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High Speed Steam Powered Car

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the sure-why-not dept.

CodeWanker wrote in to tell us about a story about new steam powered vehicles that are aiming to set speed records. The car is kind of goofy looking, but more eco friendly (which works for the Prius ;) Don't expect to see anything like this at your local dealer any time soon tho.

4 of 286 comments (clear)

  1. It seems that... by slashdevslashtty · · Score: 5, Funny

    Valve has done something right.

    --


    M$ Lawyer: But `gcc /dev/random -o kernel.dll` is our trade secret!
  2. The Air Car... by Kjuib · · Score: 5, Interesting

    http://www.theaircar.com/

    does not run on steam. But runs on air... And you can expect to see these at a local dealer soon. (at least Europe)

    --
    - Your stupidity got you into this mess, why can't it get you out? -Will Rogers
  3. Operation by pete-classic · · Score: 5, Funny

    Does the manual will indicate which lever is the velocitator and which the deceleratrix?

    -Peter

  4. Nothing new but.... by MajorDick · · Score: 5, Informative

    Steam and Electric are obviously nothing new, the first Car to break 100 mph was I belive electric.

    Steam , like electric has several DISADVANTAGES as well, The was a time, when steam engines didnt reclain their steam that steam polution caused great enviromental issues with their condensate.

    In addition high pressuer steam is DANGEROUS, and any vehicle designed would need to take that into account, think of the danger to the occupants of a vehicle whose boiler explodes.

    For a take on this take a Hot Water heater, it is actually (gas or electric) the MOST Dangerous item in you hous a blocked T&P (Temperature and Pressure relief valve) with a tank in ovverun condition can catapult a Hot water tank through a 3 story house to a height of 100 ft, yup thats right, just like those little red plastic water rockets you had as a kid.

    I was a union plumber and pipefitter, my specialty was in steam, I can tell you while the average goober might see great potential they seldom see the very real dangers of steam, steam to most seem innocent enough, just look at some of the deaths associate with steam engines recently, This even happened about 10 miles from my home an hourt after I left. Here and Here , and the fellow who owned and operated this was FAMILIAR with these risks, from burns to boiler failures, its not something to screw with unless you know what youre doing, and even then it will leave you suspicious