Steering

[Richard]

Has ANYBODY built a toylander using 'standard' steering setup as supplied by Richard?

Hi Bill,
Yes I have built a few [21 cars in the last seven years] using the standard steering set up. It is go-kart technology of the KISS system [Keep It Straightforward and Simple] which means it is quick. We have used the same design for the last last twenty two years and we have had every age from two year olds to an eighty three years young Granny drive our cars at shows or here in our yard. We even had the editor of Kit Cars International magazine drive it round the indoor show at Stafford last year, in amongst some very expensive kit. There are four show cars and the prototype Toylander about here all of which are available for road test.

Everything we offer is designed to be functional and simple to make but as soon as these boys on here come up with a better system that meets the criteria we'll adopt it in order to improve the builders lot. So keep at it lads. Degrees on the way?

All the best, Richard

[multisync]

Hi Bill
How are you?
Yes, I built the steering more or less as per the manual. with a swing axle and nuts and bolts for the links. No ball joints. No additional bracing to the swing axle.
I actually made a small error in the build that causes the wheel to foul the wing on full swing and full lock. To overcome this I have fitted steering stops, and this has caused me another minor problem.
If I had followed the manual exactly, I would not have these slight problems, so I think that if you follow Richards instructions you will have a successful result. Getting a happy medium, without strain on the linkage at the extremities of the swing and lock is the only real problem, and takes a little time to get right.

Although I am interested in the modifications and improvements to the steering, any changes I make will really be for my own enjoyment in doing the engineering! I don't feel that the huge amount of work, and the headaches, is really justified by the the improvements as the young users don't see anything wrong with it! (The twitchy steering is only a direct link, just like a pedal cycle anyway.) It seems to be quite successful, so I have no real intention of changing it at present.

The way I see it, if you want a reasonably quick solution that works......follow the manual............on the other hand........if you want a project, and enjoy the challenge..........well go your own way and enjoy the project!
Best Wishes
Walter

[ted-offroad]

Walter,
I have to laugh at your last post!
The original design is brilliant, simple & works but we convince ourselves that it's not right just so we can play, create & spend more money to develop it. We will then get stressed & have sleepless nights wondering how to get it to work the way we want it to and kick ourselves when we miss something.
I guess it all becomes worth it when it actually works & is finished but then we will find something else that just has to be improved because it aint as good as it can be!
Bug*ers for punishment!!!
 
Ted

[multisync]

Hi Ted
yes....you've hit the nail on the head there............bug*ers for punishment is right................take care
Walter

[bill shuter]

I've used all the steering from the Scooter ( being a cheapskate ), which was obviously centre mounted, so I've stretched/shortened linkages as required. It seems to be OK, but I've only driven it around the lounge with a spanner acting as a steering wheel. The actual column I had to make. Interesting reading, all the different methods people have used!
Hi Walter, not been on much lately as my home PC picked up a nasty virus!
Bill

[ted-offroad]

So back on track (rod end) of steering!
 

I got my steering wheel through the post yesterday. An immaculate 300mm suede covered Kart wheel. Looks really good (especially for ?11 off e-bay!) but seeing it's size wondered if it was still too big? What size wheels have you guy's used?

Cheers
Ted

[bill shuter]

When I built a Mayfair for my kids, about 25 years ago, I made the wheel from 1/8 alloy plate with MDF glued to it, then filed to shape. If memory serves me correctly that was about 8-9in across. Also it wasn't that hard to do, I'm certainly going to make another for the Geepstar.

[markh15]

Hi Ted,
Mine came from a 'Sega' Arcade game console via Ebay, and measures 10" in diameter.

I have seen steering wheels advertised on Ebay, for other types of ride on toys. I found this one with a quick search....

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/DINO-PEDAL-GO-KART-CART-STEERING-WHEEL-11_W0QQitemZ360127352223QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Toys_Games_Outdoor_Play_Equipment_LE?hash=item53d9434d9f&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A12%7C66%3A2%7C39%3A1%7C72%3A1688%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A4%7C294%3A50

?25 quid is a bit steep and it's a little big at 11".  

Alternatively, Richard at Toylander supplies a nice 8" diameter one, that would look great in the Defender. There's a good shot of it in the gallery.
Look in the 'Toylander 1' section, the picture on the second row, second in from the left, is the one I have in mind.

Hope this helped,
Regards,
Mark.

[multisync]

Hi Ted
I bought my wheel from Richard at Toylander, it's 8 inches diameter, the handbook gives details on how to make your own, also 8 inches.
I feel thats its a little on the small side, and would opt for something very slightly bigger if I had a choice, but 300 mm, thats nearly a foot in old money, and I think may look out of place.
It will give more leverage for the steering though, so now that you've got it, I would go with it and if you're unhappy with it, change it at a later date.
Keep busy
Walter

[jimmyybob]

LOOK what i have found.....tiny steering racks, this one is only 8inches from end to end and they are available in 8" 11" 14" 16".
Very cool...i want one.

[markh15]

Hi JB,
That's great, but you don't say where you found it! Or are you keeping it a secret, so that you can be the first with 'Rack and Pinion' steering? (you rotter)

It looks well engineered, and just right for the applications needed for 'Toylander' builds.

Keep Busy,
Regards,
Mark.

[brian]

It also looks very very expensive, just a thought.

Brian.

[bill shuter]

That looks amazing. Who's gonna buy one first?

[la_coterie]

google is your friend
http://www.desertkarts.com/item80862.ctlg
less than 100bucks..hmmmm I wouldn't want to try and make one for that money....

[markh15]

Hi Guys,
The 8" unit looks about right for the cars.
 
It comes in at $89, which is, as Steve points out, cheap enough. Certainly cheaper than building one.

Have to work out the '$' to '?' conversion rate (and shipping).  The rack it's self works out at about ?54, plus shipping.

Have just done some quick calculations on the site, the shipping by UPS Worldwide Express is $86, bringing the total to $175, which is ?105!!

Still want one...?

Keep Busy,
Regards,
Mark.