Fetching firewood with a chainsaw

Motonarts from a “Ural” chainsaw: DIY snow scooter

Winter in our northern parts is long. There aren’t many roads, and even those don’t manage to clear snow in time. That’s why it’s hard for people here to get by without snowmobile machines, especially when you often have to ride completely off-road (for example, into the forest for firewood) — right across piled-up snowdrifts. Read more…

“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…

“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…

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…

Series “P”

PM Aerosled Story: M. Psaryov’s Path to the PM-4 Design

“My childhood fell on the hard postwar years,” begins M. I. Psaryov in his letter to the editorial office. “Back then, we made our own toys. Apparently, that is what planted in my soul a love for designing – all my life I have never parted with tools, metal, wood, and, of course, pencil and Read more…

On tomorrow’s street

Light pedal car — pedicar

Is it really necessary to divide transport into urban, intercity, off-road? Wouldn’t it be better to create some kind of universal one that could be used everywhere? It must be said that there have been many such attempts throughout the history of technology. But life shows their failure. The search for something universal, suitable for Read more…

First a bicycle, then a motorcycle

DIY two-seater four-wheel velomobile with soft suspension

No one will argue that a velomobile is good for your health. And for lovers of technical creativity it is doubly useful, as it provides invaluable experience before building more advanced designs. The velomobile described here was designed and built in the workshop of the Young Technicians’ Station in our city together with club members. Read more…

Buggies for training and sports

Buggy: DIY Cross-Country Car Build Guide

Many youth technical stations have their karting sections. The kids who train in these sections build and improve their karts themselves, achieving very good results in competitions. So what’s next? Logically — high-speed racing cars. But teenagers cannot compete in them: driver’s licenses can only be obtained from the age of 18. In recent years, Read more…