LOMAX 223 - slow max the right kinda trike
Discussion
After over 2 years of ownership, i am finally insured to drive the Lomax!
for the last two years i have been relegated to the passenger seat as my dad has driven it around and i have co-piloted
As i haven't driven a car since passing my test over 2 years ago i have to go out with my dad until he feels comfortable with me driving it solo. If i roll/crash, i'm dead, so its just one of those things that i will have to abide by for a few weeks (although a sneaky few drives round to friends and into town during the day are to be expected right? right?).
First drive out tonight when my old man gets back from work, i shall report back later with with a write up and maybe some pics.... but first i need to fit a new breather pipe
thats all for now folks
Slomax
for the last two years i have been relegated to the passenger seat as my dad has driven it around and i have co-piloted
As i haven't driven a car since passing my test over 2 years ago i have to go out with my dad until he feels comfortable with me driving it solo. If i roll/crash, i'm dead, so its just one of those things that i will have to abide by for a few weeks (although a sneaky few drives round to friends and into town during the day are to be expected right? right?).
First drive out tonight when my old man gets back from work, i shall report back later with with a write up and maybe some pics.... but first i need to fit a new breather pipe
thats all for now folks
Slomax
Just come back from my second drive out in the Lomax
First drive-
When my dad got in from work last night we waited and waited until the rain died down a bit, we got aboard the old girl and the rain picked up again, oh well. A bit of rain wouldn't stop the first legal drive around in my Lomax after 2 long years of waiting and ownership. I decided to drive it on a mix of A and B roads to one of my best friends house around 8 or 9 miles away.
Nothing really spectacular to report to be honest. The rain didn't dampen my spirits too much, but as i hadn't driven in over 2 years it took a little while to regain my road craft and feel comfortable on the roads. Another thing that needed a little refinement and concentration was clutch and gearstick positioning. I learned to drive in a modern car with a 5 speed box, so was used to the gearstick springing to the middle, something that 4 speed gearboxes cannot do for obvious reasons. When i got there, my friend was out, but it was a good practice drive, i didn't really fancy going much further in the inclement weather.
I felt a little more comfortable driving back, as i knew what it was like to drive and nothing really caught me out. Although i was only out for about 20 minutes, i quite enjoyed it, but was a little disheartened as i had mostly forgotten how to drive. Not the basics like changing gear and mirrors etc etc etc, but more positioning and anticipation on the road.
Second drive out-
Well the weather this evening in cheshire is bloody fantastic. Sunny, warm and blue skies. Perfect. I think, subconsciously, this made me feel more comfortable and more contented with driving the car.
Once again we climbed aboard the Lomax and set off without a hitch. My road positioning was good and speed perception, positioning and anticipation was bang on tonight. I think that because i started off, in what wasn't the best weather, yesterday it was good preparation for a dry run. All gear changes were smooth and i didn't screw anything up. I was just at ease with the car. Maybe it was just that i was subconsciously nervous yesterday, setting me on edge a little.
A longer drive out tonight of about 40 mins took us up from Knutsford toward Holmes chapel, across to Chelford and back down A and B roads.
NB- the door height is perfect to put your elbow on while driving. It makes a nice rest while gripping the steering wheel.
Thats all for now folks
Hope to go a little further over the weekend, so if your in the macc/northwich/holmes chapel/knutsford/alderly edge/wilmslow area of cheshire keep your eyes out
Slomax
First drive-
When my dad got in from work last night we waited and waited until the rain died down a bit, we got aboard the old girl and the rain picked up again, oh well. A bit of rain wouldn't stop the first legal drive around in my Lomax after 2 long years of waiting and ownership. I decided to drive it on a mix of A and B roads to one of my best friends house around 8 or 9 miles away.
Nothing really spectacular to report to be honest. The rain didn't dampen my spirits too much, but as i hadn't driven in over 2 years it took a little while to regain my road craft and feel comfortable on the roads. Another thing that needed a little refinement and concentration was clutch and gearstick positioning. I learned to drive in a modern car with a 5 speed box, so was used to the gearstick springing to the middle, something that 4 speed gearboxes cannot do for obvious reasons. When i got there, my friend was out, but it was a good practice drive, i didn't really fancy going much further in the inclement weather.
I felt a little more comfortable driving back, as i knew what it was like to drive and nothing really caught me out. Although i was only out for about 20 minutes, i quite enjoyed it, but was a little disheartened as i had mostly forgotten how to drive. Not the basics like changing gear and mirrors etc etc etc, but more positioning and anticipation on the road.
Second drive out-
Well the weather this evening in cheshire is bloody fantastic. Sunny, warm and blue skies. Perfect. I think, subconsciously, this made me feel more comfortable and more contented with driving the car.
