US Land Steam Record!!
Posted by chuk williams
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Re: US Land Steam Record!! June 17, 2012 07:17PM |
Registered: 16 years ago Posts: 152 |
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Re: US Land Steam Record!! June 21, 2012 03:53PM |
Registered: 19 years ago Posts: 835 |
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Re: US Land Steam Record!! August 15, 2012 01:47PM |
Registered: 19 years ago Posts: 338 |
Hey everyone!
As you probably know by now--Speed Week at Bonneville is well underway-and we're not there! We tried like ___ to make it-but it just wasn't possible to get everything done in time. The new engine installation required that the aft section of the Streamliner frame had to be redesigned and built-as well as building the engine mounts, drive train and other necessary adaptations.
Sorry I haven't kept up the progress reports-I've been putting in 12-14 hour days to get things done. We will keep the "Dream" going!
Cheers--Chuk
www.steamspeedamerica.com
As you probably know by now--Speed Week at Bonneville is well underway-and we're not there! We tried like ___ to make it-but it just wasn't possible to get everything done in time. The new engine installation required that the aft section of the Streamliner frame had to be redesigned and built-as well as building the engine mounts, drive train and other necessary adaptations.
Sorry I haven't kept up the progress reports-I've been putting in 12-14 hour days to get things done. We will keep the "Dream" going!
Cheers--Chuk
www.steamspeedamerica.com
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Re: US Land Steam Record!! August 15, 2012 05:28PM |
Registered: 19 years ago Posts: 1,519 |
Hi Chuk,
The website looks great! Chuk's LSR website
I enjoyed reading my name in the list of individuals who donated. Im going to donate again....
I like the grassroots steam LSR attempt better.
The website looks great! Chuk's LSR website
I enjoyed reading my name in the list of individuals who donated. Im going to donate again....
I like the grassroots steam LSR attempt better.
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Re: US Land Steam Record!! September 15, 2012 06:25AM |
Registered: 19 years ago Posts: 338 |
Hey Everyone!
The 2012 Berrien Springs SACA Meet is going well, with the usual attendees-and quite a few newcomers-enjoying the interesting talks and the comeraderie of the Event. There are attendees from the NE Chapter, the West Coast, the deep South, and the usual larger group from the central and Midwest parts of the country. We have two Stanleys in attendance, and both ran around all afternoon giving rides to everyone. Jo Bibby and friend are here from Ireland, bringing with them the Irish wit and wisdom!
Tom Kimmel's Steam Museum is the usual hit of the Event-yesterday he finally got around to going thru with another one of his famous "tours"! Yesterday afternoon we enjoyed the running of the Time Trials at the Fairgrounds. The Time Trials Committee had the timer working very well this time-so later we'll have actual times of the individual participants. Preliminary results indicate that Tony Grzyb's Deloura was again the overall winner of the Event-but we'll know for sure tonight at the Awards Banquet. Roger Ulsky's Tragster was performing very spectacularly-giving Tony a real incentive to keep up the boiler pressure!
We entered and ran the Steam Speed America Streamliner in the Time Trials-just for the fun of it. The vehicle had been fired up many times, but this was the first chance we'd had to run it any distance. We're planning to get quite a bit more running time done in the next two weeks, and then we're on to Bonneville for the World Finals. We don't have a suitable body for it, so there won't be a chance of setting a record-we're only going to enjoy running it and to prepare for next years' Record Attempt.
For those of you who couldn't attend this Event-keep in mind that our next big SACA Meet will be coming up in March. It'll be held in sunny Florida in March-the actual date and details to be published later....we'll see you there!
Cheers--Chuk
STEAM SPEED AMERICA
The 2012 Berrien Springs SACA Meet is going well, with the usual attendees-and quite a few newcomers-enjoying the interesting talks and the comeraderie of the Event. There are attendees from the NE Chapter, the West Coast, the deep South, and the usual larger group from the central and Midwest parts of the country. We have two Stanleys in attendance, and both ran around all afternoon giving rides to everyone. Jo Bibby and friend are here from Ireland, bringing with them the Irish wit and wisdom!
Tom Kimmel's Steam Museum is the usual hit of the Event-yesterday he finally got around to going thru with another one of his famous "tours"! Yesterday afternoon we enjoyed the running of the Time Trials at the Fairgrounds. The Time Trials Committee had the timer working very well this time-so later we'll have actual times of the individual participants. Preliminary results indicate that Tony Grzyb's Deloura was again the overall winner of the Event-but we'll know for sure tonight at the Awards Banquet. Roger Ulsky's Tragster was performing very spectacularly-giving Tony a real incentive to keep up the boiler pressure!
We entered and ran the Steam Speed America Streamliner in the Time Trials-just for the fun of it. The vehicle had been fired up many times, but this was the first chance we'd had to run it any distance. We're planning to get quite a bit more running time done in the next two weeks, and then we're on to Bonneville for the World Finals. We don't have a suitable body for it, so there won't be a chance of setting a record-we're only going to enjoy running it and to prepare for next years' Record Attempt.
For those of you who couldn't attend this Event-keep in mind that our next big SACA Meet will be coming up in March. It'll be held in sunny Florida in March-the actual date and details to be published later....we'll see you there!
Cheers--Chuk
STEAM SPEED AMERICA
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Re: US Land Steam Record!! September 30, 2012 08:24AM |
Registered: 19 years ago Posts: 338 |
Greetings from sunny Nebraska!
Hey-We're on the road-heading out to Bonneville for the 2012 World Finals! We tied up some loose ends and did a few more tests before hitting the road west on Friday afternoon. The Streamliner is running well and ready to show her stuff!
The SSA Team is moved by the continued support and time/effort that so many people have continued to give to the Project. A special Thanks is extended to those who stayed after the Meet-got their hands dirty lending expertise and labor-helping us prep for Bonneville. Thank You-Nick Mesmer, Scott Haines, Tom Stoecker!
We don't have a body for the Vehicle, though we did throw together a rudimentary nose and tail for it. She looks a bit raw and naked, but she's tired of being in the shop and anxious to show us what she can do! A proper body is this winters Project...
So-those of you who are close enough to stop by the Flats-join us for the fun! The Finals run from October 3rd thru the 6th-see you there!
Chuk
STEAM SPEED AMERICA
Hey-We're on the road-heading out to Bonneville for the 2012 World Finals! We tied up some loose ends and did a few more tests before hitting the road west on Friday afternoon. The Streamliner is running well and ready to show her stuff!
The SSA Team is moved by the continued support and time/effort that so many people have continued to give to the Project. A special Thanks is extended to those who stayed after the Meet-got their hands dirty lending expertise and labor-helping us prep for Bonneville. Thank You-Nick Mesmer, Scott Haines, Tom Stoecker!
We don't have a body for the Vehicle, though we did throw together a rudimentary nose and tail for it. She looks a bit raw and naked, but she's tired of being in the shop and anxious to show us what she can do! A proper body is this winters Project...
So-those of you who are close enough to stop by the Flats-join us for the fun! The Finals run from October 3rd thru the 6th-see you there!
Chuk
STEAM SPEED AMERICA
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Re: US Land Steam Record!! September 30, 2012 02:33PM |
Registered: 19 years ago Posts: 1,771 |
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Re: US Land Steam Record!! September 30, 2012 06:20PM |
Registered: 15 years ago Posts: 641 |
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Re: US Land Steam Record!! October 01, 2012 06:57AM |
Registered: 17 years ago Posts: 137 |
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Re: US Land Steam Record!! October 07, 2012 10:42PM |
Registered: 19 years ago Posts: 338 |
Greetings from the road!
We're on the way home from Bonneville...tired from the drive, but feeling very good about the events of the past week. Firstly, I want to again pass on my heartfelt Thanks to all the SACA members who rallied around the Project and helped us get to Bonneville. This came in the form of both financial support and hands-on labor-we couldn't have made it without you!
The weather at the World Finals was clear and cool-for the most part. There were around 110 entries-both cars and motorcycles-and sometimes it was pretty hectic at the starting line. The wind was a problem-caused the course to be closed-and limited our track time.
We were blown away by the overwhelming interest from the officials, the press, the spectators and the other teams. We were treated like royalty by the SCTA officals, and were invited up to the Timing Tower to view the entire scene.....they even provided a high-speed chase car-so we could get side-by-side video during our runs! There was so much interest that the press and the crowd had to be moved back every time we started up before a run. Several of the officials asked to be called when we were going to make a run-so they could come and watch. Absolutely amazing response from everyone there-it makes you think that maybe steam does have a chance for a comeback!
