We are now living in the era of a perfect transport system. We offer subways, cars, trains and planes. It's hard to imagine that we could have lived differently. However, several decades ago, some "lucky ones" were able to experience first-hand the unsuccessful attempts of inventors to accelerate movement. Here are some unfortunate ideas that have had a fiasco. Now they are vying with each other for the title of the most ridiculous transport invention.
Pneumatic conveyor
In the late 19th century, inventor Alfred Eli Beach became infamous for the idea of creating a transit system that would be propelled by air. He was so confident of success that he turned to the New York authorities for permission to build a subway, but already at this stage he suffered a fiasco. Instead, the city authorities gave him permission to build a pneumatic mail conveyor. However, the inventor managed to combine the order and his own idea. He hoisted a man-sized booth onto the transporter, which really moved quickly from station to station, but inside the cabin it was too stuffy from the hot air. The innovation remained within the demonstration line, and in 1897 the inventor admitted the defeat of his idea in front of more advanced electric trains.
Airships
These aircraft were all the rage in the early 20th century. More comfortable models were used to transport representatives of the nobility, simpler models found their place on the battlefields. Until the 30s, there was a steady demand for airships. The era of transatlantic travel was approaching. Manufacturers feared bankruptcy and replaced expensive helium in cylinders with cheaper, but flammable hydrogen. The flash fire of the Hindenburg aircraft docked in New Jersey on May 6, 1937, was filmed and featured on radio news programs. From now on, trust in airships as a safe transport was completely lost.
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Unicycle
This vehicle was once the favorite brainchild of science fiction writers at the very beginning of the 20th century. However, the testers began their development 150 years ago. None of the ideas were successful. After all, although the concept of a monowheel is surprisingly simple, it inevitably jeopardizes the safety and stability of the driver. With the presence of a solid support for the passenger seat, it is not possible to stop the device quickly. The first to popularize this form of transport in 1932 was the inventor Dr. Jay Perves. Undoubtedly, the electric unicycle has a lot of shortcomings, but the very idea of its improvement is so attractive that new models are being tested in the 21st century. But American Kerry McLean in 2001, during the next tests, almost said goodbye to life.
Tricycle
How do you feel about a tricycle? As a child, many of us had this reliable vehicle. But what happens if you deprive one wheel of a passenger car? Don't laugh, from a theoretical point of view, the tricycle has improved aerodynamics, lower air resistance and relative mechanical simplicity. Since 1973, the Reliant Robin has been in service on UK roads. Probably, the manufacturer wanted to lure consumers with a relatively low price and fuel economy when traveling. In addition, the driver does not need a license to drive a tricycle. However, the car did not gain popularity, and instead quickly became the protagonist of anecdotes. Even wheelchair drivers made fun of him. So, 2002 was the final year of testing the Reliant Robin project.
Flying boat Caproni Ca.60 Noviplano
This incredible means of transportation combines the idea of an airliner and a sea passenger ship.
Italian designer Gianni Caproni has created a flying boat with nine twin wings (three rows of three). This colossus was to be set in motion with the help of eight engines with a total capacity of 3 thousand horsepower. However, during the first test at an altitude of 18 meters, the Caproni Ca.60 Noviplano safely fell apart. Can you imagine what fate would await a hundred passengers on a transatlantic flight if the first test were more successful?
Inga Kaisina