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Hi Gang...
Paulie here...checking in from the city of Angels with a question for the gathered conclave.
If the stated hurdle for acceptance of a vehicle is that is a proper Mutant Vehicle, not resembling that which it was...then it seems to me based on my viewing of vehicles on the playa, that visibility(for the driver) sometimes suffers....and ergo safety.
No of course, keeping speed to 5 mph tops helps with this, but...these two concepts seem to be a bit in opposition.
Cameras and video monitors to keep an eye on all sides of the vehicle/the playa?
Just wanted to prompt your thoughts.
Weehooo...another yahoo who wants to build an art car...
Paulie
Paulie here...checking in from the city of Angels with a question for the gathered conclave.
If the stated hurdle for acceptance of a vehicle is that is a proper Mutant Vehicle, not resembling that which it was...then it seems to me based on my viewing of vehicles on the playa, that visibility(for the driver) sometimes suffers....and ergo safety.
No of course, keeping speed to 5 mph tops helps with this, but...these two concepts seem to be a bit in opposition.
Cameras and video monitors to keep an eye on all sides of the vehicle/the playa?
Just wanted to prompt your thoughts.
Weehooo...another yahoo who wants to build an art car...
Paulie
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Re: Full Mutation vs. Visibility/Safety
Tue, January 1, 2008 - 10:04 PMsure, there are trade-offs... but that is inherent in any engineering exercise. There is no single right answer.
Some vehicles use people walking along aside to help control the crowds... others make sure the driver can see forwards and arrange for skirting for the back wheels. Keep in mind that at playa speeds the driver needs much less long distance vision, but needs better vision forward. Another way of handling trouble areas is to have riders in seats that help keep watch, and use radio/intercom w/ the drivers -
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Re: Full Mutation vs. Visibility/Safety
Wed, January 2, 2008 - 2:46 AMThe DMV hotties do a pretty good job of taking in to consideration all aspects of the vehicle.
Size, capacity, decor, entrance/egress, fire extinguishers...
A first time mutant rig builder probably won't be worrying too much about having an intercom leading to the rear safety person to make sure the crowd is all in and not dangling off the back of the rig.
Look at the fluorescent fish where the driver and passengers all look through the fishes mouth. not great peripheral vision but they let it free on the Playa.
visually stunning and much a part of the scene.
What are you thinking of building? =) -
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Re: Full Mutation vs. Visibility/Safety
Wed, January 2, 2008 - 3:35 AMThanks for the thoughts, guys. I suspected this was the case...one of those mellifluous "floating targets".
Funny you mention the fish. I had that one exactly in my mind when the visibility/safety question arose.
My thought for the Art Car Project...is to do a rolling version of the U.S. Capital Building, to visit the American Dream Theme. I'm a 3D Artist(Avocationally, and sometimes vocationaly), and a fairly experienced builder of the mundane, but at my job, have access to very cost effective foam milling. I'll begin this visualization with a 3D Model for sure...and one that might be used as a construction asset. I'd love to see the art car have capacity for 5-8 passengers, with the "top" of the building having open seating, and have the dome be hollow and also be a passenger area.
The crazy part is finding the right base vehicle...and the tough part for me is finding a spot to actually construct this thing, not so much getting the elements to come together. I think I need a studio space of some sort, and am looking for industrial rentals in my immediate area that might fit the bill. A larger storage unit might work...but then there's AC access to deal with...
Well, one thing at a time. I'll look for a space, if for nothing else...but to stage all my gear for the Burn...as last year, my little apartment turned into an absurdity around June...and i still have playa covered stuff sitting 4 feet away from me right now. I need a zone! I found a used 14 Foot Box Truck for 2k locally. With the new transmission, It might be the awesome vehicle to haul the camp, and tow the vehicle trailer.
Hey, thanks for the advice, guys. I appreciate it very much.
I'm hungry Sir...can I have some more?
Paulie
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