As a class record nowadays (when once it was a power source that could achieve the outright land speed record) the need to show steam as being fast comes in the cycle of its supposed popularity as a 'green' power source for road transport. The 'steamin demon' set records under the SCTA when there was a need to show off a power unit for a bus - do not forget that Inspiration had to beat their speed as well as that of the Stanley.
The complexity of the steam/power production in the Inspiration will probably not see it developed for use by normal motorists.
Yes, the US will attack the class record but I for one do not expect great activity unless someone works on a 500 mph wheel driven car powered by steam.
Other Speed Record Breakers Are Available!
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Re: Other Speed Record Breakers Are Available!
Malcolm Pittwood
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- Renegadenemo
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Re: Other Speed Record Breakers Are Available!
Surely the outright attempts must reach the point where the chance of being killed is greater than the chance of getting away with it then the family of a smear of jam on the desert will sue the governing body for encouraging their loved one into such a foolhardy pursuit so no more outright records will be recognised by them and what happens then?
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"As to reward, my profession is its own reward;" Sherlock Holmes.
'It ain't what they call you, it's what you answer to.' W.C. Fields.
- Dominic Owen
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Re: Other Speed Record Breakers Are Available!
I'm in total agreement that the steam record class has absolutely no practical relevance in the real world of road cars, etc... That said, neither does a hybrid rocket or afterburning turbojet, when you think about it.
When you strip away the technology, there's one common factor in every speed record: The prestige of being the fastest by a given method. Combine this with the attraction of a relatively 'low' speed in a once forgotten class and you get the odd small team cropping up who have an idea and the enthusiasm to raise the bar by a few mph. Eventually it reaches the point where industry becomes involved and advances in efficiency are made. I can't foresee steam cars ever making a return to the roads but steam power is still in use today, just not on a small scale or by the general public.
As I said, I just think it could be an interesting one to watch in coming years - If the Americans claim the record, I dare say there will be someone within these shores who says "That just won't do..." and the old friendly rivalry will be applied.
When you strip away the technology, there's one common factor in every speed record: The prestige of being the fastest by a given method. Combine this with the attraction of a relatively 'low' speed in a once forgotten class and you get the odd small team cropping up who have an idea and the enthusiasm to raise the bar by a few mph. Eventually it reaches the point where industry becomes involved and advances in efficiency are made. I can't foresee steam cars ever making a return to the roads but steam power is still in use today, just not on a small scale or by the general public.
As I said, I just think it could be an interesting one to watch in coming years - If the Americans claim the record, I dare say there will be someone within these shores who says "That just won't do..." and the old friendly rivalry will be applied.
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- Renegadenemo
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Re: Other Speed Record Breakers Are Available!
Not sure how possible it is to absolve people. Disclaimers are notoriously unreliable devices.One assumes that there's some kind of contract in place with the driver absolving anyone of any blame in the event of it being jam time..?
I'm only a plumber from Cannock...
"As to reward, my profession is its own reward;" Sherlock Holmes.
'It ain't what they call you, it's what you answer to.' W.C. Fields.
"As to reward, my profession is its own reward;" Sherlock Holmes.
'It ain't what they call you, it's what you answer to.' W.C. Fields.
- Dominic Owen
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Re: Other Speed Record Breakers Are Available!
As do I, but a lot less so than for various other contenders.Mike Bull wrote:I'm not going to put a gloss on it- I do fear for Wingco Green on this one.
I think someone said once "The day we stop seeking answers from the unknown is the day we are finished as a race." and "When you go down into the arena, you know that sometimes, you're likely to get your nose punched. You do it with your eyes open. You take the risks."
If only I could remember his name...
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Re: Other Speed Record Breakers Are Available!
The ultimate outcome of all this will be that just like more and more military operations, the outright records will become unmanned to prevent the possibilty of an individual having a bad day.
On this basis, the current speed record would be 99.9999991% of the speed of light - as held by those nice people at CERN. Could be tricky to make a significant dent in that one...
S
On this basis, the current speed record would be 99.9999991% of the speed of light - as held by those nice people at CERN. Could be tricky to make a significant dent in that one...
S
Re: Other Speed Record Breakers Are Available!
Stuart Baker wrote:The ultimate outcome of all this will be that just like more and more military operations, the outright records will become unmanned to prevent the possibilty of an individual having a bad day.
On this basis, the current speed record would be 99.9999991% of the speed of light - as held by those nice people at CERN. Could be tricky to make a significant dent in that one...
S
Unless your name is Zefram Cochrane
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Re: Other Speed Record Breakers Are Available!
Would that make you a Checkie Trekkierob565uk wrote:Unless your name is Zefram Cochrane
Re: Other Speed Record Breakers Are Available!
Stuart Baker wrote:Would that make you a Checkie Trekkierob565uk wrote:Unless your name is Zefram Cochrane
I like that
1 in 10 people understands binary. The other one doesn't
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Re: Other Speed Record Breakers Are Available!
Can they do seperate two-way runs with the same particle at CERN? The SCTA might wear it but I'm sure the FIA wont.Stuart Baker wrote:On this basis, the current speed record would be 99.9999991% of the speed of light - as held by those nice people at CERN. Could be tricky to make a significant dent in that one...
One by one, the penguins are stealing my sanity...