The Great Egg Race

The Great Egg Race
GenreGame show
Presented by
Theme music composer
  • Richard Denton
  • Martin Cook
[1]
Country of originUnited Kingdom
Original languageEnglish
No. of series8
No. of episodes68 (list of episodes)
Production
Producers
  • Peter Bruce (Series 1-4)
  • Charles Huff (Series 4-8)
Production locationPebble Mill Studios
Running time
  • 42 minutes (Series 1)
  • 30 minutes
Production companyBBC Television
Original release
NetworkBBC Two
Release2 January 1979 (1979-01-02) –
12 September 1986 (1986-09-12)
Related
The Great Egg Race Rides Again

The Great Egg Race was a BBC television series, in which problem solving teams are given a challenge to design and build machines using limited resources and time, to solve a problem set by the judges.

Sixty-eight episodes were produced and presented by seven presenters over the life of the show which ran for eight series from 1979 to 1986 and was broadcast on BBC 2. The first series consisted of five episodes and series two to eight consisted of nine episodes each.

Programme

The show was presented by Brian Cant (1979), Charlotte Allen (1979 and 1982), Johnny Ball (1980), Hilary Henson (1980–81), Professor Heinz Wolff (1983–1986),[2] Lesley Judd (1984), and Howard Stableford as a guest presenter for one episode in 1986.[3]

Re-edited 15-minute episodes of the original show were later made for BBC Choice in 2000, under the title The Great Egg Race Rides Again.[3][4]

Format

The series obtained its name from the initial challenge of making a device capable of transporting an egg in a rubber-band-powered vehicle the furthest possible distance without breaking it.

After the initial egg-related challenges, other non-egg events were introduced,[5] and after two series, the original egg-racing was dropped.

The show usually featured three problem solving teams from academia, industry or friend groups, creating Heath Robinson style mechanical creations. The teams had limited resources, having to use ingenuity and creativity in an attempt to solve a complex problem, set at the start of the show.

Each episode featured Heinz Wolff judging, along with a guest judge with expertise in the problem domain; judges included Professor Michael French and Fred Dibnah. Scoring was at the judge's discretion and could be given for categories such as "design", "courage" and "entertainment".[6] Later episodes would see the teams attempt challenges outside of the studio in remote and outdoor locations, and the final series changed the format into a knockout competition.[3]

In the first episode, as well as the egg-carrying challenge between several devices, three teams had to precision weigh three items using a reference weight and ordinary domestic items.[5] In the final episode the two teams' challenge was to take an aerial photograph of an offshore oil rig.[3]

Title sequence

The theme music was by Richard Denton and Martin Cook and is featured on the BBC Records LP Top BBC-TV Themes - Vol 2 (1979).[7]

For series 1 to 3, the cel animation sequence was filmed on a rostrum camera and combined with camera moves.[8]

For series 4 to 7, Aardman Animations created the title sequence of the egg on a rollercoaster made of kitchen utensils.[9] The neon effect programme logo was filmed separately backlit on a rostrum camera and composited with the film shoot in a film optical.[10]

For the Rides Again series, the title sequence was created using the latest digital technology at the time.[4]

  • Title Screens
  • Series 1 to 3
  • Series 4 to 7
  • Series 8
  • Rides Again

Series overview

Not all episodes are available publicly and not all episode names are known. Those listed here have been taken from BBC Genome Project[11] and the BFI Archive.[12] A pilot episode was filmed in May 1978.[13]

Series overview
SeriesPresentersPrincipal JudgeEpisodesOriginally released
First releasedLast released
1Brian Cant
Charlotte Allen		Heinz Wolff52 January 1979 (1979-01-02)30 January 1979 (1979-01-30)
2Johnny Ball
Hilary Henson		925 March 1980 (1980-03-25)20 May 1980 (1980-05-20)
3Hilary Henson921 March 1981 (1981-03-21)16 June 1981 (1981-06-16)
4Charlotte Allen915 March 1982 (1982-03-15)10 June 1982 (1982-06-10)
5Heinz Wolff930 August 1983 (1983-08-30)25 October 1983 (1983-10-25)
6Heinz Wolff
Lesley Judd		929 May 1984 (1984-05-29)24 July 1984 (1984-07-24)
7Heinz Wolff93 May 1985 (1985-05-03)28 June 1985 (1985-06-28)
8Heinz Wolff
Howard Stableford		94 July 1986 (1986-07-04)12 September 1986 (1986-09-12)

Episode list

Series 1 (1979)

This series has teams that have built a machine that can transport a single egg the furthest possible distance, using only a rubber band as a power source. The Egg Race Champions compete to find the Champion Eggmobile of Great Britain, winning a £250 prize, the Hartman Fibre Trophy, and to compete in the International Great Egg Race.
Problem-solving teams face engineering challenges.

No.
overall		No. in
series		TitleGuest JudgeTeamsEgg RacersOriginal release date
11"Eggmobiles"Professor Michael FrenchEMI

Leicester Polytechnic

The Post Office (Winners)		BBC Radio Birmingham

BBC Radio Brighton

BBC Radio Manchester		2 January 1979 (1979-01-02)[15]
Problem-solving teams attempt to weigh accurately three objects (a feather, an egg, and a brick) that differ in weight by a ratio of 10000:1, using only a reference weight of 50 g (1.8 oz). Marks are awarded on accuracy and elegance.[14]
22TBAProfessor William BiggsThe National Westminster Bank

St Marys Medical School

Robert Morton (DG) Ltd		BBC Radio London

BBC Radio Oxford

BBC Plymouth		9 January 1979 (1979-01-09)[16]
Problem-solving teams are given just two hours to design and build a mechanical device, a jumping flea to clear a cube.
33"Making Music"Terry PamplinBritish Gas

Cadbury-Schweppes

Loughborough University		BBC Radio Derby

BBC Radio Newcastle

BBC Norwich		16 January 1979 (1979-01-16)[17]
Problem-solving teams are confronted with the problem of 'making music'.
44"Timekeeping"Professor Ian FellsAston University

Austin-Morris

Chloride Technical Limited		BBC Radio Bristol

BBC Radio Nottingham (Overall Winners)

BBC Radio Stoke		23 January 1979 (1979-01-23)[18]
Problem-solving teams are confronted with the problem of 'timekeeping'.
55"Catapult"Professor Michael FrenchUniversity College, London

Harwell (Winners)

CEGB		BBC Radio Leicester
BBC Radio Solent		30 January 1979 (1979-01-30)[20]

Problem-solving teams have just two hours to design and build an 'egg flipping' device. A device which is capable of projecting an egg through a hole, with another device capable of catching it without breaking it. Both devices have size constraints and the egg must not have any protection around it whilst in flight. There are three attempts, with full marks are awarded for a smooth transition between thrower and catcher, with extra marks for the elegance of the design.

BBC Radio Nottingham are crowned the Egg Racer series winners. The three furthest travelled teams, along with Charlotte, head to Toronto to challenge the Canadians and Americans. Heinz claims that three world records have been broken during the heats.[19]

Series 2 (1980)

Once again, teams compete in The Great Egg Race, in search of the 'Fastest Eggmobile in the World', to win the Hartmann Fibre Trophy, and a prize of £250.
Problem-solving teams face engineering challenges.

No.
overall		No. in
series		TitleGuest JudgeTeamsOriginal release date
61TBAProfessor Michael FrenchWellcome Laboratories

Aberdeen University

ICI		25 March 1980 (1980-03-25)[21]

Egg racing from the BBC Radio Bristol heat.

Problem-solving teams attempt to weigh the judges.
72TBAProfessor Ian FellsBP Research

Nottingham University

Rentokil		1 April 1980 (1980-04-01)[22]

Egg racing from the BBC Radio Cleveland heat.

Problem-solving teams are given three hours to design and construct a liquid dispenser.
83TBADr Anthony FlintAllied Breweries

Pilkington Brothers

Liverpool University		8 April 1980 (1980-04-08)[23]

Egg racing from the BBC Radio London heat at County Hall, Westminster.

Problem-solving teams are tackling a problem of 'Beans and Stresses'.
94TBADr Bob AdamsBird's Eye Foods

Ministry of Defence

University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST)		15 April 1980 (1980-04-15)[24]

Egg racing from the BBC Radio Solent heat.

