"Jagvar" (Jagvar)
06/12/2014 at 12:06 • Filed to: None
3
19|
"Jagvar" (Jagvar)
06/12/2014 at 12:06 • Filed to: None | 3
| 19 |
So, some of you know that I'm writing a novel (indefinitely). Let's face it, I've been working on that novel longer than Brian from Family Guy has been working on his. The process has involved a ton of research, but there are still some car-related facts that I need help with.
The protagonist, a Philadelphia gentleman with a bit more wealth than common sense, drives a brand-spanking-new 1912 Pierce-Arrow Model 66. The only thing is, I wasn't quite yet born in 1912, and I don't fully understand the mechanics of Edwardian-era motoring. How would one start a car in those days? Did you simply turn a key in the ignition, or was it a bit more involved than that?
Help me, Oppo. You're my only hope!
Mattbob
> Jagvar
06/12/2014 at 12:09 |
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this may provide some insight everything seems very involved back then.
For Sweden
> Jagvar
06/12/2014 at 12:10 |
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Crank start probably. I hope your protagonist even lifts.
Roadster Man
> Jagvar
06/12/2014 at 12:10 |
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Crank start! And if you don't let go at the right time it'll break your damn arm off!
Right..?
Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire
> Jagvar
06/12/2014 at 12:11 |
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Probably crank start after getting the spark just right and the air fuel mixture perfectly.
Aya, Almost Has A Cosmo With Toyota Engine Owned by a BMW.
> Jagvar
06/12/2014 at 12:12 |
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I'm not sure about pierce arrow, but here's a 1912 Franklin Model D Start-up
Jcarr
> Jagvar
06/12/2014 at 12:12 |
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I'm no expert, but I know some early automobiles were started by connecting a crank to the front of the engine and manually cranking it yourself.
crowmolly
> Jagvar
06/12/2014 at 12:14 |
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Crank start until 1914 I believe.
jariten1781
> Jagvar
06/12/2014 at 12:15 |
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They added electric start sometime in their run...I think it was after 1912 but I'm not sure. Before that it was crank. They also had hilariously large gas tanks. Something like 40 gallons giving them a range of ~300 miles.
Edit: Also, they were cars for the affluent. Typically the owners would not start the car themselves, but would have someone hired to take care of all that mumbo-jumbo. The 6 cylinder engines were particularly a pain to crank as well compared to the lowly Fords.
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Jcarr
> For Sweden
06/12/2014 at 12:17 |
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Duh.
deekster_caddy
> Roadster Man
06/12/2014 at 12:18 |
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Always pull your thumb back when you crank start so if it kicks back at you it doesn't dislocate your thumb (or break it). Don't wrap your hand around the crank handle like you would a baseball bat.
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deekster_caddy
> For Sweden
06/12/2014 at 12:19 |
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back then everything was manual... people got enough exercise in day to day life that they didn't need to go lift!
RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht
> crowmolly
06/12/2014 at 12:22 |
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I have a crank to start my Land-Rover with. The fuckin' lunatics at Rover had that as a Thing You Could Do all the way up until 1984.
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crowmolly
> RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht
06/12/2014 at 12:24 |
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Hey, if you are in the middle of Sierra Leone engaged in a firefight with elephant poachers you'll be glad you have it!
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RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht
> crowmolly
06/12/2014 at 12:27 |
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My 18 year old cousin really gets a kick, no pun intended, out of starting his that way. Members of his generation who've crank-started a car have got to be in the handful of parts per thousand at best.
Jedidiah
> Jagvar
06/12/2014 at 12:27 |
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Electric starting was first done by Cadillac in 1912. I don't know whether Pierce-Arrow would have adopted the technology by then.
It is most likely that starting the car required turning a crank by hand. Some cars had hydraulic starters, but I can't think of any right now.
You would have to manually prime your valves and oil/fuel pumps often on vehicles of this era. This is often done with hand pumps in the interior.
They also had a manual ignition advance in addition to a throttle. This means that you have to manually increase your ignition timing as you gave it more throttle. Throttle and ignition advance were often controlled with levers/knobs on the steering wheel.
The Model T has a control layout that is completely different from a modern car. You can look up how to drive one and that might give you some more insight.
EDIT: Have some engine Pierce-Arrow engine porn. :) Beautiful machine.
Mr. Ontop, No Strokes, No Smokes...Goes Fast.
> Jagvar
06/12/2014 at 12:28 |
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Could be worse. You could have had him driving a Stanley Steamer. It took about 30-45 minutes to get one started.
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Mr. Ontop, No Strokes, No Smokes...Goes Fast.
> Jagvar
06/12/2014 at 12:28 |
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Could be worse. You could have had him driving a Stanley Steamer. It took about 30-45 minutes to get one started.
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Jagvar
> jariten1781
06/12/2014 at 12:29 |
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The character is heir to the New Haven Coal & Supply fortune, as well as a managing director of William Cramp & Sons Shipyard. He lives in a trendy townhouse in Rittenhouse Square, owns a 40-foot yacht named Delphine that he rarely sails, and belongs to the esteemed Philadelphia Racquet Club. I figured a Pierce was perfect for him. :)
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Jagvar
> Jedidiah
06/12/2014 at 12:30 |
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Great info; thanks!