Welcome! Log In Create A New Profile Recent Messages

Advanced

US Land Steam Record!!

Posted by chuk williams 
HLS
Re: US Land Steam Record!!
December 15, 2009 01:05PM
OOPS
typo error in previous post
In 5years of testing the only failers was when there was NO water
Harry
Re: US Land Steam Record!!
December 15, 2009 05:54PM
Boat prop shafts have been lubed with water for a hundred years.
Harry

No,They were oiled first from the oil in Lignum vi tae wood. Not from the water. Rubber cuttless bearing ware out first before the shafts. Wax packing is also a lubricant. It’s like skating on thin Ice.
Rolly
Re: US Land Steam Record!!
December 15, 2009 06:02PM
Personally, I will be fully convinced of the Cyclone with water-lubed cylinders [or any new steam powerplant, including mine] when there are a number of them in genuinely independent hands, doing useful work for an acceptable overall cost (maintenance, fuel, replacement, etc) per kwhr or mile. Particularly in roadworthy automobiles. I know that I am not alone in this sentiment. I would not like to see all the Cyclone work and money end up as an amazing dyno-proven museum display engine, sitting next to the 6 foot granite ball in "Ripley's Believe It Or Not".

I think that the oil-related problems with some steam systems of the past are relatively easily solved without removing all oil from the powerplant. Most of the solutions have been proven already. I only got into this issue by replying to Andy that water lube of cylinders is not useful in all steam powerplants.

IMHO, FWIW, no-oil is nice if it can be done affordably & reliably, but it is not necessary for all successful light steam powerplants.

Peter
Re: US Land Steam Record!!
December 15, 2009 08:06PM
On a lighter note,

Chuk emailed me back, mentioned that he was off-loading some tubing for the frame of the LSR car(hope its ok to say this Chuk), we finalized the donation for flag supporter, c/o and all that.

Sounds like Harry and his team are really helping the effort in addition to providing the powerplant...

Look, if you guys want to split hairs about pressurized water bearing's you should do it on the Cyclone Engine thread... And I dont feel bad about saying that either, professional courtesy is a good thing....

Id like to hear more from Chuk, and its only natural for Harry to feel responsible for this distraction.


Jeremy
Re: US Land Steam Record!!
December 15, 2009 10:40PM
Hey-Yall!

Yes--there is progress being made--however slight! The tube steel for the Streamliner frame came in today-I brought it home, and it's waiting in my shop--to be transformed into something beautiful and FAST! With the holidays upon us, I probably won't get started on the frame until after the New Year..but then-we'll see how it goes.

As far as needing a 400 HP engine for the Streamliner...there's a long way to go before we need a bigger engine...we don't even have the vehicle built yet!!


Chuk
Re: US Land Steam Record!!
December 16, 2009 12:34AM
Hi Chuk,

When I get a shipment of crucial materials coming into the shop, it sure doesn't _feel_ like "slight" progress! For me, that's a good day, and major progress. Man, you are going to be busy between now and Bonneville time. Wishing you every success with the LSR car build, incredibly neat stuff, and other issues aside, I sincerely think that you can grab that record.

Hi Jeremy,

Harry didn't start it. I was the one who started this cylinder-wall-lube sidetrack/controversy, when I "went off on" one small detail in Andy's offhand comment. The usual pattern. This "devils advocate"/internet gadfly role is getting old, and I have other stuff to do; anyone else wanna take the "Mr. Steam Critic" job? Long hours, zero pay, get them steam discussions rolling; who can resist?

Lighter note, eh? Well, did you verify what that 6 foot ball at Ripley's is made of, or did you just take it for granite?

