MOC: (LDD) 1925 electric Wagon

[jaumeBCN]

This is weird, years ago browsing an old book about trucks, did read about this vehicle (also seen a picture) It's a wagon, motorized with an electric motor, operator was standing at the front, operating it with a single lever at it's right. (Historically, twisting the handle revved the motor, a smaller lever operated the brake, moving the handle sideways operated the front steering), under the cargo box were the batteries (with port for recharging/ battery meter) on it's day this was used for all the freights inside factories (coal, machinery pieces...) a vehicle like this appears on the 1925 movie "Metropolis" , apparently set on year 2026 (!)

At least on late 20's Spain, a version was modified for city deliveries (shorter sides).

Sadly this model is built largely from 15 years old memories (when I did read the book) So, I can't guarantee every detail to be spot on, for starters the placement of battery charge port at left side (that was a wild guess) Also did place a small bumper under the operator that I'm not sure it was really present.

The Minifig is made after "Georgie" from the movie Metropolis, so it looks like a Edwardian era factory worker.

This is the only picture I found, (besides the scene from the movie)

Aparently it's a "shop truck" dating this picture from 1914

The movie "Metropolis" The scene is at minute 23:10

Edited July 11, 2014 by jaumeBCN

[Superkalle]

Hi

Welcome to Eurobricks.

I'll be moving your topic to the Town section, where I think you'll get more response then in the Digital Design forum

[Only Sinner]

Interesting design for a truck. Too bad big oil came along and shelved the electric vehicle a hundred years ago. We are really far behind with this technology now.

[Modelmaker]

They still use similar trucks in my town. But the guy walks in front holding a handle similar to the handle on a pallet truck.

They are used to empty the bins on the promenade which is a pedestrian only zone.

Next time i see one I'll try and take a picture.