The Hyperloop -can- be meaningfully tested on a small scale model. For example, the scaling laws of fluid dynamics are fairly well known. Building a scale model

The Hyperloop -can- be meaningfully tested on a small scale model. For example, the scaling laws of fluid dynamics are fairly well known. Building a scale model with knowledge of the scaling laws can at least give us a sense of the performance/cost of the full scale system. Other small scale test that can be done. A 100m long full diameter segment of the track could be built and then kept at the vacuum pressure needed for some extended period of time while pushing simulated hyperloop vehicles through the length. This can inform us to the real costs of maintaining the vacuum, and give some hints towards real maintenance costs. A key part of the Hyperloop proposal is the cheapness of fabricating the track and pylons. Actually building the track and pylons in limited quantities is important so that a) areas where efficiencies can be introduced can be identified and b) give a sense of just how much efficiencies can be gained. As far as I know, the actual compressor drive that the Hyperloop runs on has never been used on such a scale before. At least building a single full scale demonstration model is surely prudent before even considering it. Maglev was tested with real prototype trains on real prototype track for decades before commercial use. Transrapid (which made the Shanghai Maglev) has a 31km long test track that was in use for over a decade before they started working on the Shanghai line. Until something of roughly that magnitude is built, the Hyperloop is an interesting (and well thought out) idea, but nothing more.