Peter



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/16/2009 02:00AM by Peter Brow.
Re: US Land Steam Record!!
December 16, 2009 12:20PM
Hi Chuk!
I was thinking ahead to Bonneville and wondered if you have considered any kind of air conditioning unit or refrigerator unit for both you and the Cyclone engine? It could be over 120 degrees out there in the sun and even hotter inside the car. If it is too hot neither you or the Cyclone will be able to condense properly! LOL! I have read where NASCAR guys have race suits now days that run coolant thru them for temp control.
There must be sponsors that will donate freebees to help with stuff like that. I was looking at the Australians LSR page and I think 90% of their parts are gifts from sponsors rather than cash. I saw at least one tubular metal company listed.
I wonder if that canoe company that built the Stanley record holder car back in the early 1900's is still in business. Would be neat to get them involved, in taking the record back.. Maybe they use carbon-fiber now days.. LOL! Best of luck! Ernie
Re: US Land Steam Record!!
December 16, 2009 02:27PM
One more quick question Chuk..
Have you thought about overbuilding this first model of the streamliner, so if someone comes along and grabs the speed title back, you could simply replace the Mark V with the Mark VI or bigger when it becomes available and use the same chasis wheels and tires? If it were me I would make the car little wider at least, just in case. I watched a LSR motorcycle ride on it's side for a couple miles on the speed channel show about Bonneville records a while back. Your car is as skinny as that motorcycle. We want you to go really fast, but really safely! Take care! Ernie
Re: US Land Steam Record!!
December 16, 2009 09:18PM
Ernie, The amount of frontal area is very critical in land speed records. A wider front end is not your friend if it will catch a lot more wind.
Re: US Land Steam Record!!
December 17, 2009 12:40AM
Hey Ernie-

Yes, you're right-it's gonna be very hot in the Bonneville sun!! I plan to use the "Cool Shirt"...it's a vest-type unit made of mesh with tubing completely covering it, and ice water from a cooler is pumped thru it. While waiting in line to do the run-all drivers have to be suited up and ready to go quickly when their turn comes...so it's not only really hot-the driver is wearing his driving suit!

In reference to your mention of condensing difficulties..we won't be running a condenser at Bonneville-the engine will be lighter and more powerful without it.

We're hoping that sponsors will come forward to supply some of the things needed for the project-but of course, we can't really plan on those events-if they happen-great...but if they don't-we're pushing ahead with the Project anyway...at present, I'm using some of my own $$s, along with some $$s that has been donated, to get going on the project.

As for overbuilding the Streamliner...that's exactly what we are doing. I don't plan to stop running the vehicle if and when we set a new record! The Cyclone Mk5 engine will get us to over 200 mph...and by that time, Harry will have the Mk6 up and running hopefully--so we'll keep going!! We've designed the 'Liner to be adaptable for use with a bigger and more powerful engine..when we need it.

Cheers--Chuk
Re: US Land Steam Record!!
February 01, 2010 11:55AM
Hi Chuk

Will the Mark V run, mounted sideways? If it does, could you run a heavy duty chain drive, like in your dragster, between the driveshaft and axle for the record? This way you could just add a second Mark V, running in reverse in an opposed position on the other side of the car, (basically turning it into a 12 cylinder engine by connecting driveshafts) and changing the rear sprocket size for the future. I don't know.. maybe trying to get the 2 engines to sync up would be a pain, but if you can scare up the steam for all 12 cylinders it might make for a simple solution for increased HP w/o waiting for the Mark VI, in the future.. You might need a triple wide chain and gears to handle the torque! winking smiley
Even if the engines have to run in a horizontal position,(and if upside down works) how about mounting a cutdown positraction car rear end setup between the 2 banks of cyclinders, to direct power to another rear end, which turns the wheels. Not too much laughing now while reading.. LOL!

My best... Ernie
HLS
Re: US Land Steam Record!!
February 02, 2010 03:00PM
Hi Ernie
Chuk is probably unloading the mock up engine today it was shiped yesterday
This engine is for protyping his LSR car even though he has drawings it is good to touch and feel and make sure of a good fit. We are in the process of the real engine although the block is real on in the mockup. We have 14 Mark V blocks for testing and for delivery to different cliants. And yes a second engine can be installed when Chuk wants to go faster HOORAY CHUK!!!!
Anouther MKV engine is slated to go into the GG MOM boat a water cooled full condencing version. to establish a steam water speed record. Please help support Chuk with this and bring back the record to the good old USA Be part of the team
Harry
Attachments:
open | download - LSREngineTitle.pdf (87.2 KB)
Re: US Land Steam Record!!
February 03, 2010 12:54PM
Yes--progress is being made...I received the engine mock-up from Harry, and so I can procede with a bit more assurance that everything will fit when the time comes.. We have the front and rear hub assemblies---wheels and tires are on the way..so we're moving in the right direction. I'll keep everyone posted on progress--as we make it!!


