Balz of steel. Jean-Claude doing his "epic split" between 2 Volvos going in reverse. Reports say it was done in one take!

[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=M7FIvfx5J10[/media]

 

I saw this over the week end. They claim it is real. i believe it is....well sort.
The trucks are not running backwards but the film is. Note that the drivers are not viewing their rear view mirrors.

If he startred out with the split, and the trucks came closer together as they moved forward, he could safety press againt the sides and compenste against his weight as it raised him up.

Going down against a spreading foot hold, traveling backwards, would be tenuios at best.

 

Wall Street Journal did a story on it where Volvo stated that they are truely going in reverse. The Special dynamic steering stability system they are demoing is a digital electric steering motor that will straighten the cab to the trailer direction hands off. No need for the drivers to be looking. You'll also notice that the truck that does the separation is a 3 axle solid chassic. You get the trailer traveling in the direction you want and the cab will automatically follow the trailer and correct it's straightness. They also state that Van Damme was wire tethered for safety sake.

[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=clv7emcs84Y[/media]

 

That makes sense .......... NOT.

 

I pull a 32' 5th wheel cargo trailer with a Dodge dually and I have backed into some crazy spaces, like trade show floors set with booths and equipment and down long twisting driveways at night. Those volvos are dead straight and in control. Trailers will naturally drift when reversing so it takes constant attention to keep them straight. I am as impressed with the trucks as I am with JCVD. But it was the Enya soundtrack that made it seem peaceful.

 

Sure it does, But then you know everything.

Standing on two horses is easy if they begin to close up together. But not if they spread apart. For exactly the dynamics I expressed. And that, I have done.

Watch closely the next time you see that stunt done at a wild west show.

But if Volvo says they did it with their new technology, then I can accept it.

The stunt is amazing either way.

I doubt it will keep the OTR drivers from bumping into my building when they dock, but cool beans just the same.

 

From what I can see, only one of those rigs was a tractor trailer rig. If so, it was still an amazing feat. Not Van Damme, but backing so precisely.

Here's a question. What guides them? Or, will they just continue in two nonparallel straight lines?

 

What I could not see is bridging the gap between two cabs in the full splits position without the weight of the body to spread the legs. It might be tough to do the splits in space. You see what I am getting at?
Starting with the cabs together it is possible.

It's JCVD after all and no one dares to say he did not do it to his face. JCVD can kick Chuck Norris' butt.