I saw on the news recently, that the JPL Mars rover 'Curiosity' has a large hole in the wheel, due to wear and tear, after clambering over the harsh martian terrain. It put me in mind of the many different wheel designs projected for the early moon missions, which were reflected in the various toys released over the years.
The early lunar rover prototypes favoured strange wheel shapes, which are echoed on many toys back in the day, such as the Space Turtle and MEV variations.
Originally shown in Ed Valigursky's illustration in the Time-Life book, 'Man and Space', the MEV is one of the most recognisable vehicles, being very common in Spacex circles and its variations.
Dome or bell-shaped wheels were favoured by the Space Safari set and other similar toys, whilst Schaper Stomper MegaStar series went for a full on chunky star shaped wheel for maximum climbing traction.
Whilst not strictly a 'moon rover' the LJN Dune Spice Scout does demonstrate a radical usage of the wheel as a driving force.
The smaller Apollo Moon Exploring toys used the chunky dome, with holes in the wheel, to allow the moon dust to flow freely.
Once more, the range of Non-Fall Space Traveller vehicles went for a similar style wheel, with cut outs in the face of the disk, rather than spokes.
Britains StarGard approached the wheel idea from a number of perspectives, to ensure that the modular parts could be used in other ways besides locomotion.
Again, the larger 'sprung' wheel as demonstrated on the MEV proved a popular option for toys and was considered for the Grumman MOLAB, which was drafted into the SWORD pantheon as the 'Ant' transport vehicle.
Balloon tyres as used on the Prospector and Scramble Bug vehicles might not be such a great idea considering the state of poor Curiosity's mangled wireframe wheel though!
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A wheely interesting article Wotan.
ReplyDeleteHa ha what goes round, comes round Mish
DeleteWheels within wheels?
ReplyDeleteIn a spiral array?
A pattern so grand and complex?
Its a natural science!
DeleteSeeing all these amazing toys and concept drawings for lunar vehicles makes me cringe when I recall what we actually got - the LEM, a stupid and impossible piece of junk which was not even moon-worthy! A sad prop, really a slap in the face to the public. One of the greatest ripoffs of all time, in my opinion. SFZ
ReplyDeleteI feel the same Zig, its a wonder it landed at all. Designed by committee and built by companies offering the lowest possible tenders. I was gutted when I saw the actual vehicle, having seen all the great designs which were proposed. It the same wih the space shuttle - loads of amazing delta and multi bodied concepts and we end up with a glorified jumbo jet with rockets on!
DeleteAnother great post!
ReplyDeleteMoon Wheels! My favourite!
And an opportunity to do my own reseach with NASA's solutions to the problems - and tracking down the Project Sword ANT toy.
You had me going there for a minute, fellas!
Great article and lunar space toy photos!!!
ReplyDeleteAwesome post Bill! I really enjoy the smaller space toys. Beautiful set-ups and photos!
ReplyDelete