Chuk


Re: US Land Steam Record!!
March 20, 2010 09:02PM
Hi Chuck..

Did you ever think about buying a used dragster chasis instead of a ground-up build? With times being as tight as they are, it may have been a cheaper route to the same end, at least for this year, although you might sacrifice a few mph.. I tried to email you a couple complete 215" rail frames/wheels, brakes and parachutes that I found for under $5000 without engines, on line. Both were built for well over 200 mph quarter miles. Your spam blocker kicked them back at me, or I had the wrong email address, not sure, and the the next day my computer kicked the bucket. That was almost 2 weeks ago so it's probably way too far in hindsight anyway. If you have any pictures of the build you could post here, I would love to see them...
Best, Ernie
Re: US Land Steam Record!!
March 21, 2010 01:36PM
Hi Ernie,

I can verify the email from the LSR site (your using) does not get directly to Chuk, I had this same problem and was able to get intouch directly with Chuk thru a PM here on the forum.

Also, the email listed on the SACA MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY has a good email for Chuk, this is the one he gave me in the PM.

Best

Jeremy
Re: US Land Steam Record!!
March 22, 2010 09:31PM
Hey Ernie!!

I've explored the alternate route of buying an existing vehicle and using it, but every time I ran into things that wouldn't pass inspection at Bonneville---or it would need extensive mods to make it work for us....so I just decided to continue as we had originally planned, and build our own.

Things are progressing--I've got the frame and roll cage pretty well under control-there's more to do--lots more, but I'm satisfied with the progress so far. I'm now working on the front suspension and steering, and should have them complete by the weekend. The build is proving to be lots of fun-as I thought it would be...so things are going well!!


Chuk Williams


Re: US Land Steam Record!!
April 02, 2010 04:32PM
Looks great so far Chuk! Wish I lived a little closer. I would volunteer for some of the gofer and grunt work. I'm somewhat mechanically challenged, but the spirit is there! LOL!
Just curious... Are you going to build the body in house also? What type of material are you going to use for the body? One more Q and I'll shut up. lol... Is that a steel chasis? And if it is, I am wondering why not aluminum.. Sorry for all the questions, but I can't wait til August and a new record!!
Best as always, Ernie
Re: US Land Steam Record!!
April 02, 2010 06:02PM
Ernie-

Thanks for the feedback! Yes we are gonna build the body in house-it'd be too expensive otherwise..It'll be fiberglass sandwich. The frame is steel-aluminum is expen$ive and hard to work with. About the only thing aluminum would give us is lighter weight, and we're not too concerned about that-it's going to be pretty light anyway. The projected weight is 1600 lbs-pretty close to the Stanley Rockets' weight...

As far as progress goes, I'm working in the cockpit area now...the seat, harness, and roll cage bracing. This area is going to take awhile-there's quite a bit to do. I'm slowed down partly because of ca$h flow-some of the things I need, such as seat belt harness and other safety gear-are really cutting into what $$s I have left in the kitty.

So-if anyone reading this has an interest in helping support the effort to bring the Land Steam Record back to the USA--now is one of the times when it would be greatly appreciated!!


Cheers---Chuk
Re: US Land Steam Record!!
April 02, 2010 11:43PM
Chuk, thanks for the feedback, looks like your making some good progress.

I gave 100 dollars, as a "flag" member supporter to this LSR effort, Im feeling good about helping this attempt at a LSR record. Most of us are able to help with fundraising for this project, and we should...

