Re:Hyperloop Technologies, a startup trying to build the Hyp...
by Animats on Tuesday May 10, 2016 @05:10PM
(#11670680)
What is this fixation with LA-LV? In the 1950s, a monorail was proposed. In the 1980s, a maglev was proposed. High speed rail has been proposed. None were built.
As a freight carrier, the Hyperloop has a capacity problem. The stopping distance is huge. So the distance between trains must be huge. Real freight trains have hundreds of cars, but the Hyperloop doesn't do that.
The killer problem with the Hyperloop is curve radius. Unless you're a very powerful government, like China's, acquiring the very straight right of way to go any place populated will be tough.
Are they building this as a maglev? That means either expensive track or lots of onboard power. Transrapid's maglev works great, but it just costs too much.
As a freight carrier, the Hyperloop has a capacity problem. The stopping distance is huge. So the distance between trains must be huge. Real freight trains have hundreds of cars, but the Hyperloop doesn't do that.
The killer problem with the Hyperloop is curve radius. Unless you're a very powerful government, like China's, acquiring the very straight right of way to go any place populated will be tough.
Are they building this as a maglev? That means either expensive track or lots of onboard power. Transrapid's maglev works great, but it just costs too much.