Diamonite Electrathon America Racer

[Functional Artist]

What's the need for the saddle...some may ask?

Well...exactly what a saddle does
...spread out the load

So, I did some drawin's to help illustrate

If the front axle was just mounted with the strap brackets (only)

The entire weight, of the front of the racer would be "hanging on those (4) bolts
...that are just goin' thru ~3/16" fiberglass
&
Would probably look like this in a very short time
...& mainly just from the weight of the racer & gravity

Then, add in some maneuverin' (from side-ta-side)
...'cause this "is" the steerin' axle
...& they would probably look like this in a very short time

Add the weight "wear" to the maneuverability "wear"
...& ya start gettin' somethin' that looks about like this

By the time ya ger 'er back to the pits
...& you'll probably have...somethin' like this (technical term: wallered out)

Where as/by incorporatin' the saddle(s)
...them (4) bolts will now be "running" thru (4) bolt holes
...that are goin' thru (2) steel "plates"
...that will be "sandwiching" the ~3/16" FG
&
By designing the saddle(s) to curve under the front edge
...the (4) bolts that are mountin' the (2) strap brackets
...WILL NOT be "in shear" any longer
...& will NOW just be mainly "bolting" or "pinning" the strap brackets to the saddle(s)

* Hopefully that made sense

 

[Functional Artist]

Rear Saddle (CAD) work

I'ma thinkin' ta make 'er wrap around from the sides

...& wrap around from the bottom (remember its upside down) too

Transferred the "pattern' to some 18g. steel (sheet metal)

Drilled out the inner corners
...to help give us some nice rounded inner curves

* Step drill bit makes easy work of it

Just gotta connect the dots

Rear (outer) saddle
...all cut out

Test fit
* Notice this saddle will "cradle" the lower rear of the monocoque "tub"
...& then, connect/attach on (6) different "planes" or directions