First Principles Engineering Inc. was very pleased to help Kevin Thompson and his associates at the Creative Crossings Society of Vancouver, British Columbia realize their dream of 'Rowing' across Canada in support of the Children's Wish Foundation.

The task was to design and build a lightweight human powered vehicle that would safely transport five people nearly 6000 km across Canada, using the rowing stroke of Concept II rowing machines creatively coupled with conventional bicycle drivetrain components. Working within the packaging envelope of an existing exterior aluminum frame, First Principles Engineering was able to use state of the art CAD software to design the highly unique vehicle. Then, while managing the prototype construction, First Principles Engineering worked in cooperation with Yess Frames of Surrey, B.C., and Arteck Precision Ltd. of North Vancouver, B.C., to execute the vehicle build.

Rendering of 3D Solid CAD Model

Technical Highlights
Chassis Type:	Welded Aluminum Construction
Power:	4 Independent and Ergonomically Correct Rowing Stations
Drive Train:	4 Independently Driven wheels
Gearing:	Each rower selects from 27 gears in 2 ranges
Brakes:	Mechanically actuated disc brakes on 9 inch rotors, with each side independently or jointly actuated to assist in steering 1 additional hydraulically actuated disc brake on 9 inch rotor
Controls:	Rear seated 'coxswain' controls single steering wheel, all brakes, and, arguably, power delivery.
Safety features:	'Emergency' brake on 4 drive wheels accessible to driver and rearmost rowers.

Prototype Build Photos
Prototype Testing in Halifax, N.S

Kevin writes, "the credit for creating a working unit must go to our incredible partner, First Principles Engineering. The main engineer, Daryl Musselman has made the transition from idea to reality and found us an important partner in Bob Eiffes at Arteck Precision who was able to make the custom pieces we needed. Until we had Daryl and Bob, we only had a great idea without a clue about how to make it work."

You can read more about Kevin and his adventure in the May/June Issue of Explore Magazine. Best of luck to Kevin and the Children's Wish Foundation from First Principles Engineering Inc.

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