pic: Concept 8wd Drivetrain

[AdamHeard]

Originally Posted by B.Johnston

And new to this disscussion ... Fault Tolerance.

Each side could maintain some motive force with the following failures

1. 1 chain = 75% wheels driving (2 Wheels - 1 Omni).
2. 2 chains = 50% wheels driving (2 Wheels).
3. 1 Transmission = 50% wheels driving (1 Wheel - 1 Omni).
4. 2 Transmissions = 0% wheels driving (Okay Dead in the water here).

I believe Fault tolerance is something that can be built into any drive train, and isn't a distinct advantage to an 8 wheel.