The McLaren F1 was an iconic and unique supercar. 20 years on it still looks great and performs well against some of the more modern machines.
Suspension – Modelled on the McLaren F1 set up. Positive caster angle on the front steering linkage was added to help with the return to centre on the RC model. This was retained on the non powered version.
Steering – A relatively simple set up due to the central position of the steering wheel in the car.
Gearbox – I wanted to try to model the transverse gearbox set up on the McLaren but I also wanted the gear selector to be simple, accurate, and easy for a kid to use and understand. The end result is a transverse, high / low gear box. The gear selection is really crisp, and it works well so I am
really pleased with the compromise.
Engine – A big v12 that was difficult to fit in. The size of the engine led to some of the size compromises on the gearbox.
Butterfly Doors – The butterfly doors are partially pneumatically assisted in that it was not possible with the current design to generate enough
pneumatic power to lift the doors, but the pneumatics are able to hold the doors in raised positions
Front Bonnet – Manually opens
Rear engine bay cover – The door is held in open position by a passive pneumatic mini cylinder
Rear exhaust silencer cover - Manually opens.
Airbrake – This can be raised and lowered pneumatically.
Spoiler – Two mini pneumatic cylinders block the spoiler into a raised position but allow continued use of the airbrake.
Pneumatic pump – the pneumatic pump is disguised under the large engine air intakes. It is operated by manually turning a small handle that tucks back down when not in use. One pneumatic switch operates the airbrake – Up/Down. The other pneumatic switch operates the spoiler up function in one
position, and in the other position pressures up the pneumatic cylinders that assist the butterfly doors.