Solved - als_034 Horseless - Aaglander Mylord

[als15]

What's this? I really don't know, so you are asked to prove your answer.
Identifying the make of the carriage and engine used worths a point!

[DeAutogids]

I know 100% what it is, but I am not a rookie, so I can't tell you. I can tell you that there is quite a lot of info on this machine on the web.

[Paul Jaray]

I know 100% what it is, but I am not a rookie, so I can't tell you. I can tell you that there is quite a lot of info on this machine on the web.

[als15]

I know 100% what it is, but I am not a rookie, so I can't tell you. I can tell you that there is quite a lot of info on this machine on the web.

Good opportunity for the rookies, so. 
I've just got the photo and no info, so for me is a curious thing. Let's see... 

[Iluvatar]

Aaglander Mylord.

[Iluvatar]

Aaglander Mylord.

I think engine is selfmade: 3-cyl. diesel 900cc 20hp.
They build it still today.

[als15]

Excellent!  The point is your.

[Tom_I]

I came across these some time ago. They are manufactured in the Schloss at Kühlenfels in Oberfranken, Germany. Introduced in about 2005, they are still in production, as far as I know. For those wanting something a bit more sporting, there is also a smaller two-seater model called the "Duc", shown below.

These are not replicas of anything in particular, but are recreations of (supposedly) typical horseless carriages of the 1890s. And for the authentic horsedrawn experience, the Aaglanders are steered by two stiffened leather "reins", which control hydraulically-operated power steering, giving the driver the feeling of controlling a horse (and onlookers much amusement, no doubt).

They don't give many details about the engines, but early models had 719-cc 3-cylinder diesel units, which I assume would be Kubotas. As Iluvatar says, they currently appear to ship with 900-cc units, to provide a bit of extra poke.

This is coupled to a continuously variable automatic transmission, driving the rear wheels by heavy chains. And if this arouses your "boy racer" instincts, there are dual-circuit hydraulic disc brakes all round to pull you up smartly. There's no mention of ABS or traction control, so it's probably best to exercise a bit of caution if exploiting the machine's top speed of 20 km/h.

There's no problem if night falls, as the reproduction oil lamps conceal halogen headlights, and should you become totally carried away with the freedom of the open road, and find yourself hopelessly lost, don't worry, as you can specify an onboard GPS system to guide you safely home.

As for the price, I haven't been able to find out, but I suspect that if you have to ask, then you probably can't afford it.

So what to make of it? Magnificent, or mad? Inspirational, or utterly bonkers? I won't say what I think, but you can probably guess.

But overall a fine addition to that niche market of pointless, expensive toys for wealthy people to waste their money on.

[Allan L]

Fascinating to consider how such devices could be road-legal in any developed country.

[grobmotorix]

Your photo must have been made at Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
I´m not sure if they´re still there, but for some years you could do tours with two different types of Aaglanders.

I´ve also seen this one last year at Schloß Merode at a kind of millionaire´s fair.

Its "Bayreuth" - license plate indicates that it is a "Werkswagen", still owned by the building company.
I really like the 20km/h sign

[DeAutogids]

Funny how that town attracts those vehicles. There was an Asquith there as well...

[grobmotorix]

Oh yes.
It stands in front of Käthe Wohlfahrt´s christmas shop (AN= Ansbach) most of the time and all the people think it is an original old bus  

Rothenburg´s inner city is very nice but a kind of a tourist trap and too many people are around there, especially in the summer and before christmas.

Vehicles like this Vespa Ape Calessino are the successsors of the Aaglanders now.
Because too many horses died in front of many tourist´s eyes Rothenburg has decided to ban all the horse coaches from the old town center recentl.
So those Vespas are the modern alternative.

BTW: if some of you happens to visit Rothenburg don´t miss to get to the other side of the valley and have a panorama look on this nice medieval town. No tourist does this trip but it´s definitly worth it.

[DeAutogids]

I was lucky enough to do the "Romantic street". The Asquith wasn't there the first time I was there on business travel.


(are you on a certain yahoo miniature collectors mailing list?)

[grobmotorix]

(are you on a certain yahoo miniature collectors mailing list?)

Don´t think so.

[DeAutogids]

Just asking, as when I posted a scale model picture of the Asquith (the only one I am aware off) I got almost a similar reply