Let's Talk Cyclecars

Easy to change gear ratios too.

 

... price could be one of the reasons! Maybe, the weight, too?
Then, they have experience from the first variants of G.N. cyclecars with the same system, but something simpler...
But, I suppose that quick change of speeds with dog-clutches for each pair of sprocets/chain, possible even without use of "normal" clutch, except for start. That was period without synchromesh gears! That was experience from my old internet friends that used to drive Fraser-Nashes at vintage races.
Maybe, here could be find members with such experience and direct impressions?

Ciao,
Zoran​

 

P.S.: Dodge, sorry couldn't see your comment during writing my answer - but you said that in simpler way and the meaning is the same!
Zoran

 

Salmson special on offer through www.PreWarCar.com

http://www.prewarcar.com/index.php?option=com_caradvert&view=ad&section_id=1&id=174803&Itemid=432

 

For me it is clear that i will use for my Curtiss aero engined car project a chain drive like GN or Frazer Nash without a differential,it must be a driving expirience from outer space.

 

I'd say, the third member is only a bevel drive, without a differential, which makes it simpler and lighter (the lack of a differential would be problematic if grippier tyres were used, but it is easy enough to incorporate one in the actual rear axle);
Chains and sprockets are lighter than cogs of the same power capacity, and a heavy gearbox case is avoided - also because chains stress the structure in compression rather than tension as with a gearbox case;
Making the shift dogs bulky chassis components rather than fiddly internal gearbox parts makes it possible for them to be robust but light;
Ease of repair and modification has already been mentioned, as has low manufacturing cost;
Rear suspension travel on cars of this sort tends toward the nonexistent anyway, so chain twisting due to roll isn't really an issue.

Disadvantages are physical bulk despite low weight, and the need for rather more hands-on maintenance than has become the norm.

By the way, does anyone have chassis dimensions or blueprints of the chain-drive Frazer Nash?

 

I don't really think any of the mechanical advantages we consider today in the chain drive were the actual impetus for it's employ by the original designers.

 

I think technological accessibility was the main consideration. GNs and Frazer Nashes basically required zero capital to make, compared to the modern norm.

 

It never occurred to me that it was doubling as a "gearbox", I've never seen one up close, I always assumed there was a gearbox and spider gear in the third member... I learned something today. The name cycle car makes even more sense now.
I'm assuming both rear wheel get power so how does it behave in tight cornering? Or is there a way of some slipping?

 

1922 Bleriot,may be a repost.

 

A special.

 

Slipping probably occurs when a tire slips more than anything else.here is the wild man Dougal of Longstone Tyres with his GN "PIGLET".

 

Morgan

 

Tam plin from M.T. ...

 

Harley Powered ...

 

1920 Graheme - White 3.3H.P. .. R.A. pic.

 

Morgan @ Prescott in 1988 via G.L.C. ...

 

The one that I drove acted just fine on the road cornering. Even full lock turns at low speed didn't produce any squeal, or hopping. I suppose that rear tire life was short, but not a concern for Dugal. Gear changing was a dream--as quick as a motorcycle, with no clutch. I could have bought JB285 for $1500, but had just bought a new family car, and the money just wasn't there. This was in 1966. Biggest "wish I had" in a whole life of dumb moves

Herb Kephart

 

Herb,it's such a shock to see the money they get for those then economy cars now!

 

from the Morgan Motor Car Co..the paint job was done by these folks...http://www.popbangcolour.com/

 

Peter Giddings wrote a good article about chain gang Nash http://petergiddings.com/Peter_articles/chain_gang.html

 

The Automobile

 

1960 Chateau Impney Hill - Climb.Doc Taylor driving the GN Caesar. GLC/PT pic ...

 

Fazer Nash ALM4 GLC/RN pic ...

 

Advert for Georges IRAT GLC pic ...

 

Although not cyclecars....here are some cars Marc saw at InterClassics Topmobiel Maastricht,Netherlands

 

From GLC ...

 

Wow, any more pictures or info on the blue Delage?

Sorry just found some on mecanicimport.com"

 

Apologies not required! ....though exuberance and unfetterred excitement ARE mandatory