Hypersonic XLC

Here the train was being prepared for launch.  The large rubber tires were powered by electric motors to move the train forward to where it was connected to the shuttle that launched the train.  There were also drag racing staging lights that showed when the train was about to blast off.

There were about 30 brakes on this portion of the track.  They were used to stop the car if it did not have enough energy to crest the first hill.  In case of a roll-back, these brakes brought the car to a stop.  (Think Superman: The Escape at SFMM.)

©2009 by Joel A. Rogers