17-05-2022, 04:00 AM
I suppose if he had seen a few other engines he could proportion all, but even very basic calculations like con rod bolts, gudegeon etc require some skills, involving ability about 1 st year university level, with about 6 th form a prerequisite. I dunno if he had covered or when (In NZ there was a notable mechanic Ralph Watson. He built a Lycoming based sports car special which was successful in local sports car racing....and ran in local GP! He attended night classes in later life. Published a book with stub axle stress, axle shafts, weight distribution cornering etc. And gave disturbing calcs for other cars built without calcs!) The thin crank was very nicely proportioned; warrants hanging on the wall. The drive shaft and torque tube seems complex cf other cars which simply clamped ed the axle to the 1/4 springs. Presumably less safe.