Monster from the past

[protoborg]

I found this interesting, maybe someone else will

http://www.dself.dsl.pipex.com/MUSEU...s/schilovs.htm

[ogri]

Very interesting, wonder what could be done with modern materials and computer designing?

[BigFella]

Originally Posted by protoborg

I found this interesting, maybe someone else will

The Schilovski Gyrocar

That is a super link and has wasted quite a bit of my morning - loved the articles on the use in a launchof heated petrol vapour used to drive what was basically a steam engine, with the vapour being re-condensed afterwards ..........................smokers are not invited along for a ride!!!

....and 24 chainsaw engines to power a bike

[Tomcat]

Taken from MCN, November 1913:

"On November 27th, 1913, I made an effort to move the car, which was successful, no derangement of the governing gear taking place. We drove the car backwards and forwards for a distance of about six feet many times. During these tests it was noticeable that one could stand on the side of the car and step into the body without any disturbance of balance. We then moved the car partially round a radius to the left, backwards and forwards. Eventually we drove the car the whole length of the works, backwards and forwards, with four passengers.
Then His Excellency decided to take the machine over on to the track, impressing me that we must go very gently. We drove onto the Arden Road, making two stops on the curve, and we had to reverse so that we should not use full lock. I then drove the car steadily up the Arden Road, going as slowly as possible and slipping the clutch in first gear all the time. We took a wide sweep into the Bordesley Green Road, and suddenly, when opposite the Directors' mess room, the vehicle heeled to the near side and dropped on its sprag. It was lifted by eight men, the engine restarted, and the car driven back to the experimental department, but it was supported by outside assistance as His Excellency did not attempt to balance the car in the street."

Fortunately the following year's model showed huge improvements, an extra 3/4 bhp and revised colour scheme.

[iansoady]

The whole site is a treat - how about the steam powered bikes.

[Vitesse]

I like the motorcycle with a propellor on the front - I can think of some day's I want that . . .

[kevinvanbeek]

nice

[dooley]

but did it countersteer?

[abssorb]

Originally Posted by dooley

but did it countersteer?

No. It wouldn't even lean over in corners.

[Dingbat]

Originally Posted by Tomcat

Taken from MCN, November 1913:



Fortunately the following year's model showed huge improvements, an extra 3/4 bhp and revised colour scheme.

[Velocette]

What a barmy idea. would need a crane to lift it if it fell over!

I liked the front part of the chassis, looked like a modern (ish) cradel frame!

[Manxrider]

Originally Posted by Velocette

I liked the front part of the chassis, looked like a modern (ish) cradle frame!

No, they probably got the idea of a cradle frame from that. Nothing is new.

4 valve heads - Rudge
"Posi-force Lubrication" - Velocette
Positive stop gear change - Velocette
Adjustable rear suspension - You guessed it - Velocette

The Manx Norton squish idea was developed by the Polish engineer, Leo Kusmicki, who initially worked at Norton as a cleaner! He came to the attention of Joe Craig who utilised him in the race shop and used his ideas as his own.

"Velocette" have you found my photo on Fishtail cover yet?

[Velocette]

Originally Posted by Manxrider

No, they probably got the idea of a cradle frame from that. Nothing is new.

4 valve heads - Rudge
"Posi-force Lubrication" - Velocette
Positive stop gear change - Velocette
Adjustable rear suspension - You guessed it - Velocette

The Manx Norton squish idea was developed by the Polish engineer, Leo Kusmicki, who initially worked at Norton as a cleaner! He came to the attention of Joe Craig who utilised him in the race shop and used his ideas as his own.

"Velocette" have you found my photo on Fishtail cover yet?

No, not yet, I need to work out where Mrs V has filed it!

Dual seat was Velocette too and probably the centre stand, I think Scott had a cradle frame in about 1920, I saw one at the Bristol Classic Bike Show.

Scott innovated almost as much "modern" stuff as Velocette I reckon.

[ink ink]

Originally Posted by Manxrider

4 valve heads - Rudge

I doubt that Rudge was first.


"Posi-force Lubrication" - Velocette

There were oiling systems on some pre-War Villiers two-strokes, but I don't know who was first. How about Scott?

Positive stop gear change - Velocette

That was a really good idea!

Adjustable rear suspension - You guessed it - Velocette

There were various spring frames since before 1914. Are you saying none of them had any adjustment?

[cheb]

I think Rudge were the first to have four valves arranged radially.