Before introducing the material below, we’d like to recall a short note in issue No. 2 of our journal for 1979 — “Folding sleds.” The reason is that the author of both designs is the same — our reader from Kazan, E. Zakharov. His technical creativity was prompted by a little son who every morning Read more…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
“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…
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…
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…
