Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[Rivet_101]

Buzzy Bee, I liked the look of that penny farthing in your personal introduction - looks incredibly impressive. Please would you tell us how you made it....enclosing any pictures. I'd live to make one.

You aren't a smithy, are you?

[buzzy bee]

Hi

I am working with a artist blacksmith at the moment.

The penny farthing was quite simple to make, but hard to ride!! I have fallen off many times and it hurts!! I am going to make another one, once I have got a bit further on with the pickup. The one I have made so far used parts from an old bicycle, these parts included the rear wheel, the pedals and cranks and the headstock. The forks are easy to make along with the backbone. The front wheel was a little challenging and time consuming haveing to make the spokes and the centre hub, then bend a piece of angle for the rim through 360 degrees.

There is another thread on this site following me making it, and som epictures:- http://www.oldclassiccar.co.uk/forum/phpbb/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=721

Cheers

Dave

[Rivet_101]

I am dead impressed!.....not to mention, envious!

So, how did you stop the backbone straightening out?

[buzzy bee]

Hi

Thanks for the positive feedback!

The backbone is still straightening out at the moment, but not as bad as it used to. I am going to use some bigger tube with a thicker wall and also I have been told to fill the tube with something, but not sure what as want to keep the weight down. I was thinking of heat treating it to make it less maluable but this need lots of thought as if I get it wrong it could turn into a big spring!

I will let you know how I get on!

Cheers

Dave