Motorheads start young. Sure, someone over 30 or even 40 can develop an interest in cars and high performance and begin working on engines for fun, but based on past experience, it’s more likely teenagers who first get the bug, maybe developing a passion for a hobby or career that lasts the rest of their lives. As Baby Boomers, many of us lived through the heyday of hot rodding … [Read more...]
Get a Degree in Motorcycle Engineering
When reading about the engine rebuilding book written by Paul Olesen, you may have noticed the reference to the engineering program at the University of Wales - Trinity St. David, where he obtained his degree. They offer a course of study leading to a Bachelor's degree in motorcycle engineering that looks to be a rather substantial effort, turning out graduates ready to step … [Read more...]
MOSS Modular Robot Construction Kits Are Amazing
Do you like building things? Do you like stuff that moves? Before I say anything else, let me just say, you want one of these kits. It's a Kickstarter campaign that just began and I think it will be huge. These things are already being built and they look absolutely amazing. If you think robotics is pretty cool, but you don't have time to dig into the really technical stuff and … [Read more...]
What is Horsepower and Torque?
Since this discussion happens so often, as it has, again, on the previous post, it's about time we explain horsepower and torque and how they relate. There are a lot of misconceptions, but there doesn't have to be because both are straightforward terms used everyday when motor vehicles (and a lot of other things) are discussed. Please read this entire article carefully … [Read more...]
The Harley Hybrid – West Philly High EVX Focus
Everyone knows how bad the average big city urban high school is, right? No way students could ever accomplish anything, well, except when they do. West Philadelphia High School is one of those places where you wouldn't expect much, but the students under the direction of Simon Hauger, an ex-GE engineer, built two cars to compete for the Automotive X Prize. Going up against … [Read more...]
3D Design Software Shows Even Free has a Cost
In the latest Make magazine, they mention two 3D design programs available on the Internet, Tinkercad and 3dTin, both offered at the now very popular price of free. After I wrote about Autodesk Inventor Fusion a few weeks ago, also free for a limited time, I couldn't help but think, some of this free software could be very expensive and you should compare what "free" costs … [Read more...]