I have a friend that can't help but collect all the ashtrays in the game. He was excited when New Vegas came out, because he was sure that the ashtrays would be used for something. One day when we were all playing I told him I found a schematic for an ashtray mine, the schematic required: 2 ashtrays, duct tape and a grenade. He came running into the room like a kid on Christmas and was obviously disappointed when I told him I was just kidding.
But I was thinking, that sounds like a pretty good schematic.
What do you all think?

Aww you're horrible, is he PC or console? and what would it look like? (how would it all be positioned) and what would cause it to go off when people stepped on it/got near it?

I'm not picking on the idea, im trying to figure out the technical side of it because it sounds fun, and someone might try to mod it eventually lol.

I like the idea... but can't Muggy break them down? If that's not a use, then I don't know what is. It would have to depend on the damage done, effects to the person who steps on it, etc.

someone is smoking, they look over and notice that the ashtray is tilted and covered in duct tape... oh well.

An interesting concept, would make for a decent shrapnel mine.

All ps3. Stepped on and I was thinking it would look similar to a land mine, but a lot cruder of course. Also, maybe add some scrap metal for shrapnel, where others in a certain radius would take damage. To bad railroad spikes are not in New Vegas, that would make great shrapnel.
This story happened just days after New Vegas was released, pre Muggy. And to be honest, I didn't recall Muggy taking ashtrays, overlooked by me, but probably not my friend.

Eh, depends. If the Ashtrays are made of metal, then you wont need additional scrap metal for shrapnel. Clay/Ceramic on the otherhand...

An ashtray mine would make my day, I think it would be awesome if you put a lit cigarette in it or something of that likeness and as the cigarette burns out it explodes But that would be kinda over complicated and useless, still a fun idea!

Blast from the past (pun intended) could use the cigarette as a fuse, could be a timed charge.