What the hyperloop set out to achieve was a worthy goal. The cost of high-speed rail in the US is astronomical so any solution that cuts that cost dramatically is a good thing. His plans for the LA-SF route was very much like what Brunel engineered for the GWR with a series of tunnels and bridges to minimise the gradient and allow for high speed and volume. I caught an InterCity125 a heap of times back in the early 80's while living near Chippenham running on the same line Brunel built.

I think with Musk, it's the lesser known achievements like the big battery in South Australia that elevate him to the level of Brunel.

https://reneweconomy.com.au/tesla-big-battery-outsmarts-lumb...