Problem-solving teams are tackling a problem of 'Pea Picking'.
105TBADes SleightholmeKTM/Vickers

Lloyds Bank

The Home Office Forensic Science Laboratory, Chorley		22 April 1980 (1980-04-22)[25]

Egg racing from the BBC Radio Nottingham heat at the London Transport Museum.

Problem-solving teams will be keeping their head above water.
116TBATerry PamplinDowty Electrics

The London Hospital

Tate and Lyle		29 April 1980 (1980-04-29)[26]

Egg racing from the BBC Radio Leicester heat.

Problem-solving teams will have 3 hours to produce a 'music machine'.
127TBAProfessor Ian FellsBritish Steel

Chailey Heritage Hospital

Plessey Research		6 May 1980 (1980-05-06)[27]

The first semi-final of The Great Egg Race.

Problem-solving teams will design and build an 'automatic pancake tossing' machine.
138TBAProfessor Gordon HigginsonBritish Nuclear

Imperial Metal Industries

Intermediate Technology Development Group		13 May 1980 (1980-05-13)[28]

The second semi-final of The Great Egg Race.

Problem-solving teams will have a problem to 'sort out'.
149TBAProfessor Bruce ArcherBritish Aerospace

Oxford University

Racal Electronics		20 May 1980 (1980-05-20)[29]

The final of The Great Egg Race.

Problem-solving teams will make 'a meal of their problem'.

Series 3 (1981)

From this series, The Great Egg Race has been dropped, continuing with only the problem solving teams.

No.
overall		No. in
series		TitleGuest JudgeTeamsOriginal release date
151TBAMichael PetersEastman Dental Hospital

Southern Electricity

Hertfordshire Science Teaching		21 April 1981 (1981-04-21)[30]
Teams are challenged to design and construct and demonstrate their answer to Caxton.
162TBAProfessor Gordon HigginsonThe National Institute of Agricultural Engineering

GKN

Rolls-Royce and Associates		28 April 1981 (1981-04-28)[31]
Teams are given three hours to design and construct a man-powered, man-carrying vehicle, using only the contents of a kitchen.
173"Gramophone"Terry PamplinAtkins R&D

Brush Electrical Machines (Winners)

South West Wales School of Radiography		5 May 1981 (1981-05-05)[33]
Problem-solving teams have three hours to construct a mechanical record player to make music from old 78 records. Provided with an electrical turntable, the teams need to create a pickup and sound-emitting device. Marks are for playing recognisable music for at least 20 seconds, loudness of the audio, quality of reproduction, and for the design and construction of the player. For extra points they can construct the turntable and speed controller.[32]
184TBAProfessor Michael FrenchKenwood Engineering

Marconi Radar Systems

Warwick Research Unit for the Blind		12 May 1981 (1981-05-12)[34]
Teams are challenged to construct a variety of measuring devices, given only a 6 mm (0.24 in) ball bearing for reference.
195TBAProfessor Ian FellsRoyal Navy

N. E. I. Parsons

Shirley Institute		19 May 1981 (1981-05-19)[35]
Teams must put their best foot forward to stay above water.
206"A Portrait for Posterity"Professor Ian FellsGlasgow Royal Infirmary

Britannia Airways

Shand Civil Engineering		26 May 1981 (1981-05-26)[36]
Teams, in only three-and-a-half hours, with no camera, no film and no darkroom, must produce a photograph of all three team members.
217"Hooplistics"Professor Gordon HigginsonKontron Electrolab

Life Science Research

ICL		2 June 1981 (1981-06-02)[37]
Teams are to design, build and operate an automatic hoopla machine.
228TBADr John IredaleAlfred Bader Ltd

Cranfield Product Engineering Centre

Ministry of Defence		9 June 1981 (1981-06-09)[38]
Teams are given three-and-a-half hours to unravel and weigh an item.
239TBAJock SmithNational Nuclear Corporation

Plessey Telecoms

Handicapped Persons' Research Unit		16 June 1981 (1981-06-16)[39]
Teams have three-and-a-half hours to design and build 'A Great Egg' eggmobile.

