Tampa Trike
World's Second Finest Patented Motor Vehicle
Browse through a stunning raw photos collection. This three wheel vehicle is perfect for those who want to experience the thrill of the open road with the added stability and comfort of a trike. The trikes we sell are built with the highest quality materials and attention to detail, ensuring that each one is a unique masterpiece. Browse through our photos to see the incredible craftsmanship that goes into each and every one of our three wheel motor vehicle.
Assembling the mock-ups can provide a lot of information. It is always worth the time.
Mockups have been machined in material on hand to test form, fit and function. This was a part of the production design process. A lot of things can be checked for worthiness. These are not the only mock-up test pieces. One piece was made four times. The others were made at least twice. Not everything is x,y.
The assembled wheels are for comparing the prototype and production designs.
This is also good for comparing structural relationships. As mentioned elsewhere, the 3-D printer has started to play a big role in the pattern making process. Upgrading the pattern designs is easy to do. When satisfied with the mock-up, making the production part is less stressful.
These are the first and second sand casting patterns made. These are right and left hand parts for mounting the caliper and steering rod connection bracket.
Both are machined from aluminum blocks. These parts required 27 setups each on the mill. Cranks had to be turned the right way for over two weeks. All vertical surfaces have a two degree draft and shrinkage allowance all over. This is the “Old School Method” and it is not fun. The older folks say mahogany patterns worked better.
The New School Method is a 3-D Printer. New and different processes are being developed by some companies. The 3-D printer is not a leap of fate. We have made test prints for some patterns. It is quite remarkable. The patterns can also be printed at a reduced scale. These patterns require very little surface finishing. To make a pattern change requires fixing the drawing and sending it to the printer. Then “Woo-ha”, a new pattern. No cranks. Automatic Machining centers are being built to finish the parts.
The capability of the 3-D printer is remarkable. Thanks to all the people that believed in this process and built a working model.
I have read that Kelsey designed “one of the first anti-sway Torsion Bars” to stabilize the vehicle.
The Kelsey three wheel vehicle does have an interesting relationship with this trike. Photo shows the elevated height needed for side by side seating for a fully leanable trike. The side of the motor trike can still look good. U.S. Patent 11,279,430, US 11,753,105, & US 12,162,560 design shows how to make this vehicle autonomously lean into the corner.
We have shown the postcard to people and everyone thinks this would be a lot of fun to drive. Plans have been made to build a prototype for evaluation. Driving about 40 to 45 mph and sounding like a Model T would suit me.
The challenge is to hone one’s craftsmanship to reproduce this trike as close to the form, fit and function as possible. The reproduction needs to be street legal with ALL required and necessary safety features. Mr. Kelsey’s family should be pleased that people have taken the time to recreate the 112 year old trike design.
Someone thought about this Dunk Trike three wheel vehicle enough to make this image. The shape and enclosed cockpit have a nice blend.
The flairs may not suit everyone but are still neat. Could be useful for airfoils. A crowned rear wheel with a different front end setup may be all the package needs. We know of a Front Beam Assembly that will allow this trike to fly like an eagle. The driver’s ride height is close to a side by side arrangement. We look forward to seeing this trike especially with top notch craftsmanship. Could be a popular model.
We will be using 1/8 to 1/4 thick clear PVC for the body panels, Thermoforming will be employed to create the panels. UV issues may require a different material. Plastics seem to dry rot faster these days. Plastics that stay in an AC environment do not seem to have issues. There are no plans for the trike to stay indoors.
The body panels purpose is for wind and grit shielding and maybe rain. Light weight will be good if it does not oil can. The clear PVC will allow painting on the inside and stickers or wrap on the outside.
