In addition to the maintenance and startup issues mentioned in the FAQ, I recall reading that an issue which reduced the Stanley Steamer popularity earlier in the century was the decline in horse-watering troughs, as the cars needed to be filled at frequent intervals. The Indianapolis 500 had some very successful turbine cars in the late 1960's (not run on steam though) until they were legislated out of existence. They were brought in by Andy Granatelli and STP. One notable thing about them was that they made very little noise.
In addition to the maintenance and startup issues mentioned in the FAQ, I recall reading that an issue which reduced the Stanley Steamer popularity earlier in the century was the decline in horse-watering troughs, as the cars needed to be filled at frequent intervals. The Indianapolis 500 had some very successful turbine cars in the late 1960's (not run on steam though) until they were legislated out of existence. They were brought in by Andy Granatelli and STP. One notable thing about them was that they made very little noise.
ReplyDeleteHere's a pretty exhaustive - if somewhat heated - overview
ReplyDeleteof the subject.