Series 4 (1982)

No.
overall		No. in
series		TitleGuest JudgeTeamsOriginal release date
241"The Egg Poachers"Professor Ian FellsWilkinson Sword

BXL Plastics

London immunologists		15 April 1982 (1982-04-15)[40]
Problem-solving teams are challenged to design, construct and demonstrate a moving problem with a cracking result.
252TBAProfessor Michael FrenchRNEC

Central School (Winners)

British Engineerium		22 April 1982 (1982-04-22)[42]
Teams are challenged on how to construct an automatic badminton server. They must make a machine that when put on a full-sized badminton court will automatically serve shuttlecocks in such a way that will land in the legal area on the other side of the net. The machine will be started by a single triggering action from an operator, and teams will be allowed to re-cock the machine between serves. They have six shuttlecocks and can recover them to reload. Marks are awarded for the total number of legal serves achieved in two minutes, with additional marks at the caprice of the judges.[41]
263"Music Without Tears"Terry PamplinUniversity of Oxford (Winners)

St George's Hospital

The Institute of Occupational Medicine		29 April 1982 (1982-04-29)[44]
Teams are challenged to do for music what the pocket calculator has done for mathematics. They are to construct a portable machine that must play one, or two recorders, for at least 30 seconds and have at least four different notes, achieved entirely mechanically. Points are awarded on being able to play a recognisable tune for the time required, and on the quality of the musical rendition.[43]
274"A Rather Unusual Target"Claude BlairYarsley Technical Centre

British Telecom

DATAC		6 May 1982 (1982-05-06)[45]
Teams are given three hours to set their sights on a rather unusual target.
285"Bridge That Gap"Professor Gordon HigginsonPrincess Margaret Rose Orthopaedic Hospital

GEC

Jaymic		13 May 1982 (1982-05-13)[46]
Teams have a narrow ledge, a chasm with a raging torrent below, and no bridge - how to get across?
296"In One Minute from Now"John StevensonSIRA Institute

Wuidart Engineering

Oxford Medical Systems		20 May 1982 (1982-05-20)[47]
Teams are given the problem of designing and building a one-minute ticking clock.
307"The Big Deal"Professor Ian FellsOpsec

Townsend Thoresen

Photographers (Winners)		27 May 1982 (1982-05-27)[49]
Given three and a half hours, the task the teams must face is to construct a machine into which a pack of playing cards can be inserted, and which will then automatically deal four hands of thirteen cards in the space of two minutes. The teams cannot touch the cards once they have been inserted into the machine, however they can manually power the devices. Marks are awarded for the accuracy of the dealt cards and the elegancy of the design.[48]
318"The Ovipositor"Professor Gordon HigginsonEast Midlands Electricity

Metropolitan Police Forensic Science Laboratory

Newcastle University		3 June 1982 (1982-06-03)[50]
Teams are set the problem of inventing a 'handy' kitchen gadget.
329"The Egg Walker"Jock SmithMetal Box

Military Vehicles and Engineering Establishment

Paul Hepworth Associates		10 June 1982 (1982-06-10)[51]
Teams are set the problem of designing, building and racing an Egg Walker.

Series 5 (1983)

No.
overall		No. in
series		TitleGuest JudgeTeamsOriginal release date
331"The Ghost at the Machine"Dr Andy IrwinTBA30 August 1983 (1983-08-30)[52]
Teams have to operate a typewriter is in a locked room so all the operation has to be done through the keyhole.
342"When the Petrol Runs Out"Jock SmithKidbrooke School

Johnson Matthey (Winners)

Hendre Quarry		6 September 1983 (1983-09-06)[54]
From the NEC, Birmingham. Teams have to dismantle Citroën 2CVs, before rebuilding them to make vehicles light enough to lift over a 50 cm (20 in) wall, strong enough to carry three people, and fast enough to beat the others over a straight course of 50 m (164 ft). All this without using any petrol. Power must be self-contained in the vehicle and it must have working brakes. Marks are awarded for the time taken to complete the 50 m run itself in addition to marks for elegance and engineering excellence.[53]
353"Caged"Victor LiardetTBA13 September 1983 (1983-09-13)[55]
Teams have to design and build a combination lock that will defy their opponents lock picking abilities.
364"Staying Aloft"Wing Commander Ken WallisMOD Shoeburyness

