Well, like a lot of other CycleKarters, I’ve been planning another! It won’t be completed anytime soon, (still no workshop), but I’ve been gathering components over the last 12 months.
The chassis is a second-hand ‘Brooklands‘ from the defunct ‘CycleKart UK’ with some modifications, engine the Tillotson TPP-212E, Comet TAV2, second-hand Kelgate kart brakes, 17” pit bike wheels all round, Gemini complete front axle and hubs, 25 rear axle with Gemini wheel adapter plates (as described in my previous technical post) and a set of old leaf springs also from CycleKart UK.
It’s taken me a while to choose an inspiration vehicle (despite constant badgering from Mr Nolan), but I think the Sunbeam ticks a few boxes:
• The provenance; Sir Henry Segrave winning the French GP: first GP win for a British driver!
• Shape; It’s not overly complicated, but enough variation to give it a presence. The driving position is quite far forward; with a little artistic license I hope to get the engine low and in front of the rear axle? (short legs may become a winning advantage!). The rear boat tail includes the appearance of a ‘lid section’ which will be useful to remove whilst running hot, without ruining the silhouette.
• There are plans, photos, even videos available, but people will not be able to stand it next to the real thing and make a comparison! I don’t intend to make a scaled down copy; I will introduce a little interpretation, (just getting my excuses out there early!).
• It’s very Green!
What else have I learnt from the MG? Well it definitely needs to be narrower and lighter. All the mechanicals need quick and easy access for checking and maintenance during runs. I will stick with simple ‘Pitman arm’ go kart steering; I have looked at rack and pinion, but from my own driving experience and reading others’ comments, it’s my choice due to responsiveness. I have looked at the ‘Peerless 100’ differential, but again, reading others’ comments I have decided against it …. anyway, Adrian will have perfected his rear-axle slip-clutch by then! Decent brakes, low centre of gravity, keep it light!
I would like to reserve racing number 12 if possible, as it epitomises Major Segrave’s winning car.
https://youtu.be/f940hmTNPzc