[Land-speed] End of the High performance car???

[Jon Wennerberg]

On Feb 14, 2008, at 7:32 PM, <neil at dbelltech.com>  
<neil at dbelltech.com> wrote:

Bob;

Our old Corporal Type IIB missile transporter was based on a  
LeTourneau log
hauler-- an air- cooled Continental tank engine driving a DC  
generator which
powered electric motors in each wheel hub. This monster was steered by a
small spring- loaded toggle switch!

Regards, Neil   Tucson, AZ




Ditto the LeTourneau-Westinghouse earthmovers -- those giant units  
they used to build the interstate highways.  One diesel engine in  
front driving a generator, and a grab-bar for the operator to hold --  
with a toggle switch conveniently located by each thumb.  Click right  
switch for right turn, click left switch for left turn.  Don't ask me  
what'd happen if they clicked both at the same time -- I was about 10  
years old and didn't have the opportunity to drive one.

Also -- it's not uncommon for mining haul trucks to be equipped with  
diesel-electric drives, and by haul trucks I mean the BIG ones -- 325  
(and more) ton payload, gross weight on the order of a million  
pounds.  I believe they're rear-wheel drive only, and steering is by  
the more traditional form of turning the front wheels this way or that.


Jon , tall guy with moustache
and two 200 MPH Club hats