Curta Calculator .. used in rally racing ..

[solder_guy]

While doing a search for mechanical calculators .. I came across this calc .. which has a reputation for being used by rally racers back before the invention of the electronic calc. They were used for calculations of time trials, distance, fuel use, etc. Very popular with the rally racers of the '50s through the '70s. Handheld and looks like a small pepper grinder.

 

Rob Mitchell

 

The Curta Calculator

 

 

http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/90626608_curta.jpg

[slngsht]

and if the navigator makes a mistake, you can pound him in the head with it. I love multi-purpose tools.

[solder_guy]

and if the navigator makes a mistake, you can pound him in the head with it. I love multi-purpose tools.

 

:lol: BTW: these calculators were the HP of their day. $$$$$ on eBay.

 

Rob

 

[solder_guy]

From a recent eBay auction of a booklet with time tables ... about using the Curta Calculator for Rallying. The booklet went for $42 on eBay.

 

Rob

 

Description: "This 8 & 1/2 by 6 inch booklet is for use with early Rallyes. I used this many times during the 50's & 60's. Gives minutes per mile factors to the sixth decimal place. Accurate to .000005 of a minute. Therefore the maximum tabular error after 1000 miles of rallying is three tenths of a second. Great for use in current nostalgic rallyes Copyrighted by Allan Jay Kalb in 1959. 59 pages."

 

http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/563394867_curta1.jpg

 

http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/2012367744_curta2.jpg

 

http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/850088408_curta3.jpg

[powderbrake]

I have always been facinated by the Curta Calculator. I would love to have one, if only to disassemble it

[stevet]

Friend of mine in London has one - might see if I can persuade him to let me have it on 'permanent loan'

 

[solder_guy]

I would like to borrow one .. just to play with it .. and then return. There are two Curta simulators out there.

 

Also the Curta company did make a working cutaway view demonstrator to illustrate how it works.

 

Rob

 

[powderbrake]

I looked at the Curta link. Well, now I can see how they are made, and also how foolish it would be to ever try to disassemble one. :crazy:

[solder_guy]

Damn .. I wish I could get my hands on a Curta!

 

Rob