The tech inspection for a new vehicle is very tough and nerve-wracking, however-we passed with no problems-they didn't find a single thing that needed to be changed.
We didn't have a body-just a nose that we threw together, and a sheet of aluminum that we wrapped around to keep the salt off-so we treated the days there as a way to test the vehicle and to get a feel for running it. We reached speeds of 100 mph, and all indications are that she is capable of getting the Record-when we install a body. I just did short runs of 2-3 miles to test the vehicle-preferring to make sure things are right before pushing her too hard. We picked up invaluable info about how the vehicle performs, how the track conditions affect the feel of the car....good stuff to know before the Record Attempt next year.
The Crew that came together to make this possible is to be Thanked profusely! They included Robin Roarke-crew chief/communications, Tom Kimmel-push vehicle and PR, Scott Haines-safety officer/mechanic, and Tom Stoecker-technical/mechanic. Thank You all for your generous gift of time and expertise!
This experience proved to be invaluable in the preparation for next year's Speed Week/Land Steam Record Attempt-please make plans to come and join us!
Chuk
STEAM SPEED AMERICA
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/08/2012 08:10AM by chuk williams.
We're on the way home from Bonneville...tired from the drive, but feeling very good about the events of the past week. Firstly, I want to again pass on my heartfelt Thanks to all the SACA members who rallied around the Project and helped us get to Bonneville. This came in the form of both financial support and hands-on labor-we couldn't have made it without you!
The weather at the World Finals was clear and cool-for the most part. There were around 110 entries-both cars and motorcycles-and sometimes it was pretty hectic at the starting line. The wind was a problem-caused the course to be closed-and limited our track time.
We were blown away by the overwhelming interest from the officials, the press, the spectators and the other teams. We were treated like royalty by the SCTA officals, and were invited up to the Timing Tower to view the entire scene.....they even provided a high-speed chase car-so we could get side-by-side video during our runs! There was so much interest that the press and the crowd had to be moved back every time we started up before a run. Several of the officials asked to be called when we were going to make a run-so they could come and watch. Absolutely amazing response from everyone there-it makes you think that maybe steam does have a chance for a comeback!
The tech inspection for a new vehicle is very tough and nerve-wracking, however-we passed with no problems-they didn't find a single thing that needed to be changed.
We didn't have a body-just a nose that we threw together, and a sheet of aluminum that we wrapped around to keep the salt off-so we treated the days there as a way to test the vehicle and to get a feel for running it. We reached speeds of 100 mph, and all indications are that she is capable of getting the Record-when we install a body. I just did short runs of 2-3 miles to test the vehicle-preferring to make sure things are right before pushing her too hard. We picked up invaluable info about how the vehicle performs, how the track conditions affect the feel of the car....good stuff to know before the Record Attempt next year.
The Crew that came together to make this possible is to be Thanked profusely! They included Robin Roarke-crew chief/communications, Tom Kimmel-push vehicle and PR, Scott Haines-safety officer/mechanic, and Tom Stoecker-technical/mechanic. Thank You all for your generous gift of time and expertise!
This experience proved to be invaluable in the preparation for next year's Speed Week/Land Steam Record Attempt-please make plans to come and join us!
Chuk
STEAM SPEED AMERICA
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/08/2012 08:10AM by chuk williams.
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Re: US Land Steam Record!! October 11, 2012 02:21PM |
Registered: 12 years ago Posts: 36 |
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Re: US Land Steam Record!! October 18, 2012 12:42PM |
Registered: 19 years ago Posts: 338 |
Hey-
After a week of being back in SW Florida-I can really appreciate the great climate that we're graced with here! Tis very nice to be home.....I've spent a large part of the week cleaning and washing the Bonneville salt off. Another good reason to have a body for the Streamliner-it helps keep the salt out of everything!
We're in the process of designing the new body, which is the first project on the list. The things learned at Bonneville were an invaluable part of the testing/development process, and will be a part of the buildup for next August. The basics of the vehicle worked very well-the power transmission worked flawlessly, the engine and the steam generator both performed flawlessly, the chassis did exactly what it was supposed to do....all of the small problems that we had were related to the failure of fittings. The use of Swagelok fittings is being re-examined, and I plan to use a different type of fitting for all the high-temp areas from now on. This type of problem can be totally avoided with suitable testing-either load testing with a dyno-or running the vehicle at speed on the road...but of course both of those avenues proved to be either too expensive or impossible to organize. We'll be testing using a dyno before next August at Speed Week, and we look forward to running for the Record!
