road train

[Gelrir]

The printed plans for the "classic" Scientific-One vehicle give dimensions as follows: 21.366 meters long, 5.876 meters wide, 5.793 meters high. There's also a small trailer with a dismantled Airscout and a six-wheeled ATV.

If we assume the "6-wheeled ATV" is am Amphicat (a typical 1970s choice), then the trailer is probably 3 meters long, plus a meter for the towing bar, hitch arrangements, etc.: so the total Scientific-One, on the road, is about 24 meters long.

Regarding the Amphicat, here's a useful site: http://www.joesgarage.us/amphicat.htm

Converting it's stats to metric, and assuming a fusion reactor:

"Six-Wheeled ATV"
Maximum gross vehicle weight: 436 kg; cargo and crew capacity: 218 kg.
Dimensions: 2.05 m long, 1.35 m wide, 0.86 m high, ground clearance 0.15 m.
Propulsion: 12 kW electric motor, powered by Mk 1 fusion reactor. The motor provides power to a simple transmission (forward, reverse); all six wheels are driven; steering is by wheel brakes.
Performance: top speed on flat ground, 19 kph; in water, 2.4 kph. Fitted with a low-power outboard motor (not provided by the Project), it can reach 4.2 kph. It will climb a 35 degree grade when fully loaded; when lightly loaded, driver skill determines the maximum grade that can be traversed. The ATV can easily be flipped on steep hills. When fully loaded, the vehicle floats with a freeboard of 0.4 m.
Suspension: there is no suspension as such; the low-pressure tires absorb shocks; the seats have foam cushions also. The tires are 11.5x20 tubeless, bonded to the wheel
Accessories: two headlights; the reactor can output electrical power at various standard voltages, frequencies, etc.
The Six-Wheeled ATV is a light survey and exploration vehicle, normally provided to large Science teams. A simple rectangular frame supports the power supply, engine, and ABS plastic body. It has two seats, and a small cargo deck which could hold another person -- very awkwardly. Steering is accomplished by braking all the wheels on one side -- very inefficient, but it does allow the ATV to skid-steer in a zero-radius circle. There isn't a steering wheel, but instead two brake levers.

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Michael B