Mr Patrick Kelly, visited Hazelwood College today to present to the students his fully functional replica Formula One car. Mr Kelly recently completed his Bachelor of Education and Technology at the University of Limerick.
As part of his final year at the University Patrick undertook a 10 week placement at Hazelwood College, teaching students Woodwork, Construction Studies and Technical Graphics from September to December. After his return to the University Patrick began the task of building what is believed to be the only fully driveable wooden formula one car.
The car is built on a steel chassis, with a wood composite skin. The wood composite skin comprises of bendable plywood, medium density fibreboard and almost five hundred hand cut maple and walnut pieces to form the outer skin. The car was then hand sanded and between three and six hand applied coats of oil to bring the car to its final finish.
It is powered by a 600cc, 90HP engine with a six speed semi automatic transmission, giving it the same power as a 1.5l petrol family car, but with about one third of the weight. The car is capable of over 100mph.
Pictured above are the Leaving Certificate Construction Studies Class Mr Kelly taught while on placement at Hazelwood College with their teacher Mr Fealy.
Gallery – click on any image to enlarge