Hawtal Whiting (Winners)

British Caledonian		20 September 1983 (1983-09-20)[57]
Teams attempt to make craft that, even if they cannot carry animals, can at least fly - a bit. Teams have four hours to construct a device that will lift itself into the air under its own power, starting from ground level. Marks are awarded for the flight time achieved, the weight lifted into the air, and further points are at the judges' discretion. There is a cut-off limit for aircraft with a very short flight time.[56]
375"Out of Your Depth"Professor Stephen SalterMildenhall Upper School

Wirral Borough Council

Seven Seas Healthcare Laboratories		27 September 1983 (1983-09-27)[58]
Teams have to build a submarine that will submerge in a tank of water, travel under and island and resurface.
388"A Shocking Problem"Terry WilkinsonTBA4 October 1983 (1983-10-04)[59]
Teams have to light the light at Battersea Power Station and make one of the giant meters register.
397"The Flickering Light"Professor Ian FellsCam Gear, Cleveden

Queen's University Belfast

British Steel		11 October 1983 (1983-10-11)[60]
Teams have the task of building a projector.
408"The Egg and Spoon Race"Professor Gordon HigginsonTBA18 October 1983 (1983-10-18)[61]
Teams must construct a vehicle that will race down a bumpy track carrying an egg in the bowl of a dessert spoon.
419"The Rangefinder"Professor Ian FellsTBA25 October 1983 (1983-10-25)[62]
Teams must measure the height of Battersea Power Station's chimneys.

Series 6 (1984)

This series features a short side challenge, hosted by Lesley Judd, called The Incredible Egg Machine, in which teams have to transport a large egg from a nest in a tree to a giant eggcup on a table. This should be accomplished in the most complicated and entertaining way possible, with teams passing the egg from one team to another to achieve the objective.

No.
overall		No. in
series		TitleGuest JudgeTeamsThe Incredible Egg MachineOriginal release date
421"Thereby Hangs a Tail"Professor Ian FellsHuddersfield Polytechnic Computer Dept.

Computer Technology Ltd

Wrexham and District Computer Club		Introduction29 May 1984 (1984-05-29)[63]
Teams must demonstrate how to look happy when one's face is hidden, sad when seen from the rear, and the alternative way of eating a banana.
432"The Aquabikes"Peter SchillerTBAReading Borough Council5 June 1984 (1984-06-05)[64]
In Germany, the teams must cycle on water.
443"Cause for Alarm"Brigadier Alan NeedhamBritish Telecom (Scotland)

STC Quartz

Grassland Research Institute (Winners)		Delco Products12 June 1984 (1984-06-12)[66]
Teams must engineer a system of burglar alarms to protect a secret document that is hidden in an office. Marks are awarded for engineer capability, ingenuity, how the detection devices are deployed and the timing of deployment, and the most skilful burglar.[65]
454"Putting on the Pressure"Fred DibnahNational Maritime Institute

W. S. Atkins

Scorraig Crofters (Winners)		Kit Sturgess & Friends19 June 1984 (1984-06-19)[68]
At the Greater Manchester Museum of Science and Industry, teams must construct a stationary 'steam engine' that runs on compressed air, that can lift a 14 lb (6.4 kg) weight to a height of 4 ft (1.2 m). Materials to build a heavy flywheel will not be available, so the teams must rely on valves. Due to the difficulty of the challenge, teams are given more than the usual time, having 6 hours total. Marks are awarded for the design, capability of the machine to lift the weight up off of the floor, courage of design, and entertainment value.[67]
465"Desert Island Bikes"Professor Gordon HigginsonTBATBA26 June 1984 (1984-06-26)[69]
There is an island with bits of bicycles on it. No one is allowed to set foot on the island, so the team's task is to construct a device delicate enough to retrieve a wheel nut, but strong enough to capture a frame, then cycle away.
476"A Remote Problem"Jock SmithTBATBA3 July 1984 (1984-07-03)[70]
In Manchester, using a miniature TV camera, teams must build a vehicle that will search through a warehouse to retrieve a glowing ball.
487"Time for Tea"Professor Ian FellsDunlop (Winners)

AMTE

Napton Village		Hawtal Whiting - "Staying Aloft" Winners10 July 1984 (1984-07-10)[72]
Teams turn confusion into infusion by making machines to brew the perfect cup of tea. The descent of a heavy ball bearing must trigger the stages of the tea-making process, including dunking a teabag, and adding milk and sugar. Marks are awarded for engineering, style and elegance, taste and bouquet of the tea.[71]
498"Reaching the Heights"Peter SchillerTBATBA17 July 1984 (1984-07-17)[73]
In Germany, teams will race over an obstacle course with the parts of a very tall structure, then hoist a flag.
509"The Windpumps"Fabian AckerTBATBA24 July 1984 (1984-07-24)[74]
Teams must build large windpumps to pump water.

Series 7 (1985)

No.
overall		No. in
series		TitleGuest JudgeTeamsOriginal release date
511"Igloos"Myrtle SimpsonArmy Ammo School

Southwark Surveyors

Plumpton Village (Winners)		3 May 1985 (1985-05-03)[76]
In Aviemore, teams have to make themselves at home by building an igloo with basic arctic survival equipment, big enough to fit the team and judges in. Marks are awarded for habitability, architecture, construction and decoration. End credits music is a rendition of Vic Mizzy & Irving Taylor's song Igloo.[75]
522TBAHarry ArnoldLea Manor School

Glaxochem

Kent Fire Brigade		10 May 1985 (1985-05-10)[77]
Teams have to prepare a craft from a Reliant Robin to sail on a canal.
533"Huskies"Hamish MacInnesRAF St Athan

Benfords

Appliance Testing Laboratory (Winners)		17 May 1985 (1985-05-17)[79]
Once again in Aviemore, teams have to build electro-mechanical huskies to pull members of the team on a sled on an indoor course. Marks are awarded for engineering design, manoeuvrability, time to navigate a course, and other pleasing dog-like touches.[78]
544"The Robot Piano Player"Peter SkellernStag Furniture

Fylde Guitars (Winners)

Early Music Shop		24 May 1985 (1985-05-24)[81]
Teams have to build a robot piano player. They must construct a piece of machinery that can be wheeled up to a grand piano and play a piece of music recognisable by the judges and audience. The machine can be either self or hand powered. Marks are awarded for recognition of the piece being played, quality of the musical rendition and length of the tune, engineering design of the machine, and the rest of the points are awarded at the caprice of the judges. End credits music is Bach's Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring.[80]
555"Fire"Professor Ian FellsTBA31 May 1985 (1985-05-31)[82]
Teams have to construct a machine that will make fire.
566"Hovercraft"Ray WheelerHMS Sultan

JK Lasers (Winners)

Snowden Hill Men		7 June 1985 (1985-06-07)[84]
At HMS Daedalus, teams have to construct a radio-controlled mini-hovercraft using the contents of a garden shed. Marks are awarded for hovercraft performance, engineering design, and entertainment.[83]
577"Photography"Brian CoeAnalog Devices

Ruddocks Printers

L.B.M.S Consultants		14 June 1985 (1985-06-14)[85]
Teams have to make photograph-in-three-minute machines.
588"Mobo Horse"John WatsonTBA21 June 1985 (1985-06-21)[86]
Again at HMS Daedalus, teams have to make a cross between a horse, bike, and a car - a mobohorse.
599"Dastardly Deeds at Eggraze Hall"Mat IrvineBerkshire Brewery Co.

Moving Display

Willpower		28 June 1985 (1985-06-28)[87]
Teams have to create a play in three acts, starring John Leeson and Hal Dyer. Also taking part are team members and a wonderful selection of specially created disasters.

Series 8 (1986)

This series features a knock-out competition.

No.
overall		No. in
series		TitleGuest JudgeTeamsOriginal release date
601"The Biggest Paper Aeroplane in the World"Dizzy AddicottFosters (Winners)

TBA

TBA		4 July 1986 (1986-07-04)[88]
First heat: Teams attempt to get the Guinness World Record, to make the largest paper glider in the world. Materials are limited to brown paper, newspaper and string, with the winning machine flying the furthest.
612"The Treasure Map"Michael BrandGloucester Postal Engineers (Winners)

Northern Lights

Stranmillis College		11 July 1986 (1986-07-11)[89]
Second heat: Teams have to make a map, using only wood and a school geometry set of the Giant's Causeway.
623"The Fork Lift"Dr Peter KitchinJ J Barker (Winners)

TBA

TBA		25 July 1986 (1986-07-25)[90]
Third heat: At the Scottish Exhibition Centre the teams must build a forklift truck and move 500 eggs as fast as possible with it.
634"The Long Tide"Professor Ian FellsEmergency Exit Arts (Winners)

TBA

TBA		1 August 1986 (1986-08-01)[91]
Fourth heat: On Brancaster Sands the teams have only a few hours to build a wave-powered machine to hoist a flag.
645"The Still"Willie MacKayCancer and Polio Research Fund (Winners)

TBA

TBA		8 August 1986 (1986-08-08)[92]
Fifth heat: In Northern Ireland the teams have to make stills to desalinate fresh water from the sea using an old fridge.
656"The Crane"Jim O'NielOn Site (Winners)

TBA

TBA		15 August 1986 (1986-08-15)[93]
Sixth heat: At the Scottish Exhibition Centre, at the site of the Clyde docks, the teams have to make dockside cranes, which are tested to destruction.
667"The Greasy Pole"Professor Meredith ThringEmergency Exit Arts (Winners)

Cancer and Polio Research Fund
Fosters

The Judges (Heinz Wolff, Ian Fells, Michael French)		22 August 1986 (1986-08-22)[94]
First semi-final: On Brancaster Sands, Howard Stableford takes over the presenting duty. A guest team made up of the Judges take on teams that must make a machine that can destroy a rival while both are balancing on a horizontal pole.
678"Back to Nature"Cynthia McArthurGloucester Postal Engineers

On Site (Winners)

J J Barker		5 September 1986 (1986-09-05)[96]
Second semi-final: At the Scottish Exhibition Centre, teams must make a breakfast of a buttered bread roll, and coffee with milk and sugar. They only have the ingredients of raw wheat, green coffee beans, sugar beet, and a cow or goat for the milk. Marks are awarded for quality for the food, quantity produced, and for the engineering design of the equipment used to manufacture the meal.[95]
689"The Oil Platform"Tom PrattOn Site
Emergency Exit Arts (Winners)		12 September 1986 (1986-09-12)[98]
Final: Briefed at Duthie Park, the finalists must take an aerial photograph of the BP Forties Delta platform, out in the North Sea, off the coast of Aberdeen. The winners get the 1986 Great Egg Race golden trophy. Marks are awarded for the quality of the picture taken, and the engineering ingenuity that has gone into creating it.[97]

References

  1. ^ "BBC Archive profiles memorable Eighties series The Great Egg Race". BBC. 14 October 2010. Retrieved 3 March 2026.
  2. ^ Grierson, Jamie (16 December 2017). "Heinz Wolff, scientist and Great Egg Race presenter, dies at 89". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 29 December 2017. Retrieved 31 December 2017.
  3. ^ a b c d "BBC Genome Project". BBC Genome Project. BBC. Archived from the original on 27 March 2024. Retrieved 27 March 2024.
  4. ^ a b "The Great Egg Race Rides Again (2000)". Ravensbourne University London. Retrieved 22 October 2024.
  5. ^ a b "The Great Egg Race". BBC. Archived from the original on 27 April 2017. Retrieved 18 June 2021.
  6. ^ "Putting on the Pressure" 1984, at 27 minutes
  7. ^ "Various - Top BBC TV Themes Vol. 2". Discogs.com. 1979. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  8. ^ "The Great Egg Race (1979)". Ravensbourne University London. Retrieved 22 October 2024.
  9. ^ Lane, Megan (14 October 2010). "What's an egg race got to do with inventing?". BBC News. Archived from the original on 10 November 2010. Retrieved 27 February 2024.
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