Jeremy
Re: US Land Steam Record!!
April 03, 2010 12:13PM
Hi All,

Here's something thats going on with another internet community

[www.fieldlines.com]

Basically these guys are upgading there discussion forum, they have to pay for some custom made script in order to merge the old forum to the new one.

In any event, I think convience in making donations is key, that way its easy for those wanting to help out the LSR effort. notice the "DONATE" link at the upper right of the webpage.

best

Jeremy
Re: US Land Steam Record!!
April 05, 2010 10:09AM
I have been doing a bit of research and found this article from a while back, thought it was intresting as theres been some progress made since then.

[gas2.org]

Also I visited Chuks website, I see that its been updated, and has a shopping cart so that contributions can be made easily.

[landspeedrecord.intuitwebsites.com]

best

Jeremy
Re: US Land Steam Record!!
April 07, 2010 11:40PM
Hi Everyone--

Just wanted to give you an update--we've added a Progress page to the website, with photos and a short description of how things are going. Just click on the thumbnail pix and you can view them full size.

Check it out at: uslandsteamrecord.com

Cheers---Chuk
Re: US Land Steam Record!!
April 08, 2010 09:58AM
Chuk, What's the turning circle diameter going to be on this puppy?
Re: US Land Steam Record!!
April 08, 2010 08:03PM
The recommended max steering angle is 5 degrees either side of neutral....if I remember correctly, we figured out that it will take approx 130 feet to make a 90 degree turn...we're definitely not building it for a curvy road!!


Chuk
Re: US Land Steam Record!!
April 09, 2010 08:49AM
I really like the new photos you are posting in the progress section. I'm using them for wallpaper on my computer. I've also become a very minor sponsor for your project.
Re: US Land Steam Record!!
April 09, 2010 07:48PM
Heavysteamer-

Well-Thanks--every bit of support helps-there is no large or small-it's all support-and that's what matters!

I finished up building the brake pedal/master cylinder unit today...I couldn't find an off-the-shelf one that would work for me. I also got started on the roll cage hoops...getting them just right takes awhile!!

The Discovery Channel/Canada has confirmed that they're coming down in a coupla weeks to do a small segment on the Project-that'll be fun!! I forgot to ask if we'd be able to see it here in the US-but I'll find out.....Things are happenin!!


Chuk
Re: US Land Steam Record!!
April 21, 2010 02:02PM
Hi Chuk.. the pictures are great! Maybe you should buy pizza and beer for the Discovery Channel guys and explain to them how good their logo would look on the side of the streamliner. They could do a full length show, documenting the build, the green ramifications of the Cyclone engine, and finally the breaking of the speed record, and have some great advertising to boot! Best to you, as always, Ernie
Re: US Land Steam Record!!
April 22, 2010 11:10PM
Ernie-and Everyone...

The Discovery Channel/Canada people spent 12 hours here today, taping me and all three of my cars!! All that--for a 3-4 minute segment!! Twas quite an interesting day...I drove for miles in my T roadster, with the cameraman hanging out the back of the chase vehicle on a harness taping us as we passed, small cameras clamped in strategic spots on the car-catching shots down the side of the vehicle, different angles, etc.
Of course, most of the interest had to do with the new Streamliner, and that's where most of the day was spent-in the shop..discussing and showing the Streamliner and the progress on it.
The "segment" will be shown on the "Daily Planet" which is a daily show shown in Canada. We'll be able to see it on the web-after it is shown on TV. Their season ends in May, so it'll be coming up in a few weeks. As soon as it's put on the web, I'll post a link....


Cheers--Chuk
Re: US Land Steam Record!!
April 22, 2010 11:26PM
Great news Chuck!
I can't wait to see it!
Is it ok to copy your post and take it over to another board, I'm sure some of the Cyclone investors would love to hear the news.
Best, Ernie



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/22/2010 11:34PM by grajekk.
Re: US Land Steam Record!!
April 24, 2010 09:27AM
Hey everyone,

I'm a student at Bath University and am doing a feasability study on breaking a speed record on a budget, looking at the British steam car record I (and I'm sure everyone else) was largely unimpressed at the lack of speed. If anyone can email me a brief rundown of why their attempt was so poor, ie. what was wrong with their car what is fundamentally different with the America attempt, it would be very much appreciated.

