“Cocoon” on the snow

Domodedovo aerosleds: layout, propeller, frame

At the end of winter in 1974, on snow-covered fields near the airport “Domodedovo”, an unusual machine appeared—something like the egg of a fairy bird Rukh, or like a gigantic cocoon. Leaving behind clouds of snowy dust, it slid over the plain at an impressive speed and easily overcame fairly steep climbs. Its maneuverability astonished Read more…

Small but precious!

KA-1 opposed engine with a disc spool valve

Choosing a suitable engine for aerosleds is a far from simple task. Series engines, for many parameters (in particular, specific power), do not satisfy amateur designers. That is why some enthusiasts choose a rather complex, but correct, path: to create motors of their own design using units and parts from series engines. The editorial office Read more…

High-capacity vacuum cleaner

Maxi Workshop Vacuum: External Dust Collector and Filtration

Before any home workshop maker sooner or later faces the problem of cleaning the workshop. However, it is not always possible to get by with a broom or brushes. An optimal solution could be a household vacuum cleaner. Of course, in stores that sell various powered tools you can find special vacuum cleaners for workshops, Read more…

“Sokol-2” — conqueror of Dombay

Delta glider «Sokol-2»: sail design & flight qualities

The best delta glider of amateur construction that took part in the «Dombai Peaks» competition in 1978 was recognized as the «Sokol-2». Its creator was V. D. Mikhailov, a Master of Sport from Leningrad, a well-known specialist in designing and sewing yacht sails. Therefore, his desire to use the latest achievements in sailing sports when Read more…

House made from containers

House of Brick and Plastic Bottles

I have been a loyal reader of your magazine for more than 25 years. Responding to your call to subscribers to be not only readers but also active authors, I decided to share an interesting technology based on which I built my residential house: while erecting the walls, I widely used plastic bottle containers. I Read more…

Simplicity plus reliability

Arfa snowmobile: design and main components

The simplicity of the “Arfa” design is probably unique. The vehicle has only six main parts: a frame with an engine, a rear axle, wheels, a ski with a steering rod, and a steering wheel. The snowmobile’s reliability and low maintenance match the very highest requirements imposed on a vehicle intended for autonomous runs across Read more…

With water in the… wheels

Ostapenko's three-wheel tractor-tug: all-terrain

Original and practical designs by the Vinnytsia resident Oleg Andreyevich Ostapenko clearly appealed to the readers of our magazine. After a Central TV broadcast “This You Can”, in which the editorial office plays an active role, and a publication in “Fotopanorama” (see “M-K” No. 1 for 1986) of some developments by a self-taught designer, many Read more…