Meccano 1902 Ivel Tractor

Описание: I was inspired to build this 1902 Ivel tractor by René Mikkers who had his version published in Meccano Constructor Quarterly.
I decided to try to build my version at twice the scale of Renés’ which proved challenging. There are no Meccano gears that are big enough to adequately represent the reversing gear train but I was fortunate that Dan Albone’s prototype tractor had no reverse, so I copied that version. I’ve also added some details from later models to make it more interesting. It looks like many variations appeared through the years, probably with lots of “after-market” modifications. In general the build approach that worked seemed to be to “think big” for every component. Obviously there are lots of Meccano design compromises, but overall I think it looks reasonable.
I must say that despite being smaller, René’s version has more charm and captures the “feel” better than mine.
It was named the Ivel after Dan’s his bicycle business and also the river Ivel which ran though Biggleswade where he was established. The engine was a 2.9 litre 2-cylinder horizontally opposed petrol engine of 24 hp using a simple thermo-syphon cooling system employing a 4-gallon tank as a radiator The main drive used an unusual “Reynolds” chain which works with gears rather than sprockets. The machine was a lightweight at 2,880 pounds and this proved its eventual undoing when heavier models outclassed it.
Around 500 were made with an original sale price of £300 but the last sale (by auction) in 2019 realised a staggering £310,000 (before auction costs)!
Dan Albone’s tractor invention received 31 gold and silver medals at agricultural shows in many parts of Britain and abroad. Only Seven Ivel Agricultural Motors (the term “tractor” didn’t exist in 1902) survive around the world. Dan tragically died in On October 30, 1906 at the early age of 46, due to a seizure – brought on by being struck by lightning (while demonstrating his tractor at night in a thunderstorm).