Well, It Started Right Up...

[LeChatNoir]

The Contraption that is...

Fired up on the first compression stroke of the first crank. Gotta give that little diesel engine some kudos. Since 2010, I've tried to run it at least once a year to keep things oiled up and limber and this time didn't disappoint either. All the lights still work and everything seems to be pretty much in order. There's a few issues to address, such as needing a new temperature gauge and keyswitch as well as going through all the linkages and giving them new grease and all that.

Still, pretty happy this evening about awakening an old friend and returning to the playa this year, after a four year dry spell, has left my batteries feeling a bit recharged. Now if...

IF... the old rust bucket were to return to the playa in 2015, there are some things to address. The lighting will have to be stepped up a notch to meet the DMV's expectations. They gave a night license in 2010, but asked me to pep it up a bit on the next go-round. I like hidden and indirect lighting so that during the daytime you can't really see any of it, so I'll have to give some thought to that part. The second thing is that the flame effect has to be updated to meet the newer requirements. Again, no problem, just some homework and wrenching.

And if anyone doesn't know about (or does and cares to relive) the project, you can follow along with the failures and successes of the build starting in 2007 when the first bits of castoff agricultural iron rolled out of an overgrown field and began to take on a new life, beginning in this thread here:

The First Contraption Thread

Not sure where a new thread will lead to, but I guess we'll see!

[Elliot]

IT'S ALIVE! RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!

[GreyCoyote]

You and I have much beer to drink together. I am an avid Listeroid fan and have one sitting in the driveway (looking large, smelly, greasy and noisy) as we speak.

I may have to do something steampunkish and join you!!

[LeChatNoir]

Do it... DOOOO IT!

I love the Listeroids. They're just fun to look at. The Changfoid I wound up using is really a decent engine, but it required a bit of work to get it really ready for the long haul. I enjoyed just watching it run today, with all the gears and pulleys whirling away.

[unjonharley]

More junk on the playa that is just what we need..

[LeChatNoir]

Just when you thought your junk was enough.

[^Rhino!]

You and I have much beer to drink together. I am an avid Listeroid fan and have one sitting in the driveway (looking large, smelly, greasy and noisy) as we speak.

I may have to do something steampunkish and join you!!

Grey Coyote, I got a source for you:

http://www.generatorsales.com/order/lister-parts.asp

The have complete 1-cylinder Lister diesel engine parts kits for under $600.

I hope it works for you.

[AntiM]

I must make my steampunk outfit and go for a ride with you!

[GreyCoyote]

Rhino: those are the Central Maine Diesel boys. A good bunch, indeed! They got their hands slapped pretty hard by the feds for importing and selling complete listeroids. They then went into "parts mode", and got slapped again. Nowadays you can buy a "complete engine kit" but it doesnt include the crankcase/bottom block.

So if you know of anyone with a 6/1 block sitting around, you can indeed have some fun!!!

[LeChatNoir]

It's been really tough to find parts for the Changfoids too... seems even harder than the Listeroids. Regulations really cut into that I guess. I understand it and do believe it good in the long run, but still I think there are other places it could be more effective rather than a comparatively few people running gensets or other smaller devices. Very glad I got the one I did. I'm pretty sure I got the very last one that the distributor had when I made the purchase because the day after I bought it, they listed no more on their website. Phew...

Anyways, to me I get joy out of just watching them run, putting and pinging along. And it performed very well on the playa too. We probably put 10, maybe 15 miles on The Contraption in 2010 and burned very little diesel. Compared to at most 2 miles the year before the the old 1928 Hercules engine that's pretty good.

[ygmir]

Hooray for LCN!! sure be great to see the Contraption on playa..........I'll always remember our meeting, not knowing eachother, but both recognizing eachothers MV's, jumping off and running for hugs and laughter!!
Great seein you two this year!! sorry we didn't get to spend more time chatting.

and GC, as LCN said: DOOO EEETTT!!

[wraith]

Muahahah. IT LIVES!

I hope you do decide to come out, LCN. I've been wanting to see that thing in person since I joined up here, and it looks like this year is going to get me back to the Playa as well...

[LeChatNoir]

Hey wraith! We're acting like we'll be there so hopefully we actually will.

I got the temp gauge fixed and then drove it right into the shop to inspect/work on everything. Got it all greased up, oiled and rolling smoothly along. Also finally got a good plan for the lighting additions so I think we'll meet the DMV's requests for that. Primarily indirect and hidden from view during the day. Got some ideas for a few other additions too, so we'll see how things pan out. I'll detail it out as it goes here, probably on a new thread as soon as they open up the 2015 Art section.

[bigbluedoggy]

Ooooo! The Contraption back on the playa! What a great thing that will be! It was great to see you both at the M&G this year. Sorry we didn't get to spend any more time chatting but I think you had a lot of catching up to do!

Hey, maybe I can actually get that ride... lol

[theCryptofishist]

Dang, maybe I'll drive out to some place in Nevada, and we can eat at some scary, greasy diner...

[LeChatNoir]

Scary greasy diner sounds fun!

I've got a list going of parts and potential updates so as soon as we get through a few current business projects, I'll post details...

[theCryptofishist]

Just don't get grease on your fur.

[^Rhino!]

Now, if we can get it to lead Boo Boo Kitty around the playa.......

[MyDearFriend]

I admire you and your lovely wife so tremendously; I hope to meet you this year, in the dust, and get a look at the legendary Contraption.

[Elorrum]

Yay LCN, And Karine, and The Contraption. Updates and ideas as they bubble up please.

[LeChatNoir]

Whoot!!

Things are quite hectic here as we wind up some projects for 2014 and look ahead to the new year. I'll update as soon as any new Contraption ideas start to come to life.

[Elliot]

...probably on a new thread as soon as they open up the 2015 Art section.

I don't know, but I would not be surprised if a Moderator can move this topic to 2015.

[LeChatNoir]

Looks like they already did!! Nice...

[The CO]

I have a huge crush on Le Contraption.

I would delight in seeing it return.

[unjonharley]

I have a huge crush on Le Contraption.

I would delight in seeing it return.

And, I want to see you this year.. I'll be with Elliot's Bicycle Camp..

[LeChatNoir]

So far things look promising. We're waiting for ticket sales to open up.

[unjonharley]

So far things look promising. We're waiting for ticket sales to open up.

Are you still planing to bring that pile of junk?? There will be hell to pay if I do not get a ride..

[LeChatNoir]

So far bringing the Ol' Rust Bucket is the plan.

And yet somehow, I get the feeling that you will give me hell either way.

[unjonharley]

So far bringing the Ol' Rust Bucket is the plan.

And yet somehow, I get the feeling that you will give me hell either way.

HuH

[LeChatNoir]

Ha ha!!