You can check out the video of our Bonneville adventure at: [www.youtube.com]
Thanks again for all the help and support that everyone has provided thru the past 2+ years--we wouldn't have made it to Bonneville without you!
Cheers
Chuk
WWW.STEAMSPEEDAMERICA.COM
After a week of being back in SW Florida-I can really appreciate the great climate that we're graced with here! Tis very nice to be home.....I've spent a large part of the week cleaning and washing the Bonneville salt off. Another good reason to have a body for the Streamliner-it helps keep the salt out of everything!
We're in the process of designing the new body, which is the first project on the list. The things learned at Bonneville were an invaluable part of the testing/development process, and will be a part of the buildup for next August. The basics of the vehicle worked very well-the power transmission worked flawlessly, the engine and the steam generator both performed flawlessly, the chassis did exactly what it was supposed to do....all of the small problems that we had were related to the failure of fittings. The use of Swagelok fittings is being re-examined, and I plan to use a different type of fitting for all the high-temp areas from now on. This type of problem can be totally avoided with suitable testing-either load testing with a dyno-or running the vehicle at speed on the road...but of course both of those avenues proved to be either too expensive or impossible to organize. We'll be testing using a dyno before next August at Speed Week, and we look forward to running for the Record!
You can check out the video of our Bonneville adventure at: [www.youtube.com]
Thanks again for all the help and support that everyone has provided thru the past 2+ years--we wouldn't have made it to Bonneville without you!
Cheers
Chuk
WWW.STEAMSPEEDAMERICA.COM
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Re: US Land Steam Record!! October 18, 2012 05:54PM |
Registered: 12 years ago Posts: 36 |
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Re: US Land Steam Record!! October 19, 2012 10:35AM |
Admin Registered: 19 years ago Posts: 531 |
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Re: US Land Steam Record!! December 07, 2012 05:59AM |
Registered: 14 years ago Posts: 73 |
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Re: US Land Steam Record!! December 08, 2012 10:19AM |
Registered: 19 years ago Posts: 338 |
Hey Everybody!
Thanks again for all the kind words and support! Sorry if I haven't gotten back to everyone lately-I'm having fun building the body for the Streamliner. It's coming along nicely, and is beginning to look slick'n sexy-like it should! I hate to work with fiberglass but it's easier than dealing with metal, and it'll be a bit easier to modify when we upgrade to the larger steam plant.
OK-back to work!
Chuk
www.steamspeedamerica.com
Thanks again for all the kind words and support! Sorry if I haven't gotten back to everyone lately-I'm having fun building the body for the Streamliner. It's coming along nicely, and is beginning to look slick'n sexy-like it should! I hate to work with fiberglass but it's easier than dealing with metal, and it'll be a bit easier to modify when we upgrade to the larger steam plant.
OK-back to work!
Chuk
www.steamspeedamerica.com
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Re: US Land Steam Record!! December 21, 2012 01:12PM |
Registered: 14 years ago Posts: 17 |
'
HI Chuk
I enjoyed the video of your runs on the salt, way to go! Understand why you want to go to Bonneville, but why don't you just go to the space center in Florida like harrys doing? It's close by and you could get the Fia to do the record for you. We are going ahead with the engine if you want to use it. With the boiler we have planned burning 52 gallons
Per hour you would get 600-to7oo hor if water rate is 5 pound we wood like 4.5. Are math gai thinks it will? And and are Benson boiler running 3o PSI boost. And it will all be under a1000 pounds
Howard
1 of 1
HI Chuk
I enjoyed the video of your runs on the salt, way to go! Understand why you want to go to Bonneville, but why don't you just go to the space center in Florida like harrys doing? It's close by and you could get the Fia to do the record for you. We are going ahead with the engine if you want to use it. With the boiler we have planned burning 52 gallons
Per hour you would get 600-to7oo hor if water rate is 5 pound we wood like 4.5. Are math gai thinks it will? And and are Benson boiler running 3o PSI boost. And it will all be under a1000 pounds
Howard
1 of 1
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Re: US Land Steam Record!! December 21, 2012 06:45PM |
Registered: 19 years ago Posts: 338 |
Hey Howard!
