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Hamster Palanquin
Another piece of classic whimsy from the specialists in spherical-wheeled conveyances, Spherodon. During the dark period of ‘dirty’ fuel shortages, any and all means of alternative energy were tried – with varying degrees of success. One of the most head-turning of these designs was undoubtedly the Hamster Palanquin (shown here in full twenty-hamster configuration) which capitalised on the hamsters’ unique love of running and exercise thus providing motive force.
A simple “left/right, stop/go” steering mechanism ensured that anyone could easily operate the vehicle: by applying braking force to specific rows of hamster spheres the machine was able to perform simple turning and stopping manoeuvres.
Whilst unable to handle difficult terrain (unfortunately the palanquin was known to tip over when handling steep curbs), providing a somewhat sedate top speed of around 2-3 mph, and with a limited range of around 4 miles, the conveyance proved to be a surprise hit with the leisure classes.
Wealthy owners were known to convert spare outhouses into hamster barns, and aristocrats were constantly out-doing each other with the number and variety of hamsters on hand. Along with this came a whole support network of staff: hamster grooms, veterinarians and a myriad of “experts” in all aspects of feeding, training and breeding.
Amazing one…
What about pollution concerns ?
It is difficult to translate the text that appears to refer to pollution. The large number of hamsters did become a concern – mainly because of the industry that grew around them, especially the hamster farms that were necessary to produce the millions of animals.
How the problem was rectified will probably be explained with more clarity later in the Transportica. But, it is clear to see in the text that the hamster shortages did lead to a major conflict.