Thanks a lot,
Jakeengland
Sorry, only registered users may post in this forum.

Click here to login

All files from this thread

File Name File Size   Posted by Date  
LSREngineTitle.pdf 87.2 KB open | download HLS 02/02/2010 Read message
IMG_0796.JPG 418.7 KB open | download chuk williams 02/03/2010 Read message
IMG_0798.JPG 318.4 KB open | download chuk williams 02/03/2010 Read message
IMG_0819.JPG 430.9 KB open | download chuk williams 03/22/2010 Read message
IMG_0817.JPG 471.1 KB open | download chuk williams 03/22/2010 Read message
IMG_0832.JPG 387.5 KB open | download chuk williams 03/22/2010 Read message
IMG_0098.JPG 159.8 KB open | download chuk williams 01/12/2011 Read message
IMG_0086.JPG 211 KB open | download chuk williams 01/12/2011 Read message
IMG_2673[1].jpg 98.1 KB open | download chuk williams 03/26/2011 Read message
IMG_2680[2].jpg 66.5 KB open | download chuk williams 03/26/2011 Read message
IMG_2747.jpg 79.8 KB open | download HLS 04/04/2011 Read message
LSRtopmold,Friday004.jpg 121.1 KB open | download chuk williams 04/12/2011 Read message
LSRtopmold,Friday007.jpg 103 KB open | download chuk williams 04/12/2011 Read message
IMG_0344.JPG 1.88 MB open | download chuk williams 04/21/2011 Read message
IMG_9451.JPG 1.02 MB open | download chuk williams 04/29/2011 Read message
IMG_9584.JPG 90.7 KB open | download chuk williams 05/04/2011 Read message
051911a.jpg 17.3 KB open | download Jeremy Holmes 05/19/2011 Read message
IMG_0414.JPG 130.6 KB open | download chuk williams 05/29/2011 Read message
IMG_0566 01.jpg 107.7 KB open | download chuk williams 05/29/2011 Read message
IMG_0572 01.jpg 91 KB open | download chuk williams 05/29/2011 Read message
IMG_0606.JPG 1.19 MB open | download chuk williams 06/12/2011 Read message
IMG_0609.JPG 1.48 MB open | download chuk williams 06/12/2011 Read message
IMG_0656.JPG 1.6 MB open | download chuk williams 06/24/2011 Read message
IMG_0643.JPG 1.49 MB open | download chuk williams 06/24/2011 Read message
IMG_0646.JPG 1.5 MB open | download chuk williams 06/24/2011 Read message
LSR.jpg 79 KB open | download Jeremy Holmes 07/19/2011 Read message
IMG_0660.JPG 2.86 MB open | download chuk williams 07/19/2011 Read message
IMG_0658.JPG 2.47 MB open | download chuk williams 07/19/2011 Read message
IMG_0826.JPG 1.71 MB open | download chuk williams 07/23/2011 Read message
IMG_0652.JPG 1.71 MB open | download chuk williams 07/23/2011 Read message
Long and Lean!.JPG 1.09 MB open | download chuk williams 08/18/2011 Read message
Oldie but Goodie!.JPG 1.38 MB open | download chuk williams 08/18/2011 Read message
Hangin out on the Salt.JPG 1.51 MB open | download chuk williams 08/18/2011 Read message
IMG_1154.JPG 1.62 MB open | download chuk williams 09/22/2011 Read message
IMG_1166.JPG 1.63 MB open | download chuk williams 09/22/2011 Read message
IMG_1215.JPG 2.03 MB open | download chuk williams 09/22/2011 Read message
IMG_1223.JPG 2 MB open | download chuk williams 09/22/2011 Read message
IMG_9393r.jpg 158.4 KB open | download chuk williams 12/24/2011 Read message
IMG_9394r.jpg 240.5 KB open | download chuk williams 12/24/2011 Read message
IMG_9451r.jpg 230.4 KB open | download chuk williams 12/24/2011 Read message
