AutoPuzzles - The Internet's Museum of Rare Cars!

Puzzles, Games and Name That Car => Solved AutoPuzzles => 2010 => Topic started by: grobmotorix on September 28, 2010, 02:45:34 PM

Title: "the market for mechanical elephants has been pretty slow in recent years"
Post by: grobmotorix on September 28, 2010, 02:45:34 PM
This is really different.

You know what it is?
Title: Re: grob: highwheeler
Post by: grobmotorix on September 30, 2010, 06:52:15 AM
No ideas? Promoted...
Title: Re: grob: highwheeler
Post by: grobmotorix on September 30, 2010, 08:41:36 AM
Be very creative with your ideas here...  ;)
Title: Re: grob: highwheeler
Post by: Oguerrerob on September 30, 2010, 09:07:52 AM
Oil Petroleum Driller
Title: Re: grob: highwheeler
Post by: grobmotorix on September 30, 2010, 09:15:14 AM
Much too technical. No this is a pure fun vehicle!

Go bio....
Title: Re: grob: highwheeler
Post by: gilescooperuk on October 01, 2010, 06:05:55 PM
flying vehicle?
Title: Re: grob: highwheeler
Post by: grobmotorix on October 02, 2010, 12:46:00 AM
No, on the contrary itīs very earthbound.

First hint:

mimicry
Title: Re: grob: highwheeler
Post by: gilescooperuk on October 02, 2010, 05:57:56 PM
Mechanical insect or similar
Title: Re: grob: highwheeler
Post by: grobmotorix on October 03, 2010, 09:12:29 AM
Kind of the contrary to an insect, but youīre on to something...
Title: Re: grob: highwheeler
Post by: Carnut on October 03, 2010, 01:30:15 PM
Is it a generator for a fairground ride?
Title: Re: grob: highwheeler
Post by: grobmotorix on October 03, 2010, 03:10:19 PM
No itīs not an insect but...
Title: Re: grob: highwheeler
Post by: gilescooperuk on October 03, 2010, 03:20:55 PM
Spider?
Title: Re: grob: highwheeler
Post by: grobmotorix on October 03, 2010, 05:08:39 PM
As I said - the oppostite to an insect (or spider, too)...
Title: Re: grob: highwheeler
Post by: Oguerrerob on October 03, 2010, 05:18:23 PM
kind of extractor or sniffer?
Title: Re: grob: highwheeler
Post by: grobmotorix on October 04, 2010, 02:48:03 AM
I does not have to do something special.
Just driving around at low speed and entertaining people is its very purpose.

So what is it?

Extra point available if you can tell me who was running that very business.
Title: Re: grob: highwheeler
Post by: grobmotorix on October 05, 2010, 08:42:58 AM
Time to be promoted.
Title: Re: grob: highwheeler
Post by: guido66 on October 05, 2010, 03:32:32 PM
Is this the GE walking truck?
Title: Re: grob: highwheeler
Post by: grobmotorix on October 05, 2010, 03:50:55 PM
No, it simply rolls like an ordinary car does.
Title: Re: grob: highwheeler
Post by: guido66 on October 05, 2010, 05:06:42 PM
Is it supposed to mimic a long legged animal like a giraffe or a camel?
Title: Re: grob: highwheeler
Post by: grobmotorix on October 05, 2010, 05:34:50 PM
Youīre on the right track, but itīs not this skinny... :D
Title: Re: grob: highwheeler
Post by: gilescooperuk on October 05, 2010, 05:41:13 PM
Elephant?
Title: Re: grob: highwheeler
Post by: Oguerrerob on October 05, 2010, 07:27:26 PM
Rhino?
Title: Re: grob: highwheeler
Post by: grobmotorix on October 06, 2010, 02:56:28 AM
Itīs an elephant-mimicking vehicle, indeed.

There have been some all over the world and through the decades.

Can anybody tell me the details?

Quote
Is this the GE walking truck?

