Thanks, YouTube
YouTube recommended this video for me this morning. A very interesting 48-volt electric trike commercially available in Germany and the Netherlands. There is something very sexy about the shape and upon further investigation of the websites associated with it, there is a very nifty roof option. Scaled up and with different (leaning) suspension geometry, this is close to what I am building. Although I really do like my Streetliner Concept #2, something more akin to this shape should be explored also.
Full CAD build-up of the Aprilia Magnet concept
This from the actual designer of this fantastic concept.
Tilting trike in action
Here's yet another example of a leaning recumbent trike. Watch as he scorches a fixed trike through the turns on what looks to be a go-cart track.
The Tripendo
The Tripendo tilting recumbent trike is a big influence on my design thinking. Its wheels are set much wider than the Piaggio MP3, which should allow for a more substantial cabin, but seems to limit lean angle. Either way, I imagine that a bicycle-class prototype of my vehicle will likely have a lot in common with the Tripendo. What I have yet to figure out is exactly how the suspension pivots work. I'm going to have to build the geometry in scale before I'll fully understand it, I bet. I've based my sketch template on the seat height and ground clearance of the Tripendo, while stretching the chassis and shrinking wheel sizes from 26" to 19" overall (allowing for a standard 14" maxi-scooter wheel)
The Mercedes-Benz F 300 Life-Jet
Via Gizmag, this Mercedes Benz concept vehicle is trying a little too hard to be a car. Such an odd thing to come out of MB. As neither a cabin motorcycle nor a proper car, the balance point is pretty unappealing in my opinion. Perhaps I'm self-referencing too much, but it seems like the kind of person who'd be interested in a 3 wheeler is either looking for fun, style, or crazy economy. This doesn't seem to offer any of those. Very interesting to see how they approach the front suspension and rear swing arm, however. I also wonder if the lean is computer controlled. That's always my suspicion when I see a traditional steering wheel in one of these vehicles. Something tells me they're not counter-steering.
Piaggio launches new MP3 website. Includes hybrid.
Piaggio has always had a separate online home for its impressive MP3, now that site has gotten a nice, juicy upgrade.
Suck it, AutoCAD!
The Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, the fastest airplane ever put into production, was designed without a single computer. Those steely-eyed missile men didn't even have calculators. Slide rules, hand calculations and common sense built the greatest spy plane of all time. I salute you, gentlemen!
I am unoriginal. Score!
The more I do research for Project Streetliner, the more I'm confronted with other designers and engineers who have thought a lot of the same thoughts I have. I think that's fantastic! It reminds me of how much the Wright brothers relied on Otto Lilienthal's early work, and how they saw what brilliant folks like Alexander Graham Bell were doing completely wrong in their approach. Granted, I'm not really trying to do anything new here. What makes this a unique undertaking in today's world, at least I think, is that I want to build it myself. I'm not waiting for "the market" to provide it for me. How often have we wanted something to be available, but nobody makes it? What's truly stopping us from making it ourselves besides our own apathy? Maybe I'm completely daft for thinking I can accomplish this, but I don't think so. If two bicycle mechanics in Dayton Ohio can fly using nothing but wood, canvas and balls then I can build my goofy little commuter vehicle. I won't even need to build a wind tunnel.
The Aprilia Magnet
Via Gizmag, this Aprilia Magnet concept is getting very, very close to what I have in mind. I've considered the front wheel electric hybrid drive also, but for cost and complexity's sake don't think they'll make it into my final vehicle. Besides, this is less about speed and more about stability and efficiency.
Retropolis Rocket Works
On Flickr, Dickdavid says that my Concept #2 sketch reminds him of this. I hadn’t thought about going an Art Deco route. Love it! Mostly, I’ve had Modernist in my head.
