Steel Dynasty - Chapter 759

[Chapter 758 Milestone]

“Woooo…”

The steam locomotive’s whistle sounded at Qingzhou Station, and there were crowds of people on both sides of the railway. Today’s trial run of the steam locomotive attracted many Qingzhou people to come and watch the excitement.

Looking at such a grand scene, Xiao Ming felt happy. In contemporary times, his country had missed the golden age of scientific and technological development. Now he would not let the country he rules be embarrassed.

For him, today’s steam locomotive trial operation is a historic event that the Great Yu has surpassed the West in science and technology. In the future, new technologies in the Great Yu will only continue to emerge, and it will be just around the corner to fully catch up with the West.

“Your Majesty.”

Lin Wentao was leading the students to conduct a final inspection of the steam locomotive. The steam locomotive was about to drive out of the city.

Xiao Ming, Princess Pingyang had already arrived in front of the steam locomotive, and behind them were officials from the Railway Department.

Stepping on the rails under his feet, Xiao Ming asked: “Are the tracks of this railway laid according to the established track standards?”

Lin Wentao was also a little excited today. He said: “The emperor’s track standards