Dragster motor is HUGE compared to Xcelerator

Boz: Indeed, the cable runs at high speed to pull the train along. That is undisputed at this time. What remains a matter of conjecture at the moment is the exact driving mechanism for the cable drum.

(Dave looks at the other construction photo)

Ah. Now I see. At that angle it does appear that the center of each 'head' (to use Marc's terminology in the absence of better data) does line up with the center of the 'bulge'.

It still doesn't conclusively answer the question of how each unit works. The planetary gearset appears likely, now that the alignment issue might be settled. And there is still the possibility that it isn't a sun gear but rather a swash plate. I doubt that it would be a series of multi-rotor vane motors when there are other available technologies that might be more effective. You know, those could be multiple inline radial cylinders under that intake head. Not the most efficient arrangement, but it works for combustion engines...

--Dave Althoff, Jr.

It's difficult to infer the internal drive system since they are enclosed in those nice 'mystery boxes.' I created my original theory understanding that there are many ways that it could be done. I expressed the way that seemed natural and was consistent with my knowledge at the time.

There are countless configurations that would work. The best one for the job is usually on a case by case and engineer by engineer basis. There is no such thing as a perfect solution to a probem. Everything has it's Pros and Cons. Every project has different requirements also. In this case, a system is needed to launch 15 ton trains to 120 MPH quickly, but the system must be very reliable and requires little maintence.

Example: real dragsters put out up to 6000 HP. They are very powerful, however they simply can't run more than a few times without having their engines completly torn down for mantaince.

There is a limit with internal combustion engines at about 500 or 600 HP where either maintance and reliability become big issues, or they cannot release large amounts of energy in a short period of time such as diesel engines.

The theory I presented was meant to be more of a general application of a turbine, than an exact model. I'm sticking with the turbine drive system, though I don't know how it's specificly applied in this case. I'm holding onto the multi turbine untis per motor. It's simple, reliable, and has large potential to be quick and powerful. Also, the pictures of the motor units on Top Thrill Draster support my theory on how they work. I don't want to sound incorrigible, but I haven't heard any theorys that supersedes mine.

-Marc

------------------
Last 2002 public ride on MF's front row
*** This post was edited by SteelMonsters 2/10/2003 2:14:30 PM ***