I think it has got wheels, but it was kind of walking, too, when I īm looking through the numerous pics...
Title: Re: grob: highwheeler
Post by: Otto Puzzell on October 06, 2010, 03:56:58 AM
All I can find is the year, location and photographer. From a Life Magazine Pictorial, 1953. Captioned "Mechanical Elephant - Fayetteville, N.C. Photographer: Robert W Kelley"
Title: Re: grob: highwheeler
Post by: Otto Puzzell on October 06, 2010, 04:15:16 AM
Here's a tidbit...

January 26, 1998
George Wendelken, 'Our Gang' Actor, 81

George T. Wendelken, who played Freckles in the original ''Our Gang'' film comedies of the 1920's, died on Jan. 3. He was 81 and lived in Toms River, N.J.

After his career as a child star, Mr. Wendelken gained prominence during World War II. He served in the Seabees, the United States Navy construction corps, and was wounded in the fighting on Guadalcanal.

When he returned home, he was appointed as the first Enlisted Man's Representative in Washington for the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. He did interviews on Armed Forces Radio, spoke at patriotic rallies around the country and was credited with having sold more than $200 million worth of war bonds.

Mr. Wendelken created the Publicity Searchlight Company, which supplied Army surplus searchlights for film premieres and other events.

He is survived by a daughter, Ellen M. Dinneen of Mantoloking, N.J.; two sons, Gene G., of Toms River and Donald B., of Deer Park, Tex.; seven grandchildren; a sister and four brothers.

&

Title: Re: grob: highwheeler
Post by: grobmotorix on October 06, 2010, 04:25:53 AM
Quote
All I can find is the year, location and photographer. From a Life Magazine Pictorial, 1953. Captioned "Mechanical Elephant - Fayetteville, N.C. Photographer: Robert W Kelley

And I think this answer is worth the point. And youīve made a full 360° with this one!

Quote
the market for mechanical elephants has been pretty slow in recent years
 :D

When searching through the whole Life file you can find another picture with some more details:
Title: Re: "the market for mechanical elephants has been pretty slow in recent years"
Post by: Otto Puzzell on October 06, 2010, 04:36:38 AM
Is this "Wendy" the same beast? I don't know. The feet look the same...

 
Title: Re: "the market for mechanical elephants has been pretty slow in recent years"
Post by: grobmotorix on October 06, 2010, 04:53:48 AM
Quote
Is this "Wendy" the same beast?

No, I do not think so.

Can anyone read the bottom line of the sign?
Iīve tried all tricks with Corel and thatīs the most improved version:
Title: Re: "the market for mechanical elephants has been pretty slow in recent years"
Post by: barrett on October 06, 2010, 01:37:16 PM
There was a rather decrepit example called Nellie, which I believe languished outside the Beaulieu museum for a number of years. Seems like a popular creation
Title: Re: "the market for mechanical elephants has been pretty slow in recent years"
Post by: Otto Puzzell on July 16, 2014, 05:22:53 AM
Another variation on this theme:

Built by Luneside Engineering (of Halton) to a design by Frank Smith, the Macades Elephant was driven by a single-cylinder JAP air-cooled stationary engine with drive to wheels that were in place of the rear feet. The front legs free-wheeled.
 
The "Mahout" walked alongside and controlled the beast by turning it's head to steer and operating the controls behind the ear. The machine had to be registered for road use, so it was required to have "Road-Tax", carry number plates and a fire extinguisher and the driver had to have a driving licence.
Title: Re: "the market for mechanical elephants has been pretty slow in recent years"
Post by: grobmotorix on July 17, 2014, 12:04:58 PM
How nice!

Thank you!
Title: Re: "the market for mechanical elephants has been pretty slow in recent years"
Post by: Otto Puzzell on July 19, 2014, 04:05:45 AM
Quote
Is this "Wendy" the same beast?

No, I do not think so.

Can anyone read the bottom line of the sign?
Iīve tried all tricks with Corel and thatīs the most improved version:

I'm 95% sure it says: "World's Finest ans Safest Bathing Beach"
Title: Re: "the market for mechanical elephants has been pretty slow in recent years"
Post by: Otto Puzzell on November 23, 2017, 03:54:29 AM
Another pic of the Luneside beast.

It seems at least four of this type were built.
Title: Re: "the market for mechanical elephants has been pretty slow in recent years"
Post by: grobmotorix on November 23, 2017, 11:33:54 AM
 :thumbsup: