Posted on 12/16/2015 3:28:12 PM PST by sparklite2
Steam locomotives have pistons pushing a crankshaft that turns the wheels. They develop maximum torque in the middle of their stroke, and virtually none at each end of the stroke. If they try to pull a loaded train with the couplings tight, the wheels just slip when the crankshafts reach peak torque. This wears out the tires and the track. A diesel-electric locomotive puts out a nice even torque, and the engineer can just increase the torque until the train starts to move without slipping the tires.
Tires??? Did he say tires? Yes. I put that in to prove I know what I'm talking about. Look up "railway tire" on the internet. It's the steel rim on the steel wheel of a rail car.
B-24?
Just like a glider.
And if that design actually makes it into production how long before the first complaints to the FAA about other planes being mooned?
I come from a long line of railroaders and have ridden in steam engines cabs all over the world. Engineers (electric, diesel-electric or otherwise) are taught to “take out the slack” whenever possible as they start trains. There are exceptions, but doing so makes things easier on passengers and cargo, and most of all, prevents yanking a coupler out of its pocket. Very embarrassing! Leaves part of the train standing and air brakes set on both pieces.
I reaslly like your description - brings back memories of train yards in Chicago and Denver.
Probably a crap shoot. Aluminum, post Apollo research, was found to easily give up neutrons from solar particle strikes, sending the heavier particles smashing through any strands of DNA they might encounter.
Many of the newer larger airplanes have a camera in the front of the aircraft, basically a cockpit view of the ground. Pretty cool to watch yourself land.
I’d sit there. Though do flight attendants hand the drinks up?
‘Hey, Mom, this canopy seems to be a little loose.’
‘But, son....’
Whooooosh!
Once every decade; I avoid air travel if I can! :)
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