Once again we climbed aboard the Lomax and set off without a hitch. My road positioning was good and speed perception, positioning and anticipation was bang on tonight. I think that because i started off, in what wasn't the best weather, yesterday it was good preparation for a dry run. All gear changes were smooth and i didn't screw anything up. I was just at ease with the car. Maybe it was just that i was subconsciously nervous yesterday, setting me on edge a little.
A longer drive out tonight of about 40 mins took us up from Knutsford toward Holmes chapel, across to Chelford and back down A and B roads.
NB- the door height is perfect to put your elbow on while driving. It makes a nice rest while gripping the steering wheel.
Thats all for now folks
Hope to go a little further over the weekend, so if your in the macc/northwich/holmes chapel/knutsford/alderly edge/wilmslow area of cheshire keep your eyes out
Slomax
Nearly three months of driving takes us to the weekend just passed and the annual Citroen Specials Club (and nutcracker kit car club) 10,000ft run over the roads of the lake district and Yorkshire.
As per last year, the run was approximately 80 miles over some of the best roads the area has to offer. The run is so called because you climb and descend 10,000ft over the course of the day!
The day started off with a bit of rain, then a fair bit more and as we climbed higher up into the hills and mountains we had to use "the force" to predict where the roads and twists were as we were plunged into exceedingly thick fog in a few places!
Fortunately though the rain and accompanying fog cleared for about 11.30am leaving the rest of the day grey, but mostly dry. A huge array of cars were there from a Reliant Kitten based Tempest, right the way through to a Grinnall scorpion and Tiger as well as a fair few lomax's, pembletons and others as well as a Malvern moss and a renault 4 based special 3 wheeler that tagged along en-route.
see the pics in the next post as well as a video (if i find an uploader) at the bottom!
As per last year, the run was approximately 80 miles over some of the best roads the area has to offer. The run is so called because you climb and descend 10,000ft over the course of the day!
The day started off with a bit of rain, then a fair bit more and as we climbed higher up into the hills and mountains we had to use "the force" to predict where the roads and twists were as we were plunged into exceedingly thick fog in a few places!
Fortunately though the rain and accompanying fog cleared for about 11.30am leaving the rest of the day grey, but mostly dry. A huge array of cars were there from a Reliant Kitten based Tempest, right the way through to a Grinnall scorpion and Tiger as well as a fair few lomax's, pembletons and others as well as a Malvern moss and a renault 4 based special 3 wheeler that tagged along en-route.
see the pics in the next post as well as a video (if i find an uploader) at the bottom!
I'm loving the enthusiasm and the avant garde choice of car for someone of your age, but some of the other cars you are surrounding yourself with are a little, how shall I put it.............individual. Only a mother could love some of those.
But then again, if we all liked the same things, then the world would be a dull place wouldn't it.
Kudos on treading a different path to your peers.
Just one question, if this is your daily transport, how do you cope with the lack of weather protection?
But then again, if we all liked the same things, then the world would be a dull place wouldn't it.
Kudos on treading a different path to your peers.
Just one question, if this is your daily transport, how do you cope with the lack of weather protection?
Greg_D said:
Just one question, if this is your daily transport, how do you cope with the lack of weather protection?
Get wet In all seriousness- I'm at uni for circa 40 weeks of the year so no need for a "proper car" to use as a daily. I'm only back for 3 weeks at Easter, 2 weeks at Christmas and summer so the financial viability of having a proper car is out the window (or not as in the case of the Lomax, I don't have any) especially as when I'm at home I can walk to work. It's really only a toy, even though it's my only car/trike/three wheeler/thingumabob.
I 'invested' my first student loan in a 224 and commuted 4 miles between halls and uni in it for a year, then 6 miles between a slum flat and uni in 2nd year; it certainly made commuting about as fun as it can be! They go well in snow too, especially 'offpiste' in deep powder!
To my regret I have very few pictures of it, and practically none of it in action; here's one.
To my regret I have very few pictures of it, and practically none of it in action; here's one.
Edited by hidetheelephants on Monday 10th October 21:50
Videos Uploaded!
Citroen special meet (pics above)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ll_MWYmdF68
Driving the Cat and Fiddle road from macclesfield to buxton A537
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjLhHvaCcO0
Citroen special meet (pics above)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ll_MWYmdF68
Driving the Cat and Fiddle road from macclesfield to buxton A537
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjLhHvaCcO0
Nice to see a well presented and very driveable car.
The Lomax really did set a trend in Kit Cars when there was a real interest in this kind of cheap different individual motoring. The ones I have driven have really been fun cars and quite capable cruisers.
Your is indeed a well sorted example. Excellent effort.
Enjoy the car you will remember it forever.
I wish I still had either my BSA Scout or my Morgan JAP three wheeler or come to that my original Lotus Super Seven with the Ford Twin Cam engine..
All gone all now literally non existent and I miss every one.
Oh well, I will just have to build another three wheeler this winter.
The Lomax really did set a trend in Kit Cars when there was a real interest in this kind of cheap different individual motoring. The ones I have driven have really been fun cars and quite capable cruisers.
Your is indeed a well sorted example. Excellent effort.
Enjoy the car you will remember it forever.
I wish I still had either my BSA Scout or my Morgan JAP three wheeler or come to that my original Lotus Super Seven with the Ford Twin Cam engine..
All gone all now literally non existent and I miss every one.
Oh well, I will just have to build another three wheeler this winter.
Steffan said:
Nice to see a well presented and very driveable car.
The Lomax really did set a trend in Kit Cars when there was a real interest in this kind of cheap different individual motoring. The ones I have driven have really been fun cars and quite capable cruisers.
Your is indeed a well sorted example. Excellent effort.
Enjoy the car you will remember it forever.
I wish I still had either my BSA Scout or my Morgan JAP three wheeler or come to that my original Lotus Super Seven with the Ford Twin Cam engine..
All gone all now literally non existent and I miss every one.
Oh well, I will just have to build another three wheeler this winter.
Hi Steffan,The Lomax really did set a trend in Kit Cars when there was a real interest in this kind of cheap different individual motoring. The ones I have driven have really been fun cars and quite capable cruisers.
Your is indeed a well sorted example. Excellent effort.
Enjoy the car you will remember it forever.
I wish I still had either my BSA Scout or my Morgan JAP three wheeler or come to that my original Lotus Super Seven with the Ford Twin Cam engine..
All gone all now literally non existent and I miss every one.
Oh well, I will just have to build another three wheeler this winter.
Yes, the type of fun kit car isnt made anymore! it seems to me that kit cars are all about raw speed and handling. I have only ever seen 2 or 3 jester kit cars (probably one of the last "fun kits"), although i really do quite like the Sammio range.
Fortunately Phil Gregory of Pembleton is still producing a few kits a year for those wanting to build a "fun" three wheeler where performance isnt the only thing (unlike nearly all bike based cars). Although finding a 2cv is getting hard nowadays, most build with a BMW or a Guzzi block.
There are a few things i would like to do to the lomax given time and funds. A nice new interior and dash and some 9.0:1 high compression barrels and cylinders would be nice. Next summer i plan to get some 100% uprated springs and new shocks as it gets a little impolite around corners when you're going for it and it feels very leany! Other than that, its pretty much perfect!
What are you planning to build?
Jamirecluse said:
Nice, OP.
Does it feel like double speed with no upper body and so low to the ground?
Those roads look great fun in a car like that.
It does feel faster, but i think it also feels quicker because there is no screen/roof/sides. This is the general consensus i get when speaking to owners who do have these on thier Lomii.Does it feel like double speed with no upper body and so low to the ground?
Those roads look great fun in a car like that.
I Had a sit in a JZR a little while ago, and with those you really do sit on the floor of the car and they are low, i imagine they feel even faster (and they have nearly double power too!) I also tried a LWB pembleton and they feel a little lower too.
Thanks
Slomax
Edited by slomax on Friday 14th October 11:03
r1ch said:
Very cool mate, i love stuff like this. Great piccies too. Never seen one of those before! How do people react to it, do you get many comments ?
hello Thanks!
Yeah, everyone stops and stares, waves, flashes or beeps. It's amazing how much attention you get in it! Especially as its so loud when you give it some revvs!
Many people say oh, its like a Robin Reliant in reverse, which really hacks me off as they think its just as unstable and stupid!
Some people ask if it is a morgan, others are just really interested! It is nice to see so many people asking about it.
Heres that vid of it accelerating to give you that engine note!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_i0ZbLRFms
Niall
poo at Paul's said:
Loving this!
Takes me back to being 17 and my mate having a 2cv! Wellying it about the place, used to love how he had to change up to 2nd before crossing the centre white line, when pulling out of a junction!!
Haha, thanks, yeah. First gear is really short! If you get the revvs right and the road is wet you can get wheelspin going into second too, which is funny!Takes me back to being 17 and my mate having a 2cv! Wellying it about the place, used to love how he had to change up to 2nd before crossing the centre white line, when pulling out of a junction!!
Jamirecluse said:
I want a Lomax after watching the video.
yeah, thats the reaction i get from everyone once they have been out in it too!! they are A LOT of fun! The really bid advantages in this layout is the front wheel drive, all the weight over the front wheels and quite decent front suspension with soft loadings.
The rear wheel is almost a sinecure, tucked away at the back, trailing along.
IMO the best layout for three wheel drive. Good cabin space, inherently safe handling, ideal IMO
Bar none.
The rear wheel is almost a sinecure, tucked away at the back, trailing along.
IMO the best layout for three wheel drive. Good cabin space, inherently safe handling, ideal IMO
Bar none.
Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff