Mechanical work outside of the Fix-It-Windows

[FRC1114]

http://forums.usfirst.org/showthread.php?t=647

The above linked Q&A refers to the restrictions on software development outisde of the Fix-It-Windows. The described analogy also deals with restrictions on mechanical components.

"Consider an analogy to hardware development. The “put your tools down” policy after the FIX-IT WINDOW means that no fabrication of any hardware component is permitted during this period. You are allowed to think about how a part is to be fabricated, sketch out designs, collect raw materials, prepare tools, etc. But you cannot actually engage in work to create the physical item."

Am I to take this to mean, that I cannot build a prototype of a future mechanism for testing purposes, with the intention of building the mechanism from scratch at a competition site?

[GDC]

After the robot has shipped, spare or replacement parts (including prototypes) may be fabricated during the Fix-It-Window periods, but only during these periods.