Posted by Jerry on August 3rd, 2009 — Posted in Steam, Technology
Testing continues on the British steam car challenge at Edwards Air Force Base. After displaying some problems requiring replacement of two of the 12 boilers, and some loss of steam due to a stuck bypass valve, the team has made the best run yet – reaching 94.9mph with more to spare. So things are looking good for the attempt on the world’s longest standing speed record – which stands at 127.659mph set by Fred Marriott in a modified Stanley steamer.
Don Wales the test driver – holder of 8 UK Land Speed records with his Bluebird Electric project – has been keeping a blog recording the steady progress on the car.
Here is a view from the car at speed
Cheers
Jerry
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Posted by Jerry on July 11th, 2009 — Posted in Journal, Steam
The British Steam Car Challenge crew arrived at Edwards Airforce Base on 29 June to prepare for their land steam record attempt with the steam turbine powered car ‘Inspiration’.
The car has arrived safely and the crew are working now to install the safety equipment required by the Southern Timing Association – the recognised body for Land Speed Records, and unpack everything needed to support the car – the tools, the turning jack, and everything needed to sustain the crew – even the toilets have to be brought to the site.
But it’s not easy – with temperatures soaring to 100F during the day, the crew have to work early before the place heats up. And the afternoon winds are too strong for the car, so this will affect the time for the speed attempt. The British Steam Car Challenge team are aiming to break the official land steam record of 127mph set in 1906 by Fred Marriott in a modified Stanley steam car. The official record has stood unbroken since that time, making it the longest standing speed record.
On 11 July the team’s test driver, Don Wales will arrive and dynamic test runs are expected to start on Monday 13th July
I wish the team well
Cheers
Jerry
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Motorbike mechanic Rusnan Erces has hand built a steampunk replica of Sylvester Roper’s steam motorcycle in Indonesia. This is his third version of the bike and it is now running well.
It takes about 15 minutes to raise steam using charcoal fuel, bringing it up to an ideal operating pressure of 50-100psi. Rusnan estimates the bike may be capable of up to 50-75mph (80-120kph). The safety valve is set to release at 100psi to keep things safe, although the boiler has been tested to 150psi. The bike can carry 10litres of water and the burner 3kg of briquettes, giving it an endurance of 3 hours continuous running in a static display. The engine appears to be a single cylinder single acting piston-valve type, and the boiler is likely a simple water tube type with a burner grate below, which can use charcoal, coal, coke or wood – it could also potentially use compressed waste paper making it a very cheap vehicle to run.
The bike is an inspiration in terms of what can be built from scrap sheet metal, some motor parts, piping and an old bicycle! This is the ultimate in appropriate technology, particularly for a developing country like Indonesia. Rusnan hopes that this will be the start of a whole movement aimed at building and running steam motorbikes – he has certainly made a good start!
Posted by Jerry on May 23rd, 2009 — Posted in Journal, Steam
A Stanley 740B 20HP steam car similar to the one pictured below is in the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney. Apparently Stanley steam cars made for the Australian market had a number of distinguishing features which made them different from those made for the US market. All Stanleys sent to Australia had wire wheels, while those in the US had wooden artillery wheels, and Australian dealers added “Stanley Steamer” in metal writing across the radiator.
The 1921/2 Stanley was bought new in 1922 by a Mr H.F. Slocombe, an engineer living in Manly, NSW. The car was one of the last two imported into Australia before WW2.
[Photo: Jerry Everard//taken at the Ottawa Science and Technology Museum, Canada]
It’s not often a steam car gets offered for sale in Australia – and when one does – few would match the quality of this newly restored Stanley CX 1903. The attention to detail is superb. The car is offered as part of a deceased estate and is fully functional. It is also London-to Brighton eligible. The car boasts a new boiler, burner, tires, leather, paint, basket etc. and its fold-out seat enables two additional passengers to be carried.
Check out the photos – then contact Ken Russell (himself a Stanley owner) for more details – but only if you’re genuine 🙂 He can be contacted in Melbourne Australia Vic, via the email link above. For more information about Stanley steam cars, check out the UK’s Steam Car Club website run by Jeff Theobald.
[Photo: Jerry Everard//taken at the Ottawa Science and Technology Museum, Canada]
