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The manufacturing facility for these units was only two miles or less from our shop, on Kent St. I believe, in Orlando, Florida.
There were several different sizes (H.P.) and configurations available during the production. I own one of the 1000 H.P. (+/-) units; not of the "drag-axle" configuration (your illustration) but rather of the remote mount unit type. I purchased it at the Don Garlits Car Show & Swap Meet sometime in the early 1980's. Shortly afterwards Don Garlits called me wanting to purchase it for his museum, but I informed him that I had plans for it. Well, I just haven't gotten to that project yet!
I was able to run-down Mr Middlebrooks, in Tampa(?), via the telephone shortly after I acquired my unit; unfortunately he proved to be very cagey concerning any discussion pertaining to the Turbonique; I suppose understandable considering the history.
Do Google this subject (Turbonique), as I think one would find it interesting.
Questions?
Scott.
Last edited by pbf777; January 16, 2018, 04:31 PM.
Well......? Apparently, there were some loss of life incidents attributed to the use of the product.
If you Google it, look at the go-cart installations! Now that's relatively high on the "NUTS" list ; particularly if you consider the go-cart engineering and safety equipment of the time period. And these I believe were the most popular by volume units sold!
Also, be aware that there was no throttling; you "flip-the-switch" (electric solenoid valve to a pressurized bottle of fuel) and hang-on!
Go to: U-Tube "Jack McClure in his turbonique rocket cart". That Chevy (?) never had a chance!
Scott.
Last edited by pbf777; January 16, 2018, 01:47 PM.
Look at the u-tube video, look at the small tire diameter on the go-cart, and consider the vehicle speed (watch that thing go!); what speed are those tires rated for?
Scott.
Last edited by YellowRose; January 16, 2018, 05:54 PM.
Reason: Modified Text
Like all good inventions that would make a difference in how much petroleum is consumed world wide - it was squashed by "big business" (aka - I see a big payout to the inventor to discontinue research and sell the patent).
Guess this didn't help much either though.
" if the operator left off the throttle and then reapplied it, the device would essentially become a bomb"
Think about how efficient it would be on a bullet train.....only problem would be stopping.
I'm not sure I would use the word "efficient" with this devise, but, with a large enough unit, one would surely have a "run-a-way" train on their hands no doubt!
As far as any true commercial success? Well, if one looks up N Propyl Nitrate (rocket fuel) and realizes such terms as: Flammable, Explosive, Shock Sensitive (thermal and mechanical), aka. REACTS VIOLENTLY when exposed to heat, pressure, shock or concussion, etc. or when mixed with reducing agents or oxidant materials; and realizes that water may not prove effective in extinguishing (this stuff burns under water & isn't readily smothered as it carries it's own oxidizer); and then, we turn our attention to the health hazard warnings associated with exposure to humans..........
Well....... I don't think we would find this material available on any street corner at the "Self-Serve" pump, not with all of the governmental agencies adorned with the responsibility of protecting us - the people, and the environment.
And, I'm not sure I would want a tank full in my trunk or under my seat, propelling down the road at high velocity either!
Again, consider the hazards at hand in the go-cart video; was that brave, or ................?
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