Hi Tom;
Front wheel drive/steer is tricky because if you don't get the swivel axis
of the steered wheel right over the contact point with the ground it makes
for wiggly handling. I always thought that the polywog only straightened out
after aero forces began to dominate the handling. I thought we ought to be
able to at least try it too but see my reply to John.
Jim in Palmdale
----- Original Message -----
From: Thomas E. Bryant <saltracer@awwwsome.com>
To: Jim Dincau <jdincau@qnet.com>
Cc: john robinson <john@engr.wisc.edu>; dahlgren <dahlgren@uconect.net>;
<land-speed@autox.team.net>
Sent: Wednesday, May 24, 2000 2:24 PM
Subject: Re: Fuel and Gas Class
> Jim,
> I suppose this rear steer idea is perpetuated because of the problems
> encounter with steering the front drive car. You probably remember Bill
> Summers front drive streamliner (polliwog), it was front drive, front
> steer, and looked like it was swimming until it reached about 200 MPH.
> Steering movement is greatly magnified, when steering drive wheels. Of
> course this car had the rear wheels in tandem. Walkey's car seems to go
> straight from the push board.
>
> I can't understand why rear steering should not be allowed. I have seen
> some pretty strange stuff on the Salt. Rope steering, vision by
> periscope to mention a couple. If it becomes a safety issue, then bar
> the car.
>
> Tom, Redding CA - #216 D/CC
>
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