Hi Johnny,
LOL, yep the internet is cool isn't it? I remember when I first went online ... whole new world ... way back in '96, can't believe it's ought-nine already ...
The Doble was an amazing car, though it did have some rarely-mentioned drawbacks. One was that the monotube boiler would eventually clog up with carbon deposits from oil; another was that the powerful electric fan in the burner would drain the battery in stop-and-go city driving. I hesitate to rub magic lamps, lest any genies appear, but the world's foremost Doble expert (no mere flattery that) sometimes posts here. Be careful what you wish for, Johnny.
Of course all the classic steam automobiles had their advantages and downsides, as with any automobile, ancient or modern. But a few of us, both known and unknown, accomplished and hopeful, are working to remedy the downsides and build upon the promise and potential shown by early examples of the breed, of which the magnificent Doble was only one.
The ModelWorks Locomobile replica which you mention was a fascinating project; in 2005 I traveled to England (a genuine "Stranger In A Strange Land" tale for this Southern Californian) to see the factory, and was quite impressed with the potential there. Alas, the ModelWorks Likamobile has since passed on, along with the company, though I hear that some are working to continue the effort, and I wish them every success.
I agree with what Ben suggests; a replica Doble would be a costly and astoundingly difficult technical challenge. To which I would add, an effort perhaps of questionable worth, overall. Then again, the team of reknowned steam car builder & driver Howard Langdon recently offered a new Doble F engine for sale (not to be confused with the better-known Doble E car). In modern circumstances, a turn-key, uncannily silent, smooth-running steam car with seemingly endless & effortless power -- the things the Doble was noted for -- will most likely have to take a somewhat different form. Exactly what that form might be is -- as it always has been, since the earliest days of the automobile -- a matter of considerable disagreement and debate.
However, the mere fact that there is disagreement and debate on this subject is a hopeful sign to me that the dream of the steam automobile is not a dead letter or footnote in automotive history, but still belongs to the future. It is my hope that these notes will provoke those with rare knowledge of this obscure and legendary technology to further accomplishments.
Peter
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