Mercedes designs Smart car-based train (for some reason) - Gizmag
Working with British train engineering specialist Interfleet, Mercedes-Benz UK went through a rigorous CAD modeling and engineering program to transform the four-seat Smart car into a functional mini-train. Each wheel weighs 176 lb (80 kg) and gives the car the traction it needs to navigate the tracks. With wheels set on railroad tracks, the Forfour's steering is entirely unnecessary, so the team disabled the steering wheel and welded the front axles in place to prevent any unwanted wheel movement. If you're going to go through that much trouble to build a Smart train, you damn well better see if it works. Mercedes and Interfleet tested the car-train out on a 10-mile (16-km) stretch of Bluebell Railway track through Sussex. Bluebell staff closely monitored the experiment, and the train "car" drove at low speeds, managing to complete testing without derailing. In fact, that six months of intensive work has already been reversed with the vessel converted back to street form shortly after its track tests. Realizing he was better off making cynical comments from afar than actually getting involved in all that mess, he turned away from matters of government and news to cover the things that really matter: outdoor recreation, cool cars, technology,... Source: www.gizmag.com
