Franklin Mint 1:8 1885 Daimler Single Track (1:8)

Is it a car, or is it a motorcycle? In 1882, Mr. Daimler and Mr. Maybach (Do the names sound familiar?) joined forces, which led, in 1883, to the development of his Gleichrohrzungdung engine. Taking patent # 28,022, Daimler had created the first high-speed combustion engine. In 1885, under patent # DRP 39,926, he produced an improved light engine (1/2 horsepower @ 700 rpm), with a closed crankcase and a single, vertical cylinder. He and Maybach mounted the engine on a “riding car,” which streaked along at 12 km/hr.

The 1885 Single Track has four wheels. So does a car. Yet, it rides with a single track. So does a motorcycle. What it comes down to is the “if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck…” argument. In my humble opinion, it’s a motorcycle. However you look at it though, it’s considered the “world’s first motor vehicle.”

The Daimler predates the famous Benz Patent (those Germans certainly understood how to patent things) Motorwagen of the following year. That contrivance was a three-wheeled vehicle, the progenitor of today’s four-wheeled cars. The Daimler, on the other hand, seems to be the granddaddy of the motorcycle line – in a sort of parallel evolution.

How’s this for a twist on the die cast theme? FM has created a 1:8 scale replica of the 1885 Daimler Single Track Motor Vehicle that’s made of wood! Well, the frame is, anyway. Many other parts, like the handlebars, wheel bands, assorted straps, wheels, and miscellaneous hardware are either metal or metalized (and wood-grained) plastic. FM, as it does with any of the “Brass Age” vehicles it produces, has crafted an image replete with all the strange widgets and gadgets common to such devices. The bicycle style handlebars turn the front wheel. The metal-rimmed rear wheel, when rotated, moves the various gears, belts and pulleys that comprise the drive assembly, which is plated to simulate a brass look. I count three working levers. One appears to be part of the drive belt tensioner assembly, another for the throttle, and the third for the stagecoach style, rear wheel brake. The “hobbyhorse” saddle is covered in real leather. Though this is an older vintage FM release, there was no stinting on details, with loads of little features to ogle at and wonder at their function. Well done, FM. This one’s going in my motorcycle collection display, probably next to the 1903 Harley.

The whole contraption looks like a bicycle with training wheels, its small, “outrigger” side wheels only touching the ground when the thing is tilted slightly to the left or right. I suppose Daimler and Maybach didn’t trust to the fact that the vehicle would balance gyroscopically when in motion. They also didn’t seem to believe in comfort either, since there is absolutely no suspension to cushion the shocks those steel-banded wheels must have generated. Also, the engine sits right under the saddle. Talk about being on the hot seat!

The issue price is $135.

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