Cylinder Block-8-Model.jpg 20.8 KB open | download Rolly 01/04/2012 Read message
Cylinder Block-8-Model-1.jpg 16.3 KB open | download Rolly 01/04/2012 Read message
Drederick and Grass.png 75.7 KB open | download frustrated 02/02/2012 Read message
Tiller steering small.jpg 137.5 KB open | download Rolly 05/05/2012 Read message
Glenn Curtiss,,1907 run of 137+- mph.jpg 46.8 KB open | download Rolly 05/05/2012 Read message
IMG_2529 (1280x960).jpg 635.3 KB open | download chuk williams 05/12/2013 Read message
100_4285.JPG 344.1 KB open | download Jeremy Holmes 06/03/2013 Read message
100_4287.JPG 432.4 KB open | download Jeremy Holmes 06/03/2013 Read message
IMG_2584 (1024x768).jpg 676.3 KB open | download chuk williams 06/11/2013 Read message
IMG_2576 (1024x768).jpg 644.9 KB open | download chuk williams 06/11/2013 Read message
IMG_2577 (1024x768).jpg 496.5 KB open | download chuk williams 06/11/2013 Read message
IMG_2600 (1024x768).jpg 661.8 KB open | download chuk williams 06/11/2013 Read message
IMG_2688 (1280x960).jpg 597.6 KB open | download chuk williams 10/06/2013 Read message
IMG_2690 (1280x960).jpg 671 KB open | download chuk williams 10/06/2013 Read message
IMG_2715 (1280x960).jpg 778.2 KB open | download chuk williams 10/06/2013 Read message
IMG_2717 (1280x960).jpg 746.2 KB open | download chuk williams 10/06/2013 Read message
IMG_2825 (1280x960).jpg 824.2 KB open | download chuk williams 11/05/2013 Read message
IMG_2824 (1280x960).jpg 794.6 KB open | download chuk williams 11/05/2013 Read message
100hp speed vs distance.gif 8.1 KB open | download Tim Nye 05/05/2014 Read message
100hp distance vs time.gif 8.6 KB open | download Tim Nye 05/05/2014 Read message
IMG_0115 (1280x720).jpg 569.3 KB open | download chuk williams 06/01/2014 Read message
IMG_0126 (1280x720).jpg 603.2 KB open | download chuk williams 06/01/2014 Read message
IMG_0130 (1280x720).jpg 682.2 KB open | download chuk williams 06/01/2014 Read message
IMG_0135 (1280x720).jpg 667.7 KB open | download chuk williams 06/01/2014 Read message
IMG_3057 (1280x960).jpg 846.2 KB open | download chuk williams 06/16/2014 Read message
IMG_3053 (1280x960) (1024x768).jpg 653.2 KB open | download chuk williams 06/16/2014 Read message
IMG_3054 (1280x960) (1024x768).jpg 724.9 KB open | download chuk williams 06/16/2014 Read message
Untitled03.JPG 41.4 KB open | download Rolly 07/09/2014 Read message
crank through. .jpg 28.8 KB open | download Rolly 07/09/2014 Read message
IMG_0016c.JPG 752.4 KB open | download Tim Nye 08/09/2014 Read message
IMG_0017c.JPG 923.8 KB open | download Tim Nye 08/09/2014 Read message
IMG_3123 (1280x960).jpg 854.9 KB open | download chuk williams 08/24/2014 Read message
IMG_3120 (1280x960).jpg 629.8 KB open | download chuk williams 08/24/2014 Read message
IMG_3122 (1280x960).jpg 687.6 KB open | download chuk williams 08/24/2014 Read message
DSCN2906.JPG 453.8 KB open | download chuk williams 09/27/2014 Read message
DSCN2905.JPG 462.7 KB open | download chuk williams 09/27/2014 Read message
SSA At 145.jpg 326.4 KB open | download chuk williams 10/01/2014 Read message
SSA At 147 mph.jpg 324.5 KB open | download chuk williams 10/01/2014 Read message