I just received another email
I just received another email from a “representative of Cyclone” with regard to my comments about Chuk Williams.
Cyclone did not “ditch” Chuk for Nelson Hoyos, as the previous emailer assumed and I reiterated. It appears Chuk did not share the same vision for the project as Cyclone, and as a result, he chose to go it alone. I was told to refer to his statement on the SACA website on 3/23. However, the lack of any statement publically by Cyclone will likely let others think differently; and if I was the PR person, I would have handled that differently so there are never any false assumptions. I worked at GM where that happened a lot. Unfortunate, but life goes on.
Here is what I did pick up, though: It appears that Mr. Williams and Cyclone may have had different objectives for this program, and that likely built tension over time. Was it personal objective vs. project objective? If any personal objectives were overriding, then that had to be addressed. Those have to come second to the project if the project is to fully succeed.
As a member of the first Saturn car's design team, I am fully aware that differences of opinion are not evil in themselves, but a program's cadence can suffer on account of those differences, too.
It's good to see that Cyclone views this more about the development of a modern-day steam engine than a personal issue. Good to see their focus is about the glory of the technology, not any one individual. Fact is, the tech has a realistic chance for commercial acceptance, and more important than any one person. If that is indeed the heart of the issue, then I would concur with the decision, especially since I am also a stockholder. This is not the time or place for personalizing the project.
On Cyclone's behalf and with all respect to Williams, let me state that mobile steam power does have a great opportunity to make a difference in the world. IF it is to re-emerge as a viable option in the 21st century, then the new technology must be met with new materials, new thinking, but with a team focus.
I know that Cyclone wishes Chuk well. Bottom line is, Cyclone needs a very strong and cohesive team to accomplish its goals. So, I wish the team success as I do Mr. Williams! Enough said.