Bells and whistles

While anticipating the release of the production, I gave some thought to adaptations which might be worthwhile, depending on the "vanilla" design as from STW.  Some might be bolt-ons which could be readily removed in order to restore the simplicity of the original.  I also set to thinking while waiting for the paint to dry on the springs.

Colour Scheme

I have updated my thoughts on the colour scheme after discussing with a correspondent.  At the time the original locomobile was made, most vehicles were sold with black or dark coloured bodywork. I now think that a British Racing Green would be more suitable than the "Cowslip" colour scheme I originally intended, with most parts to be painted BRG, with a yellow outlining.  BRG was first used on racing cars in 1902, so I think that would be sympathetic with the era.  It might be desirable to make the yellow a high visibility paint, to enhance visibility.  Careful painting will be needed, with cleaning, primer, undercoat, gloss topcoat(s) and possibly a varnish/ lacquer to complete the finish.

Should one paint over screw threads/ nuts which are not expected to be dismantled?

Speedometer/ odometer
It would be really useful to be able to measure speed and distance.  Fortunately one can use standard pedal bike wireless sensor and monitor – battery powered.  Even better is to use an app on the mobile to use GPS for measuring speed and distance - no wiring, no fitting, keep the original design :) - thanks to one of my blog readers for this suggestion.

Security
It's probably a good idea to make sure that no one unauthorised can fire up the car and drive off with it.

A padlock on the quadrant would be a good start.

As we now have some electric controls, a keyed switch for the burner supply is introduced.
Another thing could be to have a wheel chock, or a motor-cycle lock and chain, to be locked to a wheel.  This would both reduce dependence on the handbrake, and discourage unauthorized use. 

 Roof
Keep drier in wet English weather.  Many photos show a "Loco" with hoods to various designs.
The Hood should be collapsible and removable, perhaps a few wing nuts to remove it and restore the car to its vanilla appearance. 
Possible, mount high just behind seat. 3 frames – wood or metal.  Wing nuts for easy removal.  Drop down braces.  Could include the rear top surface – might collect some heat from the boiler.  Might adapt a tarpaulin.
Don’t forget knee covering.

Additional Range
Additional range could be added for easier enjoyment.  Water use of 1 gallon per mile needs some planning.
Extra water on-board capability would be good, removable for better performance on short outings. Aim for a range of 30 miles (local beauty spot and back).  i.e. extra 20 galls, assuming a 10 gall original capacity.
Hozelock style fittings for easy assembly/ removal.  Brass versions are available to avoid a 'plastic' appearance.

Additional water could be held in Jerry cans (20 galls), in purpose built tank at front (10 galls), at rear, or in small trailer (20+ galls).  Will affect performance.  Needs to be removable for “Vanilla” appearance.
I am buying a small trailer, made by Roland, which has a maximum load bearing capacity of 200kg.  It is designed for use with a bicycle, or as a hand cart.

Also need some spare paraffin/ diesel.  Mount on side, or in a trailer?
Mudguards
Avoid mud on car and contents.
Plain bent steel sheet with angle bracket (or wood?) supports.  Bend over edges and make a flange to keep shape.  Don't intend to make them out of leather, which was the Edwardian way.  Need to make sure forward edges will not be harmful.
It might be worth looking at motorcycle mudguards, the tyres are the size used on classic motorbikes, so why not add matching mudguards.
Lighting
Be seen in the dark. See the road ahead. Indicate intentions to others.
Standard bicycle/ camping suppliers for bicycle lights and reflectors.
Consider including indicator lights?
Mock traditional (hand made) carriage lamp with cycle or car LED innards, controlled from a driver operated rocker switch. LED assemblies come with flashing options for indicators.  1 pair of lamps may suffice, each assembly containing indicator (180 deg), white forward sidelight/ illumination, red rear sidelight.
May need a single headlamp centre front if sidelights are too weak, include an off-on-on rocker switch to handle side/ headlights.
Feed water pre-heating

Save energy - make the exhaust as cool as possible.

Coiled pipe micro-bore as heat exchanger in boiler exhaust.
Could drive exhaust with blast pipe from the engine, to save the energy used by the fan.
Improve efficiency

Smooth out any rough patches/ sharp bends/ narrow bore on steam flows.

Any benefit from a blast pipe (Bernouilli) in improving engine performance?  Unlikely to improve MEP by more than 5 psi, over an estimated MEP of 100+ psi.  Try it out?! 

Seating
Some models of the Locomobile were reportedly built as four seaters.  No chassis extensions are planned.  It might be possible for a shelf or seat to be placed across the car above the pedals and steering, and for the front to be hinged forward and down to make more passenger space.  Passenger safety is to be assured.

Light-weight tow hitch
Recommended max towing weight is half the vehicle weight – i.e. 200kg (equal to 2 people)
Would take a small trailer/ hand cart.   Taken a look at bicycle trailers which will double up as a hand cart, for a 100+kg load of: water/ fuel/ shopping.  

Thermo-pile energy recovery

Needs suitable sink for energy.

Essential toolkit, and consumables

Fire extinguisher, Spanners, screwdriver, mole wrench, water conditioner, steam oil, diesel preservative, other lubricants?
Bell/ Whistle/ Horn
Be heard! 
Bulb horn, bell(?) or steam whistle
Make removable (e.g. shut-off valve for whistle) Whistle fed off upper feed to sight glass, may need a throttle to avoid over pressure.  A steam whistle will have to be out of the way to avoid scalds.  There is some ancient legislation which seems to suggest that whistles should not be used so as to startle animals (e.g. the horse under the Lord of the Manor)

Dog clutch/ PTO/ gear change

Run engine without connecting to rear wheels, including pumps attached to the engine crosshead.  Move vehicle without turning over the engine (e.g. trailer loading)

Would it be feasible to use the pump to lift water from an external source, e.g. river/ canal.

Provide high or normal gear when at rest, depending on intended driving and load conditions.
Likely to be complicated and awkward compared with any benefit.
Attire

Be practical/ safe/ comfortable/ stylish.

Include knee covers.
Edwardian style?  Hats used to be important: top hat for management; bowler hat for senior craftsmen, flat caps for workers.  I favour a bowler.
Sailing gear/ motorcycle gear for modern practicality.
Light coloured gauntlets for keeping out hot and cold, and being seen for hand signals.

Safety

What can go wrong?  Boiler explosion; steam escape; fire out of control; lose control of car - direction/ speed; run into someone or something;