Tis good to hear from you! I hope you're doing well...Yes, it would be nice to be able to go to the Space Center to do our Record runs-with the F.I.A. doing the timing. But unfortunately it costs big bucks to use the NASA runway, and requires jumping thru a lot of hoops to satisfy their security requirements. A yearly lease agreement has to be signed and the cost is $2000 per day of track time, with an eight day minimum per year. In addition, they will only allow a few people thru the gate, and everyone has to be checked out ahead of time. Perhaps some of those details have changed since last year-but I doubt it.
To get the F.I.A. involved is another tidy sum-I was told it would cost a minimum of $25,000 to get them to do the timing. I don't think our sponsors would like to see their $$s spent in such a fashion!
I appreciate the offer of your steam plant-we'll see how it goes when the time comes to upgrade. With that much power available, we could move the Record up to 300+! First, we'll wring every bit of speed out of the machine we have.
The body for the Streamliner is coming along well-though I have been slowed down a bit because of an upper respiratory infection.
MERRY CHRISTMAS-HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Chuk
WWW.STEAMSPEEDAMERICA.COM
Tis good to hear from you! I hope you're doing well...Yes, it would be nice to be able to go to the Space Center to do our Record runs-with the F.I.A. doing the timing. But unfortunately it costs big bucks to use the NASA runway, and requires jumping thru a lot of hoops to satisfy their security requirements. A yearly lease agreement has to be signed and the cost is $2000 per day of track time, with an eight day minimum per year. In addition, they will only allow a few people thru the gate, and everyone has to be checked out ahead of time. Perhaps some of those details have changed since last year-but I doubt it.
To get the F.I.A. involved is another tidy sum-I was told it would cost a minimum of $25,000 to get them to do the timing. I don't think our sponsors would like to see their $$s spent in such a fashion!
I appreciate the offer of your steam plant-we'll see how it goes when the time comes to upgrade. With that much power available, we could move the Record up to 300+! First, we'll wring every bit of speed out of the machine we have.
The body for the Streamliner is coming along well-though I have been slowed down a bit because of an upper respiratory infection.
MERRY CHRISTMAS-HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Chuk
WWW.STEAMSPEEDAMERICA.COM
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Re: US Land Steam Record!! March 04, 2013 01:31PM |
Registered: 19 years ago Posts: 338 |
Hey Everyone!
The STEAM SPEED AMERICA Team will attempt to set a new Land Steam Record at Bonneville Speed Week which runs August 10th through August 16th, 2013 at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah.
This will be an event you won’t want to miss! Our Bonneville Record Attempt will be the fruition of approximately 10 years of dreams/hard work and support from our fellow SACA steamers, and we hope you will all be present to share in the fun of seeing/making it happen.
Our vehicle will possibly go faster than any steam-powered vehicle has ever gone before, and if we succeed with our Record Attempt, we’ll bring the Land Steam Record back to the USA!
Speed Week is an event that is unmatched anywhere else on earth, with 500+ vehicles running on a 10 mile long course-with some reaching speeds up to 400+mph! The pits are accessible to everyone, you can see everything up close, talk to the drivers/crew, and really be a part of the scene. Bring your binos and your camera-there’s lots to see! In addition to the action on the Salt, there are a couple of big car shows in the area during the evening in town-as well as rat rods and hot rods of every description on the roads around the Flats every day. The whole week is a real gear heads’ dream!
We plan to have quite a large steam camp set up close to the Salt so-after running our vehicle thru the day- our group can do what we do best-sit around the campfire and talk steam! Available motel space in Wendover is limited and relatively expensive during Speed Week, but I have always managed to get a room for the several times I have been there.
Camping is free at the Bend-in-the-Road site close to the Flats, and that’s where our camp will be. There is every kind of camping set-up imaginable there, from large motor homes and RVs to tents-so anything you bring to camp with is acceptable. There is also a KOA campsite in downtown Wendover, and there are approximately 12-15 motels in the immediate area-ranging from the hi-end Hotel/Casinos to the small mom & pop types. For a list of motels, go to the link: [www.scta-bni.org] You may obtain other helpful info on Speed Week at: [www.scta-bni.org]
Lots of Speed Week attendees fly into Salt Lake City, rent a vehicle or an RV and drive the 80 miles west to the Flats…there’s a lot of ways to get there and have fun!
Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions regarding the Event-it’s gonna be a fun time on the Salt!
Chuk
WWW.STEAMSPEEDAMERICA.COM
The STEAM SPEED AMERICA Team will attempt to set a new Land Steam Record at Bonneville Speed Week which runs August 10th through August 16th, 2013 at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah.
This will be an event you won’t want to miss! Our Bonneville Record Attempt will be the fruition of approximately 10 years of dreams/hard work and support from our fellow SACA steamers, and we hope you will all be present to share in the fun of seeing/making it happen.
Our vehicle will possibly go faster than any steam-powered vehicle has ever gone before, and if we succeed with our Record Attempt, we’ll bring the Land Steam Record back to the USA!
Speed Week is an event that is unmatched anywhere else on earth, with 500+ vehicles running on a 10 mile long course-with some reaching speeds up to 400+mph! The pits are accessible to everyone, you can see everything up close, talk to the drivers/crew, and really be a part of the scene. Bring your binos and your camera-there’s lots to see! In addition to the action on the Salt, there are a couple of big car shows in the area during the evening in town-as well as rat rods and hot rods of every description on the roads around the Flats every day. The whole week is a real gear heads’ dream!
We plan to have quite a large steam camp set up close to the Salt so-after running our vehicle thru the day- our group can do what we do best-sit around the campfire and talk steam! Available motel space in Wendover is limited and relatively expensive during Speed Week, but I have always managed to get a room for the several times I have been there.
Camping is free at the Bend-in-the-Road site close to the Flats, and that’s where our camp will be. There is every kind of camping set-up imaginable there, from large motor homes and RVs to tents-so anything you bring to camp with is acceptable. There is also a KOA campsite in downtown Wendover, and there are approximately 12-15 motels in the immediate area-ranging from the hi-end Hotel/Casinos to the small mom & pop types. For a list of motels, go to the link: [www.scta-bni.org] You may obtain other helpful info on Speed Week at: [www.scta-bni.org]
Lots of Speed Week attendees fly into Salt Lake City, rent a vehicle or an RV and drive the 80 miles west to the Flats…there’s a lot of ways to get there and have fun!
Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions regarding the Event-it’s gonna be a fun time on the Salt!
Chuk
WWW.STEAMSPEEDAMERICA.COM
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Re: US Land Steam Record!! March 06, 2013 03:32AM |
Registered: 16 years ago Posts: 152 |
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Re: US Land Steam Record!! May 12, 2013 04:40PM |
Registered: 19 years ago Posts: 338 |
Hey-
It's been awhile since I've posted-I've been layin on the beach in the Caribean with a pina colada in one hand and the blonde in the other....no.....wait-that was just a dream-I've actually been here working on the LSR Project!
Things are going well! The body has been completed for awhile now, and is now being prepped for paint. The steam generator has been torn down for a good look/inspection, and is going back together. We're inspecting everything to make sure we have good dependability for Speed Week in August. As soon as everything is back together, we'll be running the steam plant on the new dyno and working out any remaining bugs.
There's a lot of pre-planning and prep going on for the Great Speed Week Adventure-we hope you all can join us!
There's a few more of the latest photos at: [www.flickr.com]
Cheers--Chuk
WWW.STEAMSPEEDAMERICA.COM
It's been awhile since I've posted-I've been layin on the beach in the Caribean with a pina colada in one hand and the blonde in the other....no.....wait-that was just a dream-I've actually been here working on the LSR Project!
Things are going well! The body has been completed for awhile now, and is now being prepped for paint. The steam generator has been torn down for a good look/inspection, and is going back together. We're inspecting everything to make sure we have good dependability for Speed Week in August. As soon as everything is back together, we'll be running the steam plant on the new dyno and working out any remaining bugs.
There's a lot of pre-planning and prep going on for the Great Speed Week Adventure-we hope you all can join us!
