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35

They don't make things like this anymore

submitted by JamesMadison to whatever 1 yearApr 9, 2023 18:09:50 ago (+37/-2)     (whatever)

I've always been a fan of railroads. The last generation of steam locomotives in the U.S. hit the high water mark for mechanical perfection and brute power. The older railroad guys say that modern railroad guys don't appreciate the raw power that steam engines gave. This is a vid of Union Pacific 3985 in the early '90's pulling a 6100 ton train at a good speed. The diesel unit in the lineup is there to provide electricity to the train. It is not pulling the train. It is all the 3985 busting ass.

We just don't make machines like this anymore. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s28kttOk51E


14 comments block

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[ - ] HeyJames 15 points 1 yearApr 9, 2023 18:22:07 ago (+15/-0)

Steam is powerful probably one of the most powerful molecular reactions there is. "Coal" and "natural gas" power plants simply use these fuels to create steam which is then filtered to power absolutely massive turbines. "Nuclear" power plants operate in a similar fashion.

Steam power generation is effective and efficient and is responsible for the modern industrial world. Your average urbanite faggot cannot even begin to comprehend how steam power generation has changed their lives.

[ - ] 15MAR 11 points 1 yearApr 9, 2023 19:58:37 ago (+11/-0)

It always amused me telling unknowing people that nuclear reactors are glorified water boilers, and seeing the confusion form on their faces. Especially to the people that thought reactors were the same thing as bombs.

[ - ] MuricaPersonified 6 points 1 yearApr 9, 2023 23:33:02 ago (+6/-0)

How anyone doesn't know that nuke plants are steam driven turbines shows the failure (or "success") of the modern educational system and media.

[ - ] Moravian 5 points 1 yearApr 10, 2023 00:40:57 ago (+5/-0)

I'm not surprised because most people I talk to don't even know that a 3rd building went down on Sept. 11th.

[ - ] MuricaPersonified 2 points 1 yearApr 10, 2023 02:52:14 ago (+2/-0)

I just had that conversation a few hours ago. Yep.

[ - ] TheNoticing 2 points 1 yearApr 10, 2023 04:02:15 ago (+2/-0)

Did you know that the towers fell into their own footprint at freefall speed? (sarcasm there)

[ - ] TheNoticing 1 point 1 yearApr 10, 2023 02:51:02 ago (+1/-0)

What do you mean by steam gets "filtered?"

[ - ] deleted 0 points 1 yearApr 9, 2023 21:16:36 ago (+0/-0)

deleted

[ - ] La_Chalupacabra 6 points 1 yearApr 9, 2023 21:33:09 ago (+6/-0)

I was fortunate enough to see Big Boy No. 4014 back in 2019.
Had to drive out to the middle of nowhere, Iowa to do so, but it was worth it.

[ - ] bobdole9 6 points 1 yearApr 9, 2023 19:07:10 ago (+6/-0)

One engine pulling a train over a mile long, built in an era before computers.

[ - ] xmasskull 2 points 1 yearApr 9, 2023 19:17:11 ago (+2/-0)

Trains,are cool!!

[ - ] drhitler 1 point 1 yearApr 10, 2023 04:06:01 ago (+1/-0)

wow that sure is a lot of power

https://youtu.be/0iFkKRh5kcM?t=64

here is the truck version, a road train in aus

[ - ] Pasty 1 point 1 yearApr 9, 2023 23:11:54 ago (+1/-0)

Steam engines are good for torque sure but they're pretty inefficient when it comes to raw coal energy in.

[ - ] NationalSocialism 0 points 1 yearApr 10, 2023 03:49:17 ago (+0/-0)

I prefer SD70’s and SD40-2’s.

[ - ] Indoctrinated_USA 0 points 1 yearApr 9, 2023 23:29:47 ago (+0/-0)

You should watch the restored 4014.
It's insanity.