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"the [science fiction] writer should be able to convince the reader (and himself) that the wonders he is describing really can come true...and that gets tricky when you take a good, hard look at the world around you."
- Frederik Pohl
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| Steel Tortoise | ||
| An all-terrain vehicle, grandfather to the four-wheeler. |
I like the term and the device. It is interesting to note how it is designed to be essentially free of any additional stuff - doesn't need gas, doesn't need maintenance, doesn't have parts designed to be replaceable like tires, and so forth.
| He turned and commenced loading his steel tortoise. Under the romantic influence of the classic literature of a bygone day he had considered using a string of burros, but had been unable to find a zoo that would sell them to him... The vehicle he had chosen was not an unreasonable substitute for burros. It was extremely rugged, easy to operate, and almost foolproof. It drew its power from six square yards of sunpower screens on its low curved roof. These drove a constant- load motor, or, when halted, replenished the storage battery against cloudy weather, or night travel. The bearings were 'everlasting', and every moving part, other than the caterpillar treads and the controls, were sealed up, secure from inexpert tinkering. It could maintain a steady six miles per hour on smooth, level pavement. When confronted by hills, or rough terrain, it did not stop, but simply slowed until the task demanded equaled its steady power output. The steel tortoise gave MacKinnon a feeling of Crusoe- like independence. |
| From Coventry,
by Robert Heinlein. Published by Not Known in 1940 Additional resources -
|
I really think there is a future for a device like this. If you are exploring or trekking, you don't really care how fast you're going. The fact that you are completely free of filling stations gives a remarkable dimension to the vehicle.
On the other hand, you might want to check the entry for sunpower screen. With today's technology, this baby might have more power than you think - a tortoise that could beat the hare fair and square.
For an alternative power source on a similar vehicle, be sure to check out the power-wagon, a creation of Jack Vance in The Last Castle.
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Additional
resources:
More Ideas
and Technology from Coventry
More Ideas
and Technology by Robert Heinlein
Tech news articles related to Coventry
Tech news articles related to works by Robert Heinlein
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- Who First Thought About Solar Powered Cars?
- REX Infantry Robotic Porter Follows Soldiers
- UM Solar Car Now Also With IBM Research Power
- Sion Electric Car Covered With Solar Panels
| Tesla Driver Caught Napping Behind The Wheel |
| Rplate Digital License Plates Now Legal In Michigan |
| Yandex Self-Driving Taxi Is Very Smooth |
| Tesla Model 3 Has Outside Speaker Grille |
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