On 2020-06-11 1:24 PM, David Spain wrote:
But the 'elevator' could travel at
different speeds at different points along its journey. With less air
resistance the higher up it is the faster it can go. I'm thinking
something along rail gun technology. Of course if you're willing to wait
months to get to your destination, you can go more slowly. So the cabs
have to be more like living habitats that move (imperceptibly).

Actually, have read articles that suggest rocket propulsion for this
purpose. To save on carry along oxidizer, maybe another use for a
SABRE[1] engine? Like the old water powered steam engines or even modern
locomotives, you'd make way stops to refuel. Thus there may also be
required a 'cargo' train/elevator or cargo cars. I'm going to coin a new
noun for these things. The Space Trelevator or just Trelevator for
short. All Aboard! :-)

Fun to imagine how such tech would be managed/implemented.

Dave

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SABRE_(rocket_engine)