Inspiration

[Hobbes]

I've been thinking about this GB and I've some ideas I won't be using myself. Feel free to use these...

In the early days LSR cars were often built around aircraft engines. You could take a vintage car kit, lengthen the bonnet, install a set of short exhausts, and maybe streamline the body a bit to get a viable contender for the 1900-1920 era.

Example: Babs


Later on, cars got streamline bodies which are a bit harder to scratchbuild. But maybe one can be kitbashed from one or two radial engines and a cylinder of similar diameter (drop tank?). Put the radials in the middle, and add tricycle gear.

More recent streamliners sometimes have simple shapes:



here is a list of all cars that have held the LSR.

[B777LR]

Hmm, some drop-tanks and some plastic sprue, and i almost have a LSRC

[Mossie]

Pending a decision from Duncan & Philip about allowing rail vehicles, here are two real world ideas:

M-497 Black Beetle, powered by two J 47's from a B-36.  Current holder of the jet powered Land Speed Record for Rail Vehicles, set in 1966.


The SVL from 1970, a Soviet attempt at the same concept using two engines from a Yak-40.  Didn't beat the record, (not sure if it meant to or was just to test the same concept) but achieved a speed close to the M-497.


Even if rail vehicles don't get in, you could fit jet pods in a similar fashion to any other type of vehicle.

[Hobbes]

The speed record for steam locomotives has long been held by Mallard:


How about an attempt to break this record (~200 km/h, 125 mph) ? Maybe with a nuclear reactor to provide steam 
 

[Hobbes]

Some more light reading: http://www.speedrecordclub.com/

[puddingwrestler]

I get a 'Fast CGI error' when I follow that link... might be temporary, will try again later.

[Hobbes]

Yes, it's temporary, I've been able to access the site on and off for the last day or so.

[Weaver]

The speed record for steam locomotives has long been held by Mallard:


How about an attempt to break this record (~200 km/h, 125 mph) ? Maybe with a nuclear reactor to provide steam 
 

Or how about fossil fuel steam, but with sky-high steam conditions (like the last USN plants), made possible by modern materials and systems. After all, how long is it since someone actually designed a steam train from scratch? 

[Mossie]

Link worked okay for me too.

More links, one for the Thrust SSC site with a link to the site for the 1000mph Bloodhound SSC.  Fair bit of technical info on both.
http://www.thrustssc.com/

[puddingwrestler]

Link's working for me now as well.

[Mossie]

Inspired by Weavers Steampunk build, here's a few 'alternative' LSR contenders.  Despite the differences in fuel & powerplants, most LSR contenders end up having a certain look, at least, you can't immediately tell what's powering them just by looking.

JCB Dieselmax, driven by current World Land Speed Record holder Andy Green.  http://www.jcbdieselmax.com/html/home.php


Weaver is pretty much on the money!  Steam Turbine, current Steam Land Speed Record holder (although not recognised by the FIA).


British contender for the Steam Land Speed Record, not currentley named.  Some press sources have dubbed it the 'Flying Kettle', I think this name should stand!   http://www.steamcar.co.uk/



Current Electric Land Speed Record holder Buckeye Bullet.  Buckeye Bullet 2 hopes to be the first streamliner to hold the Hydrogen Cell record.  http://www.buckeyebullet.com/



Rubber Band Powered Land Speed Record car, 'Twisted'!  I kid ye not!!!!    http://www.popularmechanics.com/automotive/motorsports/4278559.html



Bluebird CMN8.  Also known as 'Bluebird Mach 1.1', it was a project Donald Campbell's rocket powered project that was cancelled after his death.  It's believed to be the first LSR design aimed at breaking the sound barrier, a mock up was built.  You can get a 1/20 resin kit of it too:  http://speedlinemodels.com/page27.html

[philp]

Pending a decision from Duncan & Philip about allowing rail vehicles, here are two real world ideas:

Mossie hasn't said anything but these type of rail vehicles do fit the rules so if anyone else was thinking along these lines to give him a little competition...

[Mossie]

I don't think I'll be doing a train, it was just an idea that popped into my head when I saw the Dapol kits.  I might do a converted D Type Jag or Testa Rossa if I can find the right kit at the Huddersfield show.  Otherwise I might do the SE.5A I posted before.

[philp]

Darn, I was looking forward to seeing this in 1/35th 

[Mossie]

Sorry!!!