Postman Pat visits Brixham! Will deliver post in Selby, North Yorkshire in 12 to 18 months time.

I am a proud grandfather to our gorgeous and funny granddaughter, Freya. To that end I have been making her some toy's and because angle iron and lumps of metal are not the best materials for a baby to play with,  the work has been in wood and some of it can be seen in this blog. Those who follow my efforts, both here and on the main website , will know I am not happiest in working with wood! Indeed I have gone so far in the past to say that I hate wood!

One side effect of this work though is a reduction from hate to "prefer metal" which is a massive move forward. Freya takes full credit for this change. As she grows though I will be able to 'indulge' myself with 'interesting' mechanical projects. It was whilst Freya was visiting us that she saw postman pat on the TV and immediately took interest. Ahah thought I, why not make a ride in Postman Pat type vehicle? Dad could get Freya helping in the garden, filling up the back with garden cuttings and the like.

So during the night (when I have the best time to think) I decided to give it a go. I started a little book for my specification and started writing in such things as safety, power, drive, ease of recharging, seat height and leg room, what lights it should have, indicators? and much more.

Using Alibre CAD (they are a good company, helping me out with urgent problems) I started by combing various dimensions found with ride on cars for sale to the public. I also have started building up various parts such as steering, and axles at the moment and I am really looking forward to making a start. The trouble is that whilst Freya is only 9 months old, I have to plans some flexibility into the design for her to grow! So that's the stage I am at really and this will be a longer timed project (anticipate summer 2012) but I am itching to start!!

Because I intend to have the design done, then build to it (rather than my historical design as I build -served me well in the past!), It is critical to get the scale of the body correct first. The only problem is I need to round up a group of children of various ages to get there sizes (only joking!!!) but fortunately there is data available on the web.

That is why I used part of the morning 'mocking' up the initial design to check for any problems in proportion. The TV Pat's van is very tall compared to length and I think in my initial work I was looking to get the van in the right (not Pat's) shape. I have decided that my first stab resulted in a low a roof profile. I then added the piece of timber above the sheet of plywood, to help gauge proportion. So I will amend the drawings now then use some spare plywood sheeting to check again.

I have purchased some items for the van that will help with the design, those being the wheels (12" diameter and pneumatic) and the motor (12v golf trolley motor). These will help with not only size but in trialling  the method of propulsion. Whether I go for two motors (one for each rear wheel) I am not sure. Also whether I go for chain or belt drive is also to be decided.

I intend to involve Justin (Freya's dad) as a 'measuring consultant' for times when  come to seating and positioning controls. Both of which must be designed with adjustment to accommodate the years to come.

Since my Son Adam has also got married recently, there is the issue of "well" you have 8 vans to make over the coming years!!!!!!! I have decided that the van will need to be a 'family' van. That way I will only ever need to make 2, one for each of my children's families (not that Vicky or Adam are children any more!). Keep looking back to see progress and if you have any good idea's then please email me.

At last metal is on the agenda!!!!