There's a few more of the latest photos at: [www.flickr.com]
Cheers--Chuk
WWW.STEAMSPEEDAMERICA.COM
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Re: US Land Steam Record!! May 17, 2013 07:59AM |
Registered: 14 years ago Posts: 73 |
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Re: US Land Steam Record!! June 01, 2013 01:41PM |
Registered: 19 years ago Posts: 1,441 |
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Re: US Land Steam Record!! June 02, 2013 08:44AM |
Registered: 19 years ago Posts: 338 |
Jim-
A bigger engine and generator are in the future plans for our LSR Project, but for our upcoming runs in August-we don't need a bigger engine. The "converted outboard" engine, along with its generator, produces adequate power to achieve our goal.
I'm sure you are well aware that we're not dealing with rocket science here....all it takes to make speed is adequate power combined with a low coefficient of drag. Our streamliner platform is well tested-and so is the steam plant. We have the power, and with the new body-we have the Cd that we need.
I became involved with this LSR effort for the challenge and the enjoyment of it. There have been times when it wasn't fun at all, but those times are past. Our Team is well prepared, the Streamliner has proven itself, and we're going to have a lot of fun running it on the Salt again.
The Record is out there in front of us-and we plan to go get it!
Chuk
WWW.STEAMSPEEDAMERICA.COM
A bigger engine and generator are in the future plans for our LSR Project, but for our upcoming runs in August-we don't need a bigger engine. The "converted outboard" engine, along with its generator, produces adequate power to achieve our goal.
I'm sure you are well aware that we're not dealing with rocket science here....all it takes to make speed is adequate power combined with a low coefficient of drag. Our streamliner platform is well tested-and so is the steam plant. We have the power, and with the new body-we have the Cd that we need.
I became involved with this LSR effort for the challenge and the enjoyment of it. There have been times when it wasn't fun at all, but those times are past. Our Team is well prepared, the Streamliner has proven itself, and we're going to have a lot of fun running it on the Salt again.
The Record is out there in front of us-and we plan to go get it!
Chuk
WWW.STEAMSPEEDAMERICA.COM
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Re: US Land Steam Record!! June 02, 2013 01:17PM |
Registered: 19 years ago Posts: 1,441 |
Hi Chuk,
If you have enough horsepower and the steam generator can keep up at full throttle, there is no reason why you cannot break that British car's record. Your car's body is certainly well proven with an IC engine.
Curious though, what limited your speed the last time, gearing? We needed three tries at Bonneville before mine finally broke the Stanley record, so I sure know how it goes. Although at the earlier dry lake trials it did hit 156 mph when I was going around in the big circle just testing the car for the first time. Caught hell too because you weren't supposed go over something like 100 mph, no drivers suit on either, just the helmet.
Now my curiosity is aroused. Just what are the specs on that present engine, all I heard was that it is a converted outboard?
Anyhow, I do wish you the very best at Bonneville and will await the result with great interest. Will spin the prayer wheels for you.
Jim
If you have enough horsepower and the steam generator can keep up at full throttle, there is no reason why you cannot break that British car's record. Your car's body is certainly well proven with an IC engine.
Curious though, what limited your speed the last time, gearing? We needed three tries at Bonneville before mine finally broke the Stanley record, so I sure know how it goes. Although at the earlier dry lake trials it did hit 156 mph when I was going around in the big circle just testing the car for the first time. Caught hell too because you weren't supposed go over something like 100 mph, no drivers suit on either, just the helmet.
Now my curiosity is aroused. Just what are the specs on that present engine, all I heard was that it is a converted outboard?
Anyhow, I do wish you the very best at Bonneville and will await the result with great interest. Will spin the prayer wheels for you.
Jim
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Re: US Land Steam Record!! June 02, 2013 01:33PM |
Registered: 14 years ago Posts: 73 |
Hi Jim,
I can tell you a bit about that engine as I was involved at the onset. Art Gardiner designed the engine based on the lower end of a 3 cyl. Chrysler outboard. It is a near zero clearance volume counter flow, simple expansion poppet valve engine with twin camshafts. Jim Tangeman and I put in our two cents worth but it's Art baby. Jim T. did much of the machine work.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/02/2013 01:34PM by heavysteamer.
I can tell you a bit about that engine as I was involved at the onset. Art Gardiner designed the engine based on the lower end of a 3 cyl. Chrysler outboard. It is a near zero clearance volume counter flow, simple expansion poppet valve engine with twin camshafts. Jim Tangeman and I put in our two cents worth but it's Art baby. Jim T. did much of the machine work.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/02/2013 01:34PM by heavysteamer.
