The advantages of an outboard waterjet were already discussed in the article «Water instead of a propeller». Now we will tell you about its design. The waterjet installation we developed is intended for a wide range of enthusiasts. The waterjet is designed for a two-cylinder SM-557L engine, but can work with any other engine that Read more…
When designing this car roof rack, the aim was to create a device that, in addition to everyday use, would suit the active outdoor enthusiast—allowing two sets of sailboards to be carried in summer and (with minor changes) 5–6 pairs of skis in winter. Given the considerable weight of two sets of sailboards (about 54 Read more…
In Bashkortostan, we call the Belaya River “Agidel” — a favorite recreation spot for Ufa residents. I named my micromotorcycle “Agidel” as well, because it was conceived primarily as a standard design for fishermen, mushroom pickers, and lovers of long journeys. The purpose determined the main qualities of the machine — high reliability, ease of Read more…
The simplest electrical devices that our magazine offered to beginners work from a 3336L battery for a pocket flashlight. But it cannot provide much energy: after several hours of continuous operation, the battery “runs down”, and then it needs to be replaced. It is much more convenient to power homemade devices from a constant source Read more…
I built the self-propelled chassis called “Bychok” (Little Bull) more than ten years ago. Over this substantial period of use the machine has proved unpretentious, reliable and capable. Its layout is classic: cargo body at the front, driver’s station (in this case open) and engine at the rear; front axle steering, rear axle driven. “Bychok” Read more…
In household practice, a sealing paste known as “Mendeleev’s putty” has long been used: it is commonly used to seal the joints of the frame and glass walls of aquariums. This sealant is plastic at temperatures above approximately +45°C and does not crack after hardening. And although it is diluted by many organic solvents, it Read more…
Almost a hundred years ago, when automobile manufacturing was taking its first steps, curious phenomena were observed in this field from the perspective of our contemporary. Today it goes without saying that an automobile is a vehicle with a gasoline or diesel internal combustion engine (ICE). But in those days, firstly, the automobile was considered Read more…
Low-pressure, large-diameter pneumatic tires are excellent propulsion systems for all-terrain vehicles even in the most difficult road conditions. However, when they work with modern high‑speed engines, they require a significant reduction of angular velocities by means of the transmission and, as a result, an increase in the number of gear stages, as well as in Read more…
What is the microplane “Wasp” created by Kronstadt craftsmen? At first glance, it seems there is nothing new in it. A strut-braced high-wing monoplane, a scheme that has become the most popular among amateur designers. This very scheme was the basis for the microplanes “Leningradets” by N. Tatsiturny, “Malysh” by L. Komarov, “Sputnik” by V. Read more…
Furniture for sitting is usually bought in matching pairs. For example, two folding armchair-beds. Over time they become morally outdated, an anachronism. Throwing them away seems a waste, but converting them… Such armchairs, made by the same factory, have matching overall and mounting dimensions. Because of this, after removing the side panels (legs) on each Read more…
