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Post by Humph on Feb 6, 2019 20:31:19 GMT
My brother in law tows his twin axle caravan with a Touareg. ( or Toerag as I mistakenly (deliberately) pronounce it in his earshot )
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Post by commerdriver on Feb 6, 2019 23:28:29 GMT
I'm not much of a plane spotter, but I have never seen a 747 with engines placed like that, anyone like to educate me?
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WDB
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Post by WDB on Feb 7, 2019 7:49:07 GMT
My educated guess says that it’s an old one (confirmed by the pre-400 wings) that’s used as an engine test bed. The four regular engines are paired on the inboard pylons, while the pods on the outer pylons can be replaced with new engines for testing.
Or we could find Autocar’s report on the same event:
The aeroplane was a disused Boeing 747-200. The eagle-eyed may notice that its engines look a bit different - that's because they're fake, the jumbo having been used as a film prop. But VW added extra ballast to take the 747 up to its normal operational weight of 155 tonnes. Other than the odd engines, the Boeing was all real - right down to the 500 seats on board.
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Post by commerdriver on Feb 7, 2019 9:23:23 GMT
thanks WDB, I knew somebody would have an answer
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WDB
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Post by WDB on Feb 7, 2019 10:23:00 GMT
Used in Casino Royale, apparently.
To get geeky for a moment, modern airliners have the engines widely spaced because close-mounted engines would interfere with each other’s airflow. (The air that passes outside the engine is important in terms of noise and fuel efficiency. The turbojets of the Comet era were less demanding — but far less efficient.)
There’s also a safety point, which is that we don’t want a failure of one engine — like the Qantas A380 in 2010 — to affect another engine. And we wouldn’t want a pylon failure (rare, but not unknown) to drop two engines instead of one — although, ironically, that is exactly what did happen in two 1990s accidents involving 747-200s, like this one used to be.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 7, 2019 12:09:44 GMT
There’s also a safety point, which is that we don’t want a failure of one engine — like the Qantas A380 in 2010 — to affect another engine. And we wouldn’t want a pylon failure (rare, but not unknown) to drop two engines instead of one — although, ironically, that is exactly what did happen in two 1990s accidents involving 747-200s, like this one used to be. I thought I knew a lot about aviation, but I did not know about these two 1990s accidents where two engines dropped. What were the circumstances? |
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Post by tyrednexited on Feb 7, 2019 12:31:16 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Feb 7, 2019 13:11:03 GMT
tne - remind me why you go motorhome over caravan please?
A combination of factors. I've never fancied towing a shed. We like exploring, so not too bothered about staying more than a couple of days anywhere (most of the time). We move on. That is much easier with a motorcaravan. Having always walked and cycled, we don't find the lack of a car an issue (yet!). we walk and cycle to explore an area (or indeed, use public transport). It is generally quite a bit easier to tour Europe in a motorcaravan than a caravan and car (especially Germany, France and Italy - with dedicated, cheap or free areas which are closed to caravans). We first had a 'van almost 30 years ago, and it "stuck". I don't want to p*ss on your chips, but long-term stays in Europe (EU) are likely to be much more difficult/impossible after Brexit (possibly a maximum of 90 days in any 180). I've got a Maltese Grandad and I'm in the process of getting citizenship and a passport. Once I'm done my wife and children become automatically entitled also.
I reserve the right to still be bloody annoyed at brexit on behalf of everyone else.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 7, 2019 13:12:41 GMT
I really don’t want to know what goes on in a large end washroom. 😓🙈 ..if you have a large end, you probably really need one......  My point exactly. |
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Post by Deleted on Feb 7, 2019 13:16:11 GMT
My brother in law tows his twin axle caravan with a Touareg. ( or Toerag as I mistakenly (deliberately) pronounce it in his earshot ) Toerag shot up my list of possible yesterday, as it can be equipped with a towing stability system. Further research required in to other cars which have similar.
tne's comment about caravans not being allowed in those free areas around France etc made me think twice. Although I think I'd be less likely to want to use such things on longer, more settled sojourns than a few weeks tearing around between points. Think I'm still in favour of the caravan model, but this is 10 years off so plenty of time to consider, plan and change tack.
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WDB
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Post by WDB on Feb 7, 2019 13:38:36 GMT
It’s nice to dream an’all (although obviously not about caravans) But is there any point in planning your choice of vehicle from what is available today for a project that just might happen in ten years’ time? Will it even be viable or acceptable to run a diesel SUV — especially in mainland Europe — then? And after all the things you’ve said about them too!
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Post by Deleted on Feb 7, 2019 14:06:36 GMT
Yeah, the thought has crossed my mind. I expect a current (i.e.2019) diesel at Euro 6 rating should be OK in 10 years time to go most places, but without a crystal ball it can't be guaranteed of course. Perhaps some form of hybrid will be a necessity in 10 years time - can you tow with a Lexus RX hybrid for instance? I know you can't tow with BEVs, but don't know about a hybrid. Again, more research needed and plenty of time to do it. I wonder what type of propulsion a motorhome would be equipped with in 10 years time?
As for "what I've always said about them", well I have always caveated that with the condition that I disapprove of their use as urban only vehicles, I have never had a problem with anyone who actually needs one - i.e. to genuinely go off road, access remote property on unmade roads, or to tow large trailers. I save the eyerolls for the white ones with 22"+ wheels, rubber bands for tyres, no sign of any towbar and 1x Jemima in the back going 750 yards to school. In my ideal Republic in which I am Supreme Leader, a prospective purchaser of such a vehicle, new or used, will have to prove their need and take a specialist driving test. If I ever got to owning one to tow a caravan in this less than ideal world, I shall avail myself of a training course in towing stuff.
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Post by lygonos on Feb 7, 2019 14:18:27 GMT
Tesla Model X is the only BEV I know that is homologated in Europe for towing (which it does very well, see Bjorn Nyland on youtube).
Outlander and XC90 PHEVs are also ok for towing.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 7, 2019 14:22:59 GMT
Thanks, interesting. Outlander PHEV can't pull the skin off a rice pudding, let alone tow a twin axle caravan. I expect that would be a dire experience. Yes, I've driven one and I didn't buy it because it was so gutless.
Model X would be a right touch. Hmm. Pricy mind. Cheaper alternatives available in 10 years maybe.
XC90 PHEV sounds an excellent solution. Similar MPGs to a diesel when towing, I wonder? I bet not.
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Avant
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Post by Avant on Feb 7, 2019 16:43:41 GMT
"I've got a Maltese Grandad...."
What a wonderful name for a caravan - I thought for a moment that's what you meant.
A huge one, towed by a very old battered Granada and driven as the Maltese used to (I'm going back many years and they're probably much better now) in the middle of the road with one hand on the horn.
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