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Re: US Land Steam Record!! June 02, 2013 03:05PM |
Registered: 19 years ago Posts: 1,441 |
Terry,
Interesting as trying to look up the Chrysler outboard all you get are new car pitches. Had one once, second worst new car I ever owned.
Trying to find the bore and stroke, whether 2 o4 4 cycle and what the bearings were. Seems the outboard went out of production years ago. Oh well.
Other than that, the engine spec looks perfectly good.
Jim
Interesting as trying to look up the Chrysler outboard all you get are new car pitches. Had one once, second worst new car I ever owned.
Trying to find the bore and stroke, whether 2 o4 4 cycle and what the bearings were. Seems the outboard went out of production years ago. Oh well.
Other than that, the engine spec looks perfectly good.
Jim
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Re: US Land Steam Record!! June 02, 2013 03:50PM |
Registered: 19 years ago Posts: 338 |
Jim-
The limit on our speed at Bonneville in October was partly our gearing, partly the fact that the vehicle hadn't been run at speed before, and partly because of problems with swagelok fittings. We ran our lowest gear ratio since we weren't after real speed-the whole point of going to the World Finals was to get the vehicle inspected and to test all systems. The swagelok problems were very frustrating and limited the number of runs we were able to make, but were minor distractions that were easily rectified back home in the shop.
The engine is a converted 3 cylinder Chrysler outboard, with a bore of 3.125, and a stroke of 2.8 inches. The bearings are all rollers, it has poppett valves with dual overhead cams. It has a design rpm limit of 2400 rpm-though it has been past that considerably when it was in my Dragster! The working pressure is 800 psi and steam temp is 800F. We did an extensive overhaul before going to Bonneville, and had no problems with it.
Thanks for the good thoughts and the support!
Chuk
WWW.STEAMSPEEDAMERICA.COM
The limit on our speed at Bonneville in October was partly our gearing, partly the fact that the vehicle hadn't been run at speed before, and partly because of problems with swagelok fittings. We ran our lowest gear ratio since we weren't after real speed-the whole point of going to the World Finals was to get the vehicle inspected and to test all systems. The swagelok problems were very frustrating and limited the number of runs we were able to make, but were minor distractions that were easily rectified back home in the shop.
The engine is a converted 3 cylinder Chrysler outboard, with a bore of 3.125, and a stroke of 2.8 inches. The bearings are all rollers, it has poppett valves with dual overhead cams. It has a design rpm limit of 2400 rpm-though it has been past that considerably when it was in my Dragster! The working pressure is 800 psi and steam temp is 800F. We did an extensive overhaul before going to Bonneville, and had no problems with it.
Thanks for the good thoughts and the support!
Chuk
WWW.STEAMSPEEDAMERICA.COM
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Re: US Land Steam Record!! June 02, 2013 04:09PM |
Registered: 19 years ago Posts: 1,441 |
Chuk,
Thanks for the engine data. Looks to me that it certainly ought to do the job nicely. Dry sump I assume.
From the sound of it, you can go up to 1200 psi if you had to, superheat is good where it is.
Surprised you had problems with Swagelok fittings, although we did too. The main steam line kept loosening up until I got mad and drilled it for safety wire. It was what Lears used and welded on , so we were stuck.
I am not all that sold on Swagelok,although there really doesn't seem to be anything superior unless I want to start making White or Doble fittings.
Keeping the fingers and everything else crossed.
Jim
Thanks for the engine data. Looks to me that it certainly ought to do the job nicely. Dry sump I assume.
From the sound of it, you can go up to 1200 psi if you had to, superheat is good where it is.
Surprised you had problems with Swagelok fittings, although we did too. The main steam line kept loosening up until I got mad and drilled it for safety wire. It was what Lears used and welded on , so we were stuck.
I am not all that sold on Swagelok,although there really doesn't seem to be anything superior unless I want to start making White or Doble fittings.
Keeping the fingers and everything else crossed.
Jim
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Re: US Land Steam Record!! June 03, 2013 06:09PM |
Registered: 19 years ago Posts: 1,519 |
Ive been using swagelock for many years, they can be temperamental especially if your tightening and loosening frequently, they should only be tightened with the gauge
Ive seen some 8000psi spikes with mine, never a leek.
Ive seen some 8000psi spikes with mine, never a leek.
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