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Comments on Never-Stop Rail Transit System Proposed
Take a look at this approach to a well-known problem; sf writers have their own ideas. (Read
the complete story)
| "A far more simple solution would be using some form of regenerative braking, using EM brakes to store braking energy in capacitors or flywheels and using it to put the train in motion again.
Not totally efficient, but still a lot more elegant." ( 6/19/2008 8:42:10 AM) |
| "Trains already use regenerative braking so the advantages of this system would not be revolutionary, especially since the thingie on top adds significant aerodynamic drag.
That said, kudos to the intrepid inventor for thinking out of the box !" (Yossi Preminger 6/19/2008 6:26:36 PM) |
| "The Roads Must Roll is my faborite story by RH. A good radio play of it was done in the 1950's on X-Minus 1. Here are 2 links about a belt transfer system.
--1893 Chicago Exposition http://www.theelevatormuseum.org/f/f-3.htm
--1900 Paris Exposition video
http://www.paleofuture.com/2007/05/moving-sidewalk-1900.html
I also believe there was a proposal for a moving sidewalk system in Arizona in the 20's. can't remember the city." (thlayli 6/19/2008 8:40:28 PM) |
| "I also liked that story; Heinlein had some other cool ideas in that story, including the tumblebugs (see the tumblebug picture from the front of the June, 1940 edition of Astounding Science Fiction)." (Bill Christensen 6/19/2008 9:01:47 PM) |
| "Regenerative braking, even if it were 100% efficient, would not deliver the full potential of a system like this: since the train never stops, it gets you where you're going much faster. It would be like an express train between any two points you like." (Mark 6/23/2008 3:47:56 PM) |
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