They have a right to stand tall. If your new crate needs any help with stating its rights with its mentors/students who don't even take photos of its rightness - just let me know.

Do you have a trailer? Trailers have rights, you know...


Thanks for the photos. Hopefully, some day, I'll see it for myself in the 330 Hall Of Fame Museum.

Jane