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Gasoline Crisis Answer : A Book of Fact and a Plan of Action - Part 3 Here and Now
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GASOLINE CRISIS ANSWER
A BOOK OF FACT AND A PLAN OF ACTION
Part 3: Here and Now.
This is more than just a book of facts and references.
We believe there is a message that should be told. In
part, this message is about the difficulties faced by the
independent inventor. He may be faced with pay-off,
court battles don't "stir the water" pressure, lack of
financial backing, offer of take over, high legal fees
and no support (in fact a run-around) from key elected
officials.
The account of Mr. Robert C. Stewart and his energy
saving invention is a prime example of these
problems. We don't have to speculate about "days
gone by" . . . this is a here and now case study.
This fascinating story could well be developed into a
full-length documentary. We will attempt to draw
together the high points and list them here.
THE STEWART STORY
Mr. Stewart, a successful businessman, had the idea
that an enclosed pressurized motor could be invented.
Such a motor could be invented. Such a motor would
not have the inefficiency of the internal combustion
motor. It would be quiet running, have few moving
parts, could operate on any number of fuels such as
gasoline, diesel, alcohol, wood chips, waste farm
products, solar energy, even low temperature ground
heat (the temperature of the earth just under the frost
level . . .perhaps 4-6 feet).
The motor would have a variety of uses. It could
generate power for all home heating, cooing and
electrical needs. Further, it could power deep well
pump for farms, generate power for small or large
industrial plants and power automobiles.
Such a motor could generate power independent of
the utility companies. The house and farm would be
energy self sufficient.
In addition, this motor could generate power
independent of the local gas station, An automobile
with this motor could run on a variety of fuels and
would be pollution free. Probably the most efficient
fuel would be hydrogen. Hydrogen would be
developed at your home from water (the hydrogen
being separated by electrolysis using electrical energy
from your own home generating unit).
COULD SUCH A MOTOR BE DEVELOPED
Mr. Stewart labored on his project and eventually
developed a working prototype-a little one cylinder
motor- the first Stewart Cycle Motor. It could be
done !
Several other prototypes (varying size have since
been developed. This writer has seen several of these
in operation. The motor is indeed quiet, smooth
running . . . an amazing invention behold !
The potential for this motor is far reaching. We
have in our files an independent engineering firm's
evaluation of a working model. In part, it says:
"This letter is to inform you that we have
examined the various operating cycles and
engines proposed by STEWART ENERGY
SYSTEMS.
"Our assessment is based upon information
provided by Mr. R.C Stewart, the inventor,
and a demonstration of a one-cylinder full
scale prototype engine.
"The engine's thermodynamic concepts are
sophisticated technology, and yet the
simplicity of the hardware is implemented in
clever designs. We envision many applica-
tions of these types of engines in various
energy systems.
"We feel confident that this energy system
will satisfy your expectations."
Can you visualize:
1. Heating and lighting your home . . and no
monthly utility billing ?
2. Running your car on "home made" fuel ?
3. Seeing industrial energy needs supplied by
pollution-free motors.
These and other potential uses are possible with the
Stewart Cycle Motor.
THE PROBLEM
Mr. Stewart claims to have been faced with most of
the difficulties listed at the beginning of this account.
He definitely has been faced with court battles-we
have read the transcripts. He definitely has been given
a run-around from elected officials-we have read the
letters. He claims he was offered twelve million tax-
free dollars for his patent rights.
Until he recently found private backing through a
company with integrity (one which doesn't desire to
sheive the invention). . .until then. Mr. Stewart was
getting nowhere . . .yet he had a revolutionary energy
saving system.
THE FUTURE
This write was visiting Mr. Stewart one day at the
I______ranch. We were discussing the background of
his story reflecting upon the frustrations he had
witnessed -- then we discussed the future.
Do you expect to refine your invention here ?(In this
country ?) Do you plan to complete your patent work
here?(etc.)
Answer: "I'm not certain. I've done some work out
of this country--and may leave again." The he said:
"J.E., what you're doing --the message of your book,
regarding free enterprise, competition and honesty in
government . . . getting the car driving public
organized -- what you're doing is just as important and
just as necessary as my invention."
