Trip Report - Parts run & Local Motors - 14 Feb 2012

[Russ McLean]

We are cleaning up some leftover Cornbinder and other parts. We loaded up Marian's little Nissan pickup, slapped the signs on the door, and headed out to visit some Cornbinder folk. We dropped a core motor in Maricopa, swapped some Cummins engine parts in Mesa, and dropped a 1210 door in Tempe.

It was a 450 mile trip. On the way home, we visited Local Motors, located on the former Beaudry RV grounds. Local Motors is a micro-factory that makes the Rally Fighter. Here are two in front of the building. One of them has a BMW Diesel motor. There is too much to explain, some links:
http://www.local-motors.com/
http://www.rallyfighter.com/

There is a monthly gathering called Makers, Modders, and Masters at the Micro-Factory. We thank Giovanni for the invite and the warm welcome. And thank Tony for the tour of the factory. Part of this gathering was a presentation from Wheels4 Warriers, a non-profit organization with a mission to honor our Wounded Heros.

A quick tour. The next picture shows a 2011 model, ready to be assembled. Note the tubular suspension. The 2012 model has the suspension made from solid aluminum. I wish I had taken a picture.

The 4th picture is a 2012 model after 3 days of owner/builder assembly. The owner/builder - with one other helper - comes in for a 3 day weekend. Local Motors has a dedicated builder/trainer that works with them.

Local Motors then performs some further assembly on the Rally Fighter, then the 2 person owner team returns for a second 3 day weekend. At the end of this work session, the Rally Fighter is done and can be driven off.

The last picture shows some of the stock. We were very impressed with this micro-factory, it was well equipped and well stocked.

It was a long day, and we still had 180 miles to travel. We made a donation, said our good byes and left before the meeting got underway.