Not a train in sight...

Bonneville Salt Flats - "The Fastest Place on Earth"

 

Yes, we stopped by the Bonneville Salt Flats on our most recent trip.  I didn't know we would be able to actually drive down the same speedway where so many land speed records have been set, or I would have been tempted to take something "sportier".  At any rate, as this picture shows, we took my wife's little Toyota all the way to the shutdown area.  Yes, I took advantage of the opportunity and found out exactly how fast a Toyota Yaris will run.

 

One Hundred and Eleven Miles Per Hour with a slight tailwind.

 

 

There were a couple of other tourists out there such as myself, but only one serious contender for a land speed record... The Castrol Rocket.  I stumbled upon the crew as I was looking for some information about the speedway.  They were friendly and helpful, answering my questions, and then casually asked if I would like to see their motorcycle.  Motorcycle?  Yes, I want to see it!  I stepped into their cargo trailer and was blown away by what I saw.  My pictures don't do it justice, so take a look at their website:

 

http://castrolrocket.com/

 

Two Triumph engines, 3000cc, Turbocharged, 1000 Horsepower.

 

Absolutely Amazing.

 

They were out there doing some test runs.  I got there too late in the day to see it in action, but it is obviously a first class, serious machine.  I look forward to seeing the results of their official land speed record attempt.  God's Speed and be safe, gentlemen.

Water Tank & Windup Trains...

Slow progress on the trains for the past month, but the water tank mentioned in a previous post is now operational, although not finished.  I still have to add the RO filter, but the tank does function as  - well, you know - a water tank.

 

Beyond that, there are some little windup projects to do.  Aside from some upcoming work, I have a little American Flyer Hummer I am repairing for someone else that is getting a new mainspring:

**George's American Flyer Hummer**

Also, I got another little Hafner 109 that needs a new mainspring, too.  It is in good condition otherwise... many times these little cast iron locomotives have some of the parts broken off the body:

**James' Hafner 109**

 

I'm not well versed on the details of Hafner history, but this particular locomotive came with a tag attached from a previous owner stating it dates from the 1914-1920 timeframe.  No doubt about it, it is an old train!