MAY I SAY
This is not a fly-by-night invention. As of this
writing, these people have a staff of over 70 people;
engineers, marketing specialists, attorneys, scientists,
support staff and others. They have great sums of
capital invested in the prototype motors and
developments thus far.
What is their future . . . and the future of other like
them ? This writer believes you and I, the "silent"
majority, hold the key to their future. Can we remain
silent any longer ?
* * * * *
BY THE WAY
What happened to the "revolutionary" auto engine
described above in item `A' . . . the motor that yields
top efficiency on almost any fuel ?
For the answer to this question and others . . . see
our chapter entitled:
ON WHICH SHELF ?
THE TURBINE CAR
This writer remembers seeing a Chrysler gas turbine
car on the streets of Portland, Oregon in the early
1960's. Actually, Chrysler Corporation made about
50 turbine cars at that time and "loaned" them out to
the general public in various cities around the country.
THE TURBINE
The turbine engine is not a new concept. They have
been hard at work for many, many years. They run
stand-by generators, drive Army troop trains, have
powered landing craft, Marine hydrofoil boats and Air
Force helicopters, not to mention the fact they fly
over-head every day in jet airplanes.
As far as 1946, Captain Eddie
Rickenbacker predicted that nearly
all cars soon would be powered by
gas turbines.
What happened ? What advantages over the piston-
engine can be found I the turbine ? What did Chrysler
Corporation find from their tests ? How would the gas
turbine help us meet today's energy crisis ?
TURN BACK THE CALENDAR
Let us go back to the years 1963 and 1964 and read
the headlines:
"America's First Turbine Car"
Look Magazine, June 4, 1963
"Big Test - - -Chrysler's Turbine Car"
Time, May 10, 1963
"Chrysler Turboflite Experimental"
Motor Trend, May 1963
"Comeback in Detroit"
Saturday Evening Post, May 25, 1963
"Emotion - - Key to Turbine"
Science Newsletter, April 11, 1964
"Gas Turbine Car Feasible"
Science Newsletter, April 4, 1963
"On the Road; Chrysler's Turbine-Powered"
Car", Newsweek, December 30, 1963
"P.M. Drives Chrysler's New Gas Turbine"
Popular Mechanics, July 1963
"Test-Driving a Jet;Chrysler's New
Turbine Engine"
Business Week, March 28, 1964
"That's the Jet"
Newsweek, November 11, 1963
"Turbine Drive"
Newsweek, May 13, 1963
"Turbine in a Truck; Experimental Gas
Turbine Truck"
Business Week, October 31, 1964
"Wh-o-o-o-sh, Here Comes the Turbine"
Hot Rod Magazine, July 1963
Further, the turbine car was the subject of repeated
nation-wide television coverage, newspaper articles . .
. .even books were written about the "turbine car".
WHAT IS THE TURBINE ?
Simply stated, the turbine is an engine that sucks air
through an intake "mouth" and compresses it in a
chamber into which fuel is introduced and ignited by a
spark. The heated expanding gases propel one turbine
wheel that spins the air compressor and then speeds on
to whirl another turbine that drives a shaft. See chart
below:
The turbine engine has many distinct advantages
over the piston engine. It has about one-fifth as many
moving parts. There is only one spark plug and it is
used only for starting purposes (should never need
replacing). The troublesome ignition problems found
in piston engines are eliminated. There is no
distributor. Also , no radiator needed, because the
engine is air-cooled. Turn the key and the engine fires
immediately. There is no warming period required
after the car is started. Turn on the heater and you get
instant heat.
The car drives similar to a conventional auto. How-
ever, those who tested the car reported that the turbine
operated more smoothly than the piston engine, there
was less noise and less vibration.
The turbine is clean-burning engine. Carbon
monoxide gas is practically non-existent, as the fuel is
burning completely, this adds almost nothing to air-
pollutants. Engine oil never becomes contaminated or
dirty because it doesn't come in contact with the fuel
or combustion. Since there are fewer moving parts,
engine oil consumption is practically eliminated. Five
quarts of oil should last a life time.
The turbine is a light-weight engine, and should be
expected to run 300,000 miles. The engine requires
very little maintenance. (This is substantiated by the
low maintenance need by the airline companies for
their jets.)
Another marled advantage over the piston engine is
the fact that the turbine will deliver high power while
using almost any fuel will burn in a test tube. It will
operate on diesel, unleaded, regular or premium
gasoline, kerosene, peanut oil, French perfume or
brandy. Actually, synthetic, non-fossil fuel or even
"home made" fuels would propel the turbine car very
nicely.
DOCUMENTATION: All of the facts and figures
cited above are documented in the various
reports, test results and articles already
listed at the beginning of this section.
MOST OFTEN ASKED QUESTIONS
What about the extreme heat from a turbine's
exhaust ?
In 1954, George Huebner(at one time
executive researcher engineer with
Chrysler), "cofounded the experts by
developing a rotating heat exchanger to
harness the heat thrown out by the exhaust
This was the key to making the engine
practical and efficient enough to be worth
developing. " Business Week, March 28,
1964, page 76.
On page 75 in the same magazine, there is a
picture of gas station attendants with hands
extended at the exhaust outlet. One report
states that a kitten could sleep there and not
be burned.
What about the price ?
"Chrysler claims that it can produce turbine
engines that are competitive in price with
their piston counterparts, if turned out in the
same quantities."
Business Week, January 6, 1962, page 37.
What was the public response to their test-driving
the 50 experimental models ?
When the public first learned that Chrysler was
planning to loan out theses cars for family driving.,
the company was flooded with mail . . . . so many
wanted to participate. Chrysler wanted those selected
to represent the average citizen. Among those not
selected were William Randolph Hearst Jr. Gen. Cutis
Lemay, Ernest Borgnine and Lyndon Johnson(while
he was still Vice-President).
Finally, the participants were selected on the basis of
geography(one in every state), climate and road
terrain.
RESULTS
The cars were reluctantly returned to Chrysler with
rave notice from the borrowers:
"The first man to get a turbine car, Chicagoan
Richard Vlaha, told Business Week: `I never
drove anything out of Detroit like that before.
It is really terrific.' And his comments are
restrained, compared to some others."
Another man reports: - - -"he can get hardly
any work done at the office, everybody is so
interested in the car . . . . . "
Business Week, March 28, 1964, pages 75-76
" `I just wish I could buy it after the test
period is over, it's terrific,' said Mrs. Estelle
Center, a housewife in Columbus, Ohio, and
one of the four "typical drivers . . . . .."
Newsweek, December 30, 1963 , page 50
COMPLAINTS
Complaints have been minor ones:
"Enthusiasm, says Anderson, hasn't waned,
to say the least."
"His test market group agrees."
Business Week, March 28, 1964, page 83.
* * * * * * **
WHERE IS THE TURBINE CAR ?
All of us identify with a David who is up against a
giant Goliath. It is easy to get some people to believe
that the auto manufactures or oil companies are like
giant Goliath who buy-up worthwhile inventions and
"lock up" the design. This is done s more gas and oil
can be sold- - or more car parts can be sold - - and the
rich get richer. These stories are common.
Actually, from the published record there does seem
to be a grain of truth to this kind of reasoning. At
times there does seem to be a "collusion" between
government agency officials, the automobile
manufactures and the oil companies.
However, rather than this writer offering a judgment
as to the truth of these stories, let us sample the
evidence - - then you be the judge.
"Chrysler is careful about its claims
for the future. It is uncomfortably aware
of what a major shift to gas-turbine en-
gines would do to the auto industry's vast
investment in the piston engine and to the
oil industry's stake in high-octane fuels, is
also mindful of difficulties yet unforeseen
in widespread use of evidence that the public
is willing to give the new engine a try."
Time, May 10, 1963, page 90.
The public liked the turbine. It was well received.
It is a proven engine. Its wide use in aviation proves
the fact.
The turbine was successfully adapted to a car. The
written record between 1952 and 1965 proves that
fact.
The turbine car was ready to go. Company officials
state the fact.
Yet: Chrysler is "uncomfortably aware" that
1) . . .a simpler, more efficient engine would
not require many parts; would require less
maintenance and in the long run, less money
to the auto related industry.
Also, they were aware of the fact that:
2) ... .. this engine will operate on fuels other
than gasoline - - - thus the oil industry's
(money) stake must be considered.
Is this Time comment an isolated one ?
Let us dig deeper.
From this point on to the end of the chapter,
notice how certain high-ranking government officials,
key oil companies and the automobile manufacturers
are indeed closely related . . . .as someone has said,"
they are cozy companions".
Since gasoline is taxed, the more gasoline
burned - - the more dollars flow into govern-
ment coffers.
Read this documentation:
"Gasoline Racket", Saturday Evening Post
December 26, 1931
"Gas Taxes!" Literary Digest
June 15, 1929, page 64, also February 20,
1932, page 44.
"More Gas Taxes !!" Business Week
March 5, 1929, page 10, November 11, 1931
page 10, and February 10, 1932
"One Big Union", Business Week
July 7, 1934, page 10
"16 Oil Companies Convicted Of Fixing Gas-
oline Prices". Senior Scholastic
February 1938, page 15 and Business Week,
January 29, 1938
"Gas Tax Injustice Less Than 5 per cent
Finds its Way into Street Construction and
Maintenance Programs".
August 1947, page 102
"Truth About Gas-tax Diversion"
American City, June 1949, page 5+
"American Motorist: No.1 Tax Sucker"
Coronet, August 1952, pages 40 -44
"Airlines Protest Added Gas Tax"
Aviation Week , July 18, 1955
"Tax Revolt at the Grass-roots"
U.S. News and World Report,
April 26, 1957, page 108
"Pilling it on, Double in a Decade"
Newsweek, September 7, 1959, page 34
"Motorist Pay More Than Their Share of
Highway Costs", Saturday Evening Post
February 11, 1961, page 10
"(President) Ford Weighs a Hidden Tax on
Gas". Newsweek, December 30,1974,
Pages 48 - 49
"Should we Sharply Increase Taxes on
Gasoline ?" Senior Scholastic
March 13, 1975, page 10
Telephone Call; Fall of 1977 to local
Gasoline Companies: The State and Federal
excise taxes in Washington State are
currently $0.14 per gallon!
In 1952, the average citizen paid the same amount in
various gas and automobile taxes as he did in
INCOME TAXES !
"The American Motorist: No.1
Tax Sucker", Cornet, August
1952, pages 40 - 41.
What do you think that figure is today ?
* Actually, gas and automobile "excise"
taxes are simply another INCOME TAX.
Certainly the evidence proves that the government
collects multi-millions of dollars from the gasoline
tax.
NOW
How does the turbine car fit into this picture ?
READ THESE REPORTS
December 1939 Popular Science, pages
80 - 81
gas turbines promise new
era in power
June 13, 1942 Science News Letter,
page 372
Gas turbine for airplanes
May 1943 Popular Science, page 114
Gas turbine drives Swiss
locomotive.
June 1944 Fortune, pages 174 - 180 +
Gas turbine: New prime
mover.
Volume 14 of the Reader's Guide to Periodical
Literature (covering the years July 1943 -
April 1845, page 642) contain twenty three
different magazines and scientific references
to the gas turbine.
June 1946 Popular Science, page 121
Gas Turbine for autos.
August 1946 Scientific American, also
Readers Digest
Powdered coal feeds a
turbine.
August 1947 Popular Mechanics,
page 97
General Motors auto engine
of the future uses 1/3 less
gas.
August 1947 Popular Science,
pages 89 - 91
Super engine cuts gasoline
bill.
May 17, 1948 Newsweek, page 62
Turbine cars.
May 29, 1948 Business Week, page 66
Gas turbine autos
September 1948 Both Popular Mechanics
and Popular Science
Turbines designed for cars.
January 14, 1950 Business week, page 70
Baby gas turbines ready for
marketing.
March 20, 1950 Newsweek, page 70
Jets on wheels.
Volume 17 of the Reader's Guide to Periodical
Literature (pages 780 - 781) lists some ninety-
three articles and reports on gas turbines for
airplanes and automobiles.
Volume 18 of the Reader's Guide to Periodical
Literature (covering April 1951, through March
1953) list over 100 articles and reports on the use
of the turbine engine in airplane and automobiles -
-- - -by both civilian and the military.
January 23, 1954 Science News Letter,
page 51
Experimental gas turbine
auto.
January 26, 1954 Look ,page 15
First look at the gas turbine
car.
February 1954 Popular Science,
pages 160 - 161
America's first turbo car.
These and 13 other reports in 1953 and 1054 indicate
that the turbine car was soon to be built for marketing.
October 22,1955 Business Week,
pages 83 - 84
What to do until the turbine
comes.
July 14, 1956 Science News Letter,
page 21
New gas turbine bus.
from this point on the record makes reference to many
, many reports on the turbine engine written every
year. We list only a few more.
April 1959 Popular Mechanics,
pages 131 - 135
You're looking at the gas
turbine era!
July 1961 Popular Science, page 35
Chrysler's turbine.
January 6, 1962 Business Week,
pages 36 - 37
Turbine car for the masses?
January 15, 1962 Saturday Evening Post
pages 38 - 41
I rode cross country in the
turbine auto.
The year 1963 and 1964 were already referred to at
the beginning of this chapter.
April 1965 Changing Times,
pages 39 - 42
Car with tomorrow's
engine.
October 1965 Popular Science, page 88
Turbine drives Chevy
truck.
February 1969 Mechanix Illustrated
Turbine engine for cars.
September 1973 Popular Science
(Another) Chrysler turbine
car.
November 1973 Mechanix Illustrated
(Another) turbine by Ford.
A CLOSER LOOK
We've already shown proof positive that other cars
have been invented which do not require gasoline as a
fuel. But, for now our subject is the turbine car.
Have the auto manufactures "locked up" this
invention ?
A. General Motors Company had a turbine
vechile on public display as early as
January 1954, pages 66 - 70, also
April 1954.
This report asks the question : "How
soon before we would expect to see the
turbine car for sale ?" Answer : "5 to 10
years, maybe longer."
B. In 1954, Chrysler Corporation revealed their
gas-turbine engine after " 9 years of top
secret research". See Business Week,
March 29, 1954, page 67.
This report states "that Chrysler's
development may make gas turbines in cars
years rather than decades away."
C. Ford Motor Company has a turbine car and a
turbine truck, See Mechanix Illustrated, May
1967, page 62 - 65 and Business Week,
October 31, 1964, page 28. See picture of
the vechiles.
When will this turbine car be ready for the
public ?
" Top Ford officials estimate five years be-
fore turbine trucks appear on the highway,
passenger cars should follow three to five
years later."
Have you seen a turbine car recently ?
Actually, according to written evidence, the turbine
car has been ready for years.
D. "A First in Automotive History : We Drove
A Turbine Car Coast-To-Coast"
by George J. Huebner Jr. Executive Engineer,
Research, Chrysler Corporation.
Popular Mechanics, June 1956.
This article shows pictures of the car, its coast-to-
coast route and gives high praise for the turbine. The
turbine expected to revolutionize the auto industry
within 10 years.
TIME TABLE
E. "Timetable for Next Car Engine : The Gas
Turbine and Its Future" Business Week,
April 2, 1955, page 134+
Since the turbine car would be greatly affect the auto
and oil industries, the writer of this report asks the
auto manufactures and oil company officials:
"When should we expect the turbine car to
be available to the public ?"
THEY ESTIMATE
by 1960 .................60,000 - 300,000 cars
1965 ...............264,000 - 3,900,00 "
1970 ..........11,500,000 - 42,500,000 "
1975 ..........48,000,000 - 62,000,000 "
The report goes on to say that although the auto
manufactures can now produce the turbine cars, it will
usher in major changes.................because the turbine
car will run longer with less maintenance required.
The article points out that :
"80% of the reports submitted to the oil
companies say automotive turbines are a
sure- thing within 10 years. "
Yet the report also point to the fact that the oil
industry must face major changes when the
turbine is mass-produced, The turbine can operate
or home made fuels - - - it doesn't need to burn
gasoline.
F. Even auto parts companies began to prepare
for turbine car :
"Parts Makers Prepare for Turbine"
Business Week, May 19, 1956, page 64.
CONCLUSION
HAVE YOU SEEN A TURBINE CAR RECENTLY
The turbine is a proven engine that has one major
drawback. It does not have to burn gasoline as a fuel !
* Oil companies refine gasoline - - they
want it sold as a fuel.
* Government agencies collect taxes
from gasoline - - they want it
sold as a fuel.
* Auto manufactures "are uncomfortably
aware of what a major shift to
gas-turbine engines would do to
the auto industries vast invest-
ment in the piston engine . . . . ."
We must conclude that this gas saving, oil
conserving, non-polluting engine is: ON THE SHELF
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