TSO-D Day 5: Test Runs Reveal Fixes to be Made

Most Tinkerers are revving their engines, ready to pedal or push their carts in test runs designed to reveal any major and minor fixes that might be needed. Not to mention, it’s difficult to contain the excitement of anticipation as Tinkerers’ imaginations have been dreaming about how their vehicles will ride along a path or down a hill.

Oliver, A.J., Morgan, and Claire discuss possible test run locations.

As Tinkerers, the question is how they can work together to improve their builds, and today was meant for such considerations. One junior team set their car in motion to test the effectiveness of their brakes and the agility of their steering.

“It’s kind of touchy and likes to do what it wants,” Chuck says after completing the first test run. “You gotta pull the rope and push down [on the axle] with your feet.”

Nate places a bicycle chain on his team’s tricycle for pedal propulsion.

For some teams, the mechanisms strained under movement. The steering doesn’t work when a Tinkerer sits in the driver’s seat. The bicycle chain breaks under steering movement. Another bicycle chain continues to fall off when pedaling. The front tire of a cart doesn’t have enough traction or weight to go. So begins the fine tuning of propulsion.

Tal, Reid, Talia and Annibeth work on steering for their vehicle.

Still successes were achieved along with some beautification of the vehicles. Seats were decorated as were license plates. With such achievements, the Tour de Tinkering will be ready for race day.

Check out the photo slideshow and video of our Tinkerers’ vehicles and visit with UC Elkus’ ranch animals.