LOTUS ESPRIT
by

Pierre Marais

   Please click on the images for the 'big picture'.  

General:

Wishing to model a typical mid/rear engine sports car of modern outline, the first hurdle was to choose a prototype that would translate well into Meccano, and of which at least basic scale information could be obtained. Searching through available literature my choice fell on the Lotus Esprit (1978) of which a side and front elevation were available. A scale drawing based on wheel size and to the Meccano ½" module established external appearance. Internal detail was developed across a range of related prototypes and adapted to the model in hand.

The Model:

The car divides into two main sections: A pan chassis to which all mechanical systems are attached, and a one piece body fixed to the chassis with four bolts, apart from electrical connections. When newly completed the car was mounted on a base which housed transformer and switch gear for the model’s electrics, including a programming device consisting of a series of built up commutators run from a mains motor to impart intermittent operation to the car’s various functions on a continuous cycle.

Mechanical and Electrical functions:

Working versions of all standard functions are represented, exempting brakes. The heart of the drive mechanism is an adaptation of the best compact gate change gearbox yet encountered, from P.192 of the MM for April 1969.The two selector shafts are restrained in their sliding motion by adjusting bolt ends to bear against them. Having independent coil spring suspension all round, the drive from the PDU, clutch, gearbox and differential is transmitted to the rear wheels via separate universal couplings.

The dummy engine block and attachments are represented in some detail with working belt drives and fan at the rear.

Power steering could be engaged for working through the programming device (or by remote control for that matter). The slim French motor geared to operate a rack strip provides the motive power, with limit switches from Elektrikit parts automatically reversing the direction at either full lock position, also activating the indicator lights.

Full lighting is provided with pop up headlamps mechanically operated from the dashboard. A dummy brake pedal operates rear lights. External lights are replica parts No.203 while regular bulb holders serve for the interior.

An insulating plate mounted behind the dashboard, and accessible from under the bonnet forms the main distribution board. Other Elektrikit insulating parts serve as connector tabs throughout the extensive wiring network.

Bodywork and trim:

The W.R.I tyres for 2" pulleys set the scale, while the choice of prototype limited the necessity for plate bending to a memo directional curvature of the sides based on a combination of parts No.90 and 200,tapered off with triangular plates front and rear. Parts No.201 and 215 add to the shaping of the wheel arches.

Bonnet and engine covers are conventionally hinged. The passenger doors are given thickness and hinge on pivots from which they can be lifted to give free access to the interior. Interior detail such as fascia and console are included, while seats with headrests are individually modeled and removable. A spare wheel is located under the bonnet and fuel tanks in the space between passenger and engine compartments.

Underneath, covers are provided to transmission train and engine sump and exhausts are fully modeled.

An over all colour scheme of yellow with dark blue trim and interior has been adhered to. Some zinc coloured accents appear in wheel arches and ventilation louvres of the engine cover.

To maintain the aesthetic unity, yellow parts are fixed with brass bolts, zinc parts with zinc bolts, and blue parts with black bolts and brackets. Correspondingly coloured washers are used with nuts and bolts.

Remarks:

In keeping with time honored TMG principles, no parts have been mutilated and only such specials and/or foreign elements have been included as are traditionally accepted due to a total absence of equivalents in the overall Meccano system. Notable examples are heavy duty tyres and coil springs.