After the success of my potter’s wheel, I think I can probably make an electric vehicle. Something low speed, with high-torque. Many of the same things I’ve learned will transfer: pulleys, shafts, bearings, motors, speed control. Headlights and sounds would be easy to implement. Remote control might not be too difficult either.

I think the tricky bit will making the mechanisms for the front loader and back hoe – terms I learned recently from a 2 year old. They will not only need to work, but be easy enough and pleasant enough for a small person to enjoy using.

There is a standard two-lever mechanism I’ve seen that many sandpit diggers seem to use. One lever moves the arm up and down, and the other lever tips the bucket out. This seems to be a sensible principle. I need familiarise myself with leverage and pivots. I think this project is going to hinge on them.

Time to do lots of research.