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Lymington UK

There has been a question asked about the plywood underneath the 2641.
In the UK the largest load scales will weigh but are, in our minds not really suitable for 500inch plus pumpkins.
The problem is that the four corners push into the bottom of the pumpkins.
I asked the excellent team at the Malvern great show if they could construct a metal platform that would seat a pumpkin with a diameter of around 7ft.
This was made and topped off with plywood. The platform was then checked by the company supplying the scales by putting weights at various places around the platform and certificated.
This will be more of a problem in the future but that’s all positive especially after watching all of the amazing pumpkins hitting the scales lately.
I hope this clears up the any questions.
Ian

9/29/2024 2:52:39 PM

Lymington UK

I forgot to say that Sebastion is still at the Malvern show and should post all the results when he gets home tomorrow.

9/29/2024 2:54:24 PM

Grittyville, WA

I wonder if crane scales could also be used to solve this problem. I don't know if they could be certified to the same degree of accuracy as a platform scale or if they would be a better solution. What a crazy problem to have.

9/29/2024 3:58:39 PM

Nova Scotia

Hmmm interesting subject for the future the way the size of these are now growing? Especially the pumpkins that are long and wide such as this one. So now I am curious, have not researching it yet, I believe most, maybe all the scales used are 4'x 4'? No doubt there are bigger platform digital scales available however then you have a big expense.

9/29/2024 6:22:46 PM

Syracuse, NY

Googled:
5000 pound inline scale
Was surprised at the number of them instantly listed.
Any qualms about accuracy might be mitigated upon using SEVERAL connected in series and taking the average, after certifications performed and/or lifting a standard, exact weight before each real pumpkin lift. They're probably as accurate as any platform scale - unknown as to why they would not be. My nickel's worth about it.
GREAT IDEA, Little Ketchup!!! eric g

9/29/2024 9:02:46 PM

Grittyville, WA

Probably each club will have to decide what to do based on their budget and what they are most comfortable with unless there really is a one-size-fits all solution.

Edit: And based on the gpc's rules... Which I have not looked into, but I probably should prior to commenting.

[Last edit: 09/29/24 9:34:05 PM]

9/29/2024 9:32:14 PM

seattle

Ian, as you are aware of my record page, I noticed UK articles are classifying this 2641 (1198.2 kg) pumpkin as a new British pumpkin record.

I would assume your 2022 pumpkin 2656.1 is still the British record.
Any comments?

[Last edit: 09/30/24 10:16:14 AM]

9/30/2024 10:15:51 AM

President - GPC

The GPC will be reviewing the Scale rules for clarity and updating any discrepancies. By definition the scale used for Ian and Stu's event was a legal platform scale. It was properly calibrated and certified. The GPC has the two page certification letter.

What this scale wasnt was two pieces of plywood placed on top of the scale and zeroed out. This would not be legal.
The video shared out did not show the efforts put forth to verify and certify the scale.

The GPC congratulates the Patons on a fantastic weight, and also to all the growers that weighed over 2K this weekend.

Your GPC Committee

9/30/2024 10:23:00 AM

Lymington UK

Hi Duncan
I have spent the last 5 days trying to explain that the 2641 was 15lbs off our pb or UK record to no avail.
I guess they all get a little excited but thank you for noticing it.
Hey Ho perhaps Hagrid will impress

9/30/2024 2:50:07 PM