1/4 RC models for off-the-shelf parts
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URL: https://forum.bhpc.org.uk/forum_posts.asp?TID=6491
Printed Date: 27 March 2026 at 2:18am
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Topic: 1/4 RC models for off-the-shelf parts
Posted By: runcyclexcski
Subject: 1/4 RC models for off-the-shelf parts
Date Posted: 04 June 2017 at 6:50pm
Been researching suspension, steering, drivetrains, etc for a few weeks now. Velomobiles seem to be in this uncanny valley of being not proper cars (with powers 1/50 or less than that of a car), but too complex to be bicycles. Since I am thinking of something that would be traffic- and weather worthy, I am leaning towards the car 'design points'. In the long run, I would like to leave space for an electric motor as well, just waiting for battery technology to catch up. In the mean time, the lighter and faster I can make it for human power, the better it will work as an EV as well.
So... I was looking at suspension parts for 'small cars' like ATVs, racing karts, etc. There is a big market for parts, for a very good price, in all kinds of quality materials. Still, those are way too heavy, as they are meant to handle 20+ HP and 600 lb in weight (400 lb being the rider...)-- an overkill for a velo. But I do not want to make my own miniature axles, hubs, etc, either. OK, there are some useful components on McMaster that look like scaled-down versions of drive-shafts, but they are still heavy-duty,
Then I've looked at specs of large RC toys (1/4 scale), and found that some of them weigh 40 lbs and are powered by 3+ HP motors. 3HPs is way more than a VM is expected to deliver. There are plenty of parts for those (strange) RC things, as the market is probably worth 10x the velo market :) . I never thought much of the RC field, particularly the monster truck stuff (sorry if I offended any RC enthusiasts). But, for once, I was ready to embrace them, as the RCers might be a good source of off-the shelf parts for velos, as long as parts are made of quality materials (steel, AL etc). What do you think?
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Replies:
Posted By: Yanto
Date Posted: 05 June 2017 at 7:19am
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Velomobile parts have been developed over 20 odd years, light mostly simple and cheap. I don't know what complexity you are referring to which makes them not a bicycle, but yes they aren't bicycles, velomobiles have 3 or 4 wheels for starters, and they most certainly are not cars.
Why don't you come and have a look at a velomobile and have a chat?
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Posted By: runcyclexcski
Date Posted: 05 June 2017 at 11:55am
Actually, I am visiting the folks that make the Quest, so, it is on my schedule.
At 7000+ quid a piece, cheap is not the first word that comes to mind... :) I have ridden recumbent bikes and trikes, so, I am familiar with the tadpole design. I am a looking for something different, as I want the drivetrain to be sealed.
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Posted By: Yanto
Date Posted: 05 June 2017 at 12:06pm
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I didn't say Velomobiles were cheap, I said the components are (the bespoke items), the cost (high) of velomobiles is due to being hand built in a relatively few numbers.
I would say this though, despite my Df being "expensive" there are still a lot of bicycles that cost as much, and I'm much faster in my Df than i ever could be on a bike, so £/performance given they win hands down for me.
I don't think I can help you though if you are going to Dronten, but as you are you might as well go round the corner and have a look at the Df as well and talk to Ymte.
Good luck and keep us posted on how you get on.
Ian
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Posted By: runcyclexcski
Date Posted: 05 June 2017 at 4:11pm
>>>due to being hand built in a relatively few numbers
Ian -- yes, I agree that this is what drives the cost. So I am researching for low-tech methods to build v-mobiles, as enthusiasts and hobbyists have time on their hands, and since I am investing my time I might as well try smth different, so that people can learn from my mistakes.
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Posted By: Yanto
Date Posted: 05 June 2017 at 5:43pm
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have you visited BROL?
http://www.bentrideronline.com/messageboard/forumdisplay.php?f=11" rel="nofollow - http://www.bentrideronline.com/messageboard/forumdisplay.php?f=11
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