As ever, I'm not sure if this subject will be of much interest, but at least it is a car (of sorts), I'll watch the 'views' numbers as I go along.
So, what is a 'tethered car'?
Over in the USA and later the UK (and many other countries) model cars, around 10 to 12" in length fitted with hot model aeroplane engines were raced tethered to a post by a thin wire and would scream around a round track at silly speeds.
Speed was everything and many models became quite techie in design and construction.
My effort here is to model something with what I have to be simply displayed in the garage, or even the house if i get permission.
I hope to DIY as much as possible.
This is a typical tethered car
I have already started the car, and this is a 'typical' update as i go along without a dead line but to be finished by the end of Spet or so when I get busy again on serious stuff.
First was a suitable old engine, about 5cc would do. Thought about using the 5cc diesel engine i made earlier in the year, but too big.
Settled on one from my small collection, make unknown but from the USA, about 1946 and spark ignition. I bought this engine at an autojumble about 48 years ago for £2 and it has sat on a shelf since until now.
I only have a vision of this car in my mind, no drawings etc so winging it as I go along using bits in the garage and getting the proportions right by eye (nothing new to that).
Chassis was made and left too long. It will be trimmed to length once the rear axle is in place. It will be drilled down the sides to reduce weight(!)
Next up was the front axle. It had to be a dropped beam and it had to be sprung, not simply welded/bolted on, too crude.
Some 8mm rod from B&Q and a some heat, welding and some careful filing followed, and then two spring hangers on the axle to take two leaf springs which will be made from an old hacksaw blade, spring modulus calcs showed it to be 'just-right...'
The rear axle will be bevel gear drive and solid to the chassis. Gears on order arriving early Sept.
Some pics so far:
Nutty
