Elon Musk's Hyperloop

[Scout]

Musk Tweets that he has won “verbal” government approval to build the world’s longest tunnel for an ultra-high-speed train line to connect New York to Washington. The train would make the 220 mile connection in 29 minutes. Here's what I'm wondering: Is there such a thing as "verbal" government approval? Do you think this will ever happen? What are the problems such an undertaking would face?

[Graeme]

There's no such thing as verbal government approval.

Could happen.

Huge engineering effort.

[Nik]

Scout wrote: "the world’s longest tunnel for an ultra-high-speed train line to connect New York to Washington ..."

In absolute terms it's not something very long. But if this pilot proves its worthiness, I guess we'd see some far more ambitious lines like New York - Beijing and Moscow - Sydney

[Graeme]

I see some other scenarios,

[1] "Hyperloop"

It's 2026. On it's maiden run from Los Angeles to New York, the Hyperloop 'Destiny' is filled with VIPs, Hollywood stars, Finance Magnates and the President of the United States with her family and Secret Service detail.

It also includes a North Korean spy with a deadly agenda all his own.

After a deadly attack, secret service agent 'Mace Williams' finds himself the last defender between the North Koreans and the ultimate devastation of New York.

Will Mace be able to avert disaster and the deaths of millions? - Read "Hyperloop" to find out.

[2] "Hyperloop"

It's 2026, Construction worker, 'Hank Johnson,' won the lottery - a one way ticket on the maiden run of the Hyperloop 'Destiny' from Los Angeles to New York. He joins the VIPs, Hollywood stars, Finance Magnates and the President of the United States with her family and Secret Service detail.

Only minutes into it's journey, the 'Destiny' encounters the unexpected ferocity of the San Andreas faultline. After a terrible crash, that claims the lives of the tech-crew, Hank is the last person on board with the knowledge to save everyone.

But will Hank be able to save anyone, when the vice president sees an opportunity to advance his own ambitions for power, and the caldera at Yellowstone has suffered a catastrophic fracture? - Read "Hyperloop" to find out.

[Graeme]

[3] "Hyperloop"

Its 2026, Elon Musk and his entourage are on the maiden run of the Hyperloop 'Destiny' from Los Angeles to New York. He joins Hollywood stars, finance magnates and the president of the United States with her family and secret service detail.

Minutes into the trip, Elon reveals his own secret agenda, the Hyperloop is a massive Cthulhian symbol - activating a device born of genius and madness, he opens a portal to another dimension and the Destiny passes through to another world of shadow and doom.

The president, 'Zoe Madiva,' her secret service detail decimated by Lovecraftian horrors must decide between certain and horrible death or risk the emergence of Cthulhu and his minions into an unprepared world - or will she find a third way? - Read "Hyperloop" to find out.

[Nik]

Undoubtedly, hyper loop is quite an inspiring endeavor -:)
Hope all the dignitaries have a pleasant and safe trip

[Philip]

[4] "Hyperloop

It's 2346. An ancient texts researcher comes across an historic plan to build a hyperloop. Tom Hanks Jnr, Jnr, Jnr etc. plays the lead role in tracking down how the airline industry destroyed all copies of the plans in a conspiracy that still attempts to block any new idea. In the the ensuing series of 4D movies Hanks' character Professor Langdon uncovers further conspiracies against sub-orbital hypersonic engines and the role of the Vatican in suppressing the research . Dan Brown - newly resurrected from his third rejuvenation - wrote the best seller in his sleep. A third part to the series is expected in the new year.

[Scout]

You guys. I'm asking for pros, cons in the real world, and you give me stories. That's what I like about this group.

[Philip]

Sorry Scout

Pros
- Advances in technology may demonstrate better more cost effective transportation methods, not just for the project proposed but worldwide with associated benefits in other areas.
-Reduce traffic on SF to LA roads
-Reduce carbon emissions from airlines
-Improve employment during construction
Cons
-Unproven therefore bound to be more expensive than proposed
-Disruption on way leave route and stations - e.g. people's homes
-Earthquakes
-Unemployment of cars, towns missing station, fuel pumps etc

I'm sure there are many more on both sides. No project is without risk, but for my money (which I'm not investing) biggest issue is location i.e. San Andreas fault. I'd look at alternative site first with less seismic activity.

[Graeme]

The initial proposal is Washington - New York. So fault lines probably not a major issue.

[Philip]

Graeme wrote: "The initial proposal is Washington - New York. So fault lines probably not a major issue."

Sorry my bad - I thought it was LA to SF in the article on The Register I read.

[Graeme]

Maybe it is - I'm just going off the lead comment. :-).

[Philip]

Lots of conflicting info on routes - found this today

https://hyperloop-one.com/our-story#

That has a Scandinavian implementation

Then there is the global challenge with a list of semi-finalists

https://hyperloop-one.com/global-chal...

I am surprised, it seems the plans are further advanced than I previously thought including some test runs

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology...

[Scout]

Philip wrote: "Sorry Scout

Pros
- Advances in technology may demonstrate better more cost effective transportation methods, not just for the project proposed but worldwide with associated benefits in other areas..."

No, I was serious about liking the way this group responds with stories, out-of the-box/creative thinking.