Posted on 10/18/2004 1:51:05 PM PDT by ijcr
A Suffolk man has created the world's fastest shopping trolley - by fitting a jet engine.
Andy Tyler, 35, adapted the trolley which he fished out of a river, reports the Daily Mirror.
The father-of-two can travel at more than 50mph in the machine but it's so noisy that it hurts his ears.
The engine is powered by gas and liquid fuel and explodes 40 times a second to propel the trolley.
Andy built his own engine from a discarded stainless steel restaurant worktop.
He attached the gas supply, liquid fuel and engine and added sturdier wheels, an accelerator, brake and steering device.
It cost only £50 and took him just a few weeks to build at his home in Beccles, Suffolk.
Andy, a microlight instructor, said: "People think I'm off my trolley but when it gets going it is exhilarating.
"I am now working on a bigger engine which I hope will propel me even faster. It can't be driven on roads and it is not very efficient - to run it for an hour would cost £300."
Future Darwin winner
SO9
I have grave doubts about Andy Tyler's cornering abilities.
So, he's still only allowed 10 items or less at the Express Register.
We had a ramp at the end that would then launch them over a fence and a creek, where they would crash in a field on the other side.
Geez, and I thought all the nuts were in California.
never mind. Those are shopping carts, btw.
Just look at that RA. It's beautiful. I think this is more wonderful than Rutan and all his stuff! They need to publish the thrust to weight ratios on that puppy. I want two. Three. I want an ARMY of jet-powered........STUFF!
wonder if it still has that one squeaky wheel...
That's cute...but...I bet I could beat him. Not only would I make better time, but I could spend more money than he ever dreamed about spending. I can fill one basket but by the time I check out they have to put it all in two baskets. Now, I must admit that I can't even figure out how I manage to do that. LOL Yep, I've got that power shopping perfected. 8-)
It looks like that thing is basically a pulse-jet, the same engine used in the V-2 "buzz-bombs" (c. WWII). Cheap to build, just a combustion chamber and nozzle. Looks like Andy used old plumbing parts. Nice touch using the fuel tank as a bumper, Andy.
Just think about it, in all seriousness: Your friends come over for dinner, and look down at the dining chairs, table, couch, lap, etc., all equipped with a properly sized pulse jet. When the obvious question comes up ("Uh, what in hell are all these things attached to your stuff"?), you can reply, "They're jet engines. I don't f__ around anymore, Frank. Don't touch. What can I get you to drink?"
I think "grave" is the operative word here.
LOL
"Cigar? Cigarette? Anyone care for a light?"
Their word for "shopping cart."
See? We're on the same page.
Yup... this guy is gonna be a crispy critter. It'll be spectacular, I'm sure - sort of real-life version of the "JATO-powered Impala"
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