I have a secret fondness for the Wheel's little space taxi.  It isn't often that one sees such a perfect merging of technological optimism, jalopy mechanic simplicity and pure gonzo suicidal impracticality.  Bang together a metal frame, strap on a rocket motor fore and aft, add a crude saddle for the pilot and you're away.  Mind you "away" is most likely deep space or a quick, hot trip back to the Earth's atmosphere, but there's no cause to whinge about it, you know.

The other endearing feature of the space taxi is its pointlessness.  It can only carry its pilot and no cargo, unless you count strapping a casualty to the frame any old how as "cargo."

Passengers?  Take a look at Larry, Moe and Curly on the left.  That's right.  You tie a line to the taxi, hold tight, stay clear of the back blast and try not to think about what happens when the pilot hits the retros at the other end.

No wonder the insurance premiums keep going up.

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