In 1972, Roy Douglas Vinson, founder and inventor of the "magnet
train" aka "magnetrain" former Assistant to the head of the Apollo Moon program, received
the breakthrough on the then new industry called high speed mag lev.
Mr. Vinson hypothesized that,
"Permanent magnets would be the optimum source of lift for these new high speed magnetically levitated train system, IF, there were magnets strong enough and if there was a method to control these magnets."
In 1973, Mr. Vinson met with Rollin Parker, head of research and development
for Hitachi (formerly General Electric Co.) and considered the world's number
one authority, scientist and inventor in the use of permanent magnets in
industry. Mr. Vinson also sought out Dr. Klaus Kronenberg, physicist and
world renowned expert in the field of magnets and magnetism. BOTH
CONCURRED with Mr. Vinson that he
did indeed have the
Two Great Men Roy D. Vinson and Dr. Klaus Kronenberg (1998) breakthrough in the
control of permanent magnets for use in a high speed transportation
system. There was only one problem. No such magnets of sufficient
strength and cost were in existence. Mr. Vinson was 10 years ahead of his
time.
In 1975, Mr. Vinson went to Washington, D.C. and several major corporations to seek funding for the prototype. The train's inherent design complemented the governments quest for industry promoting cleaner air and environmental safety.
There were no funds available.
In 1977, Mr. Vinson realized that he was still 20 years
away from the right timing for the development and implementation of his mag lev.
In the meantime, Mr. Rollin Parker and Dr. Klaus Kronenberg kept Mr. Vinson
appraised of the advancements being made in the commercial development of
powerful permanent magnets.
Finally, Mr. Vinson submitted his patent on the magnet train to the U.S. Department of Commerce for evaluation. He demanded that they assign as evaluators, the "meanest, toughest, no-nonsense" men to determine the viability and feasibility of his patent. He wanted men who as he said, "hated motherhood and apple pie." He asked for not only one but three companies be assigned to evaluate magnet train.
Results:
Favorable. "...no fundamental reason to indicate the levitation
scheme was not viable."
George P. Lewett
Chief, Office of Energy-Related Inventions
February 17, 1977
In 1984, Mr. Vinson received this correspondence from Mr. Rollin Parker,
"...permanent magnets have recently been developed and are available in small quantities from magnet producers....potential costs...$5.00 per lb."
The breakthrough in the mass production of powerful permanent magnets had arrived.
The quest for funding continued, but was met with disappointing results. The Germans were producing their version of a mag lev system, Trans Rapid VII and the Japanese were building their mag lev system, Shikansen... and America was hit with a recession that began the downsizing of the American corporation.
In 1990, Mr. Rollin Parker, released his text book entitled, "Advances in Permanent Magnets," in which he featured Vinson's design on page 244-247 when discussing practical uses and applications of permanent magnets.
In 1993, Mr. Vinson received a commitment from TRW, Redondo Beach of their willingness to build the mag lev prototype when funding was available.
Vinson's design of the Magnetrain was featured in the industry magazine for high speed mag lev
systems, Mag Lev News in a well written
article entitled, "Magnetrain Proposal Uses Combination of Magnets,
Hydraulics. California Inventor argues mix of old and new technology outperforms
electromagnetic and super conductive approaches..."
In 1995, the Magnetrain is a feature at the High
Speed Mag Lev Association's International Conference and Exhibition in San
Francisco, CA.
There for the first time, publicly, the Vinson Magnetrain design was displayed to approximately 500 guests and 30-50 engineering companies.
Magnetrain received a positive response from various delegates attending the
conference and especially delegates from Italy and Germany.
In 2007, original team members of the Magnetrain have come together to bring Roy
Vinson's dream on line once again - Magnetrain Worldwide Group and a group of
brilliant engineers.
An EXECUTIVE SUMMARY is also available for interested parties. Please
contact:
Adelle McKinney
Executive Vice President