[geeks] [rescue] Computerfests (was: first real server hardware) -OT

[Sandwich Maker]

" From: wa2egp at att.net
" 
" 
" Ford built a prototype Stirling engine and ran it under full load for
" a long period of time and found no appreciable wear.  They decided that
" it was "too expensive to tool" and dropped it.  Um...yeah, sure.  It didn't
" fit into planned obsolesence.

it didn't fit into existing mfg infrastructure, which is worth big
$$$.  they'd have to scrap their engine plants for a start to switch.

it -was- too expensive, from their viewpoint.

" > I'm surprised more effort was not put into turbines.  They *were* making
" > progress, and then just dropped it in the mid-60s.

small turbines are -really- sucky for efficiency.  yeah we could do
better now, but the chrysler turbine car got something like 2-4 mpg.

" Remember that race where the turbine engine race car was winning hands down
" until a small gear broke in the tranny?  They changed the rules to restrict
" the intake area (and lowered the power) so much that no one ever tried it 
" again.

the stp indy car, '67 iirc, parnelli jones at the wheel.  4wd, 4-wheel
steering.  in my memory it was a bearing that failed...

they did try again under the new rules in '68, but weren't
outstanding.  their big advantage in '67 was, there weren't any rules
for turbines.
________________________________________________________________________
Andrew Hay                                  the genius nature
internet rambler                            is to see what all have seen
adh at an.bradford.ma.us                       and think what none thought