NASA builds PHOTO GEAR lunar rover

[Osprey Whisperer]

http://www.pbase.com/blindmustangpilot/image/73200957.jpg







Well...not exactly. I played McGiver and built a fancy handy dandy dedicated photography equipment cart. Chopped, drilled, screwed and tinkered with a standard folding 3 wheel push/pull golf cart. I removed many of the dedicated golf cart/bag components and added some items I had sitting around the house to build a "customized" camera cart.


http://www.pbase.com/blindmustangpilot/image/73200937.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/blindmustangpilot/image/73200940.jpg

I chopped down the front wheel throat assembly and drilled, bolted and reattached it with wing nuts for quick/easy removale for transportation and storage.

http://www.pbase.com/blindmustangpilot/image/73200948.jpg

I added a long swing arm bicycle rack mount (like you hang in the garage) and assembled this to the cart frame at the bottom to support a cooler. Yes..a cooler. You need beer and subs for all photo adventures.

http://www.pbase.com/blindmustangpilot/image/73200950.jpg

I also added a section of white wire closet shelving.....for stability for the cooler to keep it from rocking on the metal frame and falling off. I strap the cooler onto the frame with a couple bungy cords.

http://www.pbase.com/blindmustangpilot/image/73200949.jpg

Next I added a fancy white metal wire closet shelf section thingy. Used a section of aluminum framing extrusion for the top edge support/mount. I also used a piece of aluminum angle for a horizontal stabilizer and attachment sectin at the bottom inside edge of the shelf unit. This is the main shelf that holds the large sized Tamrac camera bag with all the goodies I need to take bird shots.

http://www.pbase.com/blindmustangpilot/image/73200941.jpg


http://www.pbase.com/blindmustangpilot/image/73200945.jpg


I took a set of strap braces from the original cart and moved them from a hunk of metal I removed and then added them to the cart frame. These are slotted pieces of metal that a quick release strap will fit through. My dear ole Mother sewed some nylon straps, also taken from the original bag support system of the cart...and fixed them on permanently with her sewing machine. Yippe for Mom. These two black straps secure the camera bag, tripod/bag and monopod with 2 quick snaps. (see details.)

http://www.pbase.com/blindmustangpilot/image/73200949.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/blindmustangpilot/image/73200956.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/blindmustangpilot/image/73200955.jpg

I also removed the score card clip and holder, a water bottle, tire pump thingy and some other metal crap that was not needed for my cart. Saved about 5-6lbs of weight also. I can fit plenty of gear on this cart. In the following pics...notice the pop up camo blind (black round bag thingy), large cooler (behind the blind) The large pro sized bag above the cooler that holds 2 bodies (at least) and a good half dozen lenses with room for other stuff like a a laptop. On top of the bag is a tripod (in light blue bag), a monopod, another small camera bag with P&S stuff, jacket, sweatshirt, and knee pads attaced arond the handle. Pretty much all one needs. shocked; :coo3l:


http://www.pbase.com/blindmustangpilot/image/73200940.jpg


http://www.pbase.com/blindmustangpilot/image/73200942.jpg


http://www.pbase.com/blindmustangpilot/image/73200943.jpg


http://www.pbase.com/blindmustangpilot/image/73200944.jpg

I've taken this out for a few test drives and it works very well. It is a bit more difficult in the sand of the beach....than on pavement, but still not too bad. I originally built this to take my gear down to the beach and waterways. It beats carrying it. (no car kids). I thought this would work great for the MI4 shoot as well. Not sure I'll be able to take it due to space restraints....of someone elses vehicle. Not sure who is exactly towing my sorry ass around...but they might not want this thing in their car...or perhaps no room will result in me leaving it home. Hope I do get to take it, because it makes it very easy to carry my junk. So..I get a few strange looks and cat calls from non photographers. :biglaugh: :coo3l:

If you want to see more pics..here's the link:

http://www.pbase.com/blindmustangpilot/transportation&page=2

I probalby have about $75 in the whole cart. Picked the golf cart (see below for before McGiver pics) on Ebay for cheap. Had the other items around the house, but they could easily be found at Lowes or Home Depot.

http://www.pbase.com/blindmustangpilot/image/73200958.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/blindmustangpilot/image/73200959.jpg

(note: the cart still folds up, but to save space I remove the front wheel and main wire shelf unit)



THanks for looking.

[Bobby]

Mike as far as I can tell this unit is missing only a seat and a motor and then you really will be in business. Actually looks like a very versatile rig. Nice build McGyver.

[stilllearning]

What's that saying? Necessity is the mother of invention? Well it looks like this invention fits the bill.:coo3l:

[Kevin]

Aren't you just the Handy Andy? Pretty neat idea and job!

[Rudi]

Man, you've thought of everything! I like it. :)

[Osprey Whisperer]

Mike as far as I can tell this unit is missing only a seat and a motor and then you really will be in business. Actually looks like a very versatile rig. Nice build McGyver.

....don't forget the keg, tapper and wide screen plasma t.v. I'm working on that this week . :biglaugh:

It works pretty well...and I'm glad I altered the golf cart. So what if I look like a retard walking down the sidwalk on my way to the beach. You watch...it will be a trend and everyone will have one. :coo3l:

[Kevin]

You can make one for me. It would be great for Orlando Wetlands! I'll just need a cushioned seat attachment for mine. :)

[Osprey Whisperer]

You can make one for me. It would be great for Orlando Wetlands! I'll just need a cushioned seat attachment for mine. :)

My work doesn't come cheap. :biggrin: I actually have a little fold up stool..that I will pack sometimes. I think it needs a loud powerful stereo system to play that evil "rock 'n' Roooooo..uhgm bird calls. ;)

It really saves my shoulders and back....and I find I take ALL my equipment with me now...instead of leaving what I need at home. LOL

I could have used the cart as it came....but now what fun would that be?

Golf Cart. $40
Camera equipemnt $3000
College degree in industrial design $$ lots

The ability to McGiver a $40 golf cart to carry your $3000 of camera gear, thanks to that fancy degree...

PRICELESS. :biglaugh: :biglaugh: