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Well, in the darkness night of post WW3, during a nuclear winter, we'll need some lights (I've assumed petrol has gone Mad Max way). So here's my humble contribution to Diddion's masterpiece.
Old school carriage lights will accept any combustible material.
<random ranting and posturing removed for clarity>
...First road test very soon!
What has become obvious to me is a lack of proper respect for those willing to endure the review of inferior plans and point out the things missing due to naivete. The level of junior engineering is difficult to witness. My involvement is drawing to an end in order to resume more productive use of my valuable time.
Good luck with the test drive. Should be short considering these is no fuel delivery system. Or was that obvious too, like the need for steering control?
Looking through this critical thread, I now see that I have been far too hasty in castigating those who, in however misguided a manner, have tried to give input. All I can say is that, as you can imagine, I have been under enormous strain this last few years, since starting the PROJECT, and it was clear that my medication needed a full review. So forgive me for the doubting or even possibly the negative comments I have made. The medication has, I have noted, been increased, and I will endeavour to give support for your support and ideas, however stupid they may be. And I promise that my responses will henceforth be purely positive, even when (as is so often the case) a firmer response would be justified.
Your posts and suggestions.
Each and every suggestion so far will be reconsidered and responded to, even the bad ones. Do keep them coming. But the main issue is.....yes!......what we have all been waiting for. THE VERY FIRST ROAD TEST! I have informed the press and there should be a good turnout.
A photo of the road test.
Compete disaster. I am mortified. A further comment follows the picture published in newspapers worldwide, which I am sure you have already witnessed in some local rag or other.
WALL STREET JOURNAL BREAKING NEWS. We are sad to announce the death of Diddion, a world renowned inventor. This remarkable man, who many felt deserved both the Pulitzer and the Nobble prize and was due to be knighted this year, sadly met his end from one of his own inventions. The/contd p 5
Good news!
Well, after many months and deeply invasive surgery, I am happy to report that I have made a full and complete recovery from the accident which killed me. I have, indeed, no residual effects, so my life can resume unaltered, and the PROJECT will continue, albeit it could be more difficult to carry out some of the tasks with just one hand.
Now, the crash.
I really did not think that the safety systems would be tested so early and so comprehensively, and they were instrumental in preventing even more serious injury. In particular, the crumple zone did its job magnificently, but it will mean a complete new power unit, Fortunately, I do have one spare. And I was also impressed with the supplementary restraint system, the airbags deployed magnificently. So some good has come out of this. And the MichaelR suspension system has proved its full worth, keeping the car level and stable, even with two missing wheels. A very promising bit of intelligence, that, which is more than can be said of /deleted.
... (some excuse or other for not being kind) ... The medication has, I have noted, been increased, and I will endeavour to give support for your support and ideas, however stupid they may be. And I promise that my responses will henceforth be purely positive, even when (as is so often the case) a firmer response would be justified.
I fear your medication is blinding you to the obvious: all great works have a firm foundation of stupid ideas e.g. the great pyramid, California, and the leaning tower of Pisa (OK, I know, stupid ideas and stupid foundation here). In light of your recent recovery that has 'turned you from the light', so to speak, negativity could be very helpful in breeding stupid ideas, so carry on...
Sadly, the replacement power unit has seized up and is no longer functional. I will report back once I have recovered from the shock and have considered other options.
Meanwhile, may I ask for your thoughts, in order to consider this further - even if you have little or nothing of value to contribute, which is likely to be the case? In particular, do you think the biological solution adopted so far is the best, or should I look to a more traditional solution? Since many of us do possess a fully productive oil well, perhaps the future proofing I have talked about previously is not an important point.
The following photograph shows the state of the spare power unit, which is beyond any hope of repair. Some people may find it distressing, so viewer discretion is advised
I fear your medication is blinding you to the obvious: all great works have a firm foundation of stupid ideas e.g. the great pyramid, California, and the leaning tower of Pisa (OK, I know, stupid ideas and stupid foundation here). In light of your recent recovery that has 'turned you from the light', so to speak, negativity could be very helpful in breeding stupid ideas, so carry on...
Dale..... Do you really think that I should actually reduce....or even stop.....the medication. Surely that would not work. That ranks as probably the most crass, stupid, and downright idiotic idea that has ever been mooted on this forum, which takes quite some doing, I tell you. Well, if you can´t keep such dangerous thoughts to yourself, well, don´t blame be if something really nasty happens to you. You deserve every horror and abomination that could ever befall such an apology of a human being as yourself, and I, for one, will relish hearing of each and every one of those horrors. I have no intention whatever of reducing my medication, which is certainly taking some of the edge of my responses to things such as this, and is making me a warmer, gentler, kinder and more approachable person. Thank you for your help, by the way.
Dale....thank you so much. Do you really think that I should actually reduce....or even stop.....the medication. Surely that would not work. That ranks as probably the most crass, stupid, and downright idiotic idea that has ever been mooted on this forum, which takes quite some doing, I tell you. Well, if you can´t keep such dangerous thoughts to yourself, well, don´t blame be if something really nasty happens to you. You deserve every horror and abomination that could ever befall such an apology of a human being as yourself, and I, for one, will relish hearing of each and every one of those horrors. I have no intention whatever of reducing my medication, which is certainly taking some of the edge of my responses to things such as this. Thank you for your help, by the way.
As with dermatology, the 'mental arts' are an ancient and finely tuned medical science with an exactingly researched response to all problems consisting of either 1. increasing the medication, 2. decreasing the medication or, 3. changing the medication. To prevent further 'issues', perhaps all three are in order here?
As with dermatology, the 'mental arts' are an ancient and finely tuned medical science with an exactingly researched response to all problems consisting of either 1. increasing the medication, 2. decreasing the medication or, 3. changing the medication. To prevent further 'issues', perhaps all three are in order here?
You, Sir, are a Lateral Thinker of the most opportune and creative variety, although of course your basic personality does leave much to be desired. Actually, very much to be desired. Nevertheless, credit where credit is due and I believe, despite all claims to the contrary, that your proposals merit at the very least a period of experimentation. Thus, in the spirit positive experimentalism, I have put your proposals into immediate effect, and by that I mean instantly and now.
Diddion,
My sincere commiserations to you that the test drive ended in what was, frankly, a debâcle. Such a tragic waste.
I was unable to access your link to the Professor's literary genius. However, given the dubious circumstances surrounding his incarceration this may prove to be somewhat serendipitous.
In the spirit of continued negativity as suggested by the good Doctor, whilst I applaud your tenacity, I must respectfully disagree with your choice of motive power. Having owned several of these propulsion units during my daughter's travels from toddler to adult (and still being in posssession of a legacy item), I can attest to their inherent unsuitability for the following reasons:
1) Extremely high total cost of ownership
2) Requirement for copious amounts of high-octane fuel
3) Each propulsion unit requires regular (monthly) replacement of its four traction units. This is definitely not a DIY task due to the risk of the operator being forcefully ejected from the workspace by either single barrel (painful) or both barrels (potentially life threatening) spontaneous reactions.
4) High flammability of exhaust gases, although these could be used to power the multi-fuel - converted acetylene? - lighting.
Finally, you will have the devil's own job getting through an emissions check. On the plus side, your neighbours will be in total awe of your rose garden.
I do hope that you will take these observations in the spirit intended, and that they will not diminish your fervour to bring this exercise to a satisfying conclusion.
Thank you all again for your comments.
Since my last post, this has been an exciting couple of years. I am now out of rehab, and have addressed the knotty issues of braking, with, I think, outstanding results. Whilst I am considering the power unit proposals mooted by Michaelh, he will be pleased to know that his suggestions have indeed been incorporated, though in perhaps a somewhat unusual and innovative manner.
Of note are:
The upgraded foot-braking systems, far surpassing the inferior Brembo system
The hand brake and organic servo. However, this particular one has a hydraulic leak, and requires constant topping up
The adaptive lighting system, which is linked to the level sensor module. The dipped and main beam units are combined in a single solution.
The newly installed VTOL system, capable of actually moving sideways by up to 20degrees. It is shown in the rightwards movement position. A number of aerospace firms and military procurers worldwide have expressed an interest in this innovative system.
The vehicle as it stands Close up of the braking system Note the constant adjustment, as it is directly linked to the electronically controlled suspension arms. The unsprung weight of the entire system if very low, generating an outstandingly smooth ride.
Thank you all for your valuable, if on occasion, insignificant comments. The task is now developing towards some kind of completion or crisis - a most exciting time! As yet unresolved are the following issues:
The Power Unit (of course)
Windscreen and interior seating - this is under development
Exterior trim and rainwear
And the PROJECT now needs a proper name, so that future generations can refer to it with sufficient awe. If anyone has any ideas, please pm me or, if you are prepared for public ridicule, post them here.
And, finally, I know that many of you are clamouring to be part of the inaugural run, but the number of places is limited to just 5, once the seating element has been fully addressed. Frankly, the best way to do this is to post advanced payment to me on this thread, and the highest fees paid will be the lucky winners! Good luck!
Thank you so much for all of you who have explained (420PM´s!) the drag chute issue. I do feel foolish, which is an unusual thing for me.
So, following many anguished weeks of thought and experimentation, the following includes the updated tertiary vehicular arrest system, the proximity witch on the bow of the car, and the pedestranian access system.
Actually...... considering the potential occupant of the 'Kockpit' as depicted previously, I might want to revise my suggestion of a "DRAG" chute that has a Proximity Deployment system, as this combination might be responsible for constant premature ejactions.
When you rebuild, you might consider this "heavy-duty" propulsion unit.
I know, the purists out there will resist doing an engine swap, and perhaps complain about all the work to fit it in the vehicle.
But more HP is usually better, despite the decrease in fuel economy.
The electrical changes will be minumal.
When you rebuild, you might consider this "heavy-duty" propulsion unit.
I know, the purists out there will resist doing an engine swap, and perhaps complain about all the work to fit it in the vehicle.
But more HP is usually better, despite the decrease in fuel economy.
The electrical changes will be minumal.
I fear not. Unfortunately this solution - which I have seriously considered many times in the past, has too great a turning circle, and even with the various approaches I intend to adopt, it will fall foul of both European and American emissions control legislation. However, it could be an ideal solution for the modification of the PROJECT to produce an interstate delivery truck. Would you consider this to be of value to the trucker community?
Just make sure the power-weight-ratio is good for this power plant. I dislike when manufaturers produce a vehicle that is underpowered. It has happened to so many otherwise great cars over the years.
Originally Posted by Diddion
I fear not. Unfortunately this solution - which I have seriously considered many times in the past, has too great a turning circle, and even with the various approaches I intend to adopt, it will fall foul of both European and American emissions control legislation. However, it could be an ideal solution for the modification of the PROJECT to produce an interstate delivery truck. Would you consider this to be of value to the trucker community?
Need lights in the darkness of Nuclear Winter
