diff --git a/boxes/gears.py b/boxes/gears.py
index 39c115a..1eb5b1d 100644
--- a/boxes/gears.py
+++ b/boxes/gears.py
@@ -428,6 +428,9 @@ class Gears():
             - if no room (collision) then spokes not drawn
         """
 
+        if not spokes:
+            return []
+
         # Spokes
         collision = False # assume we draw spokes
         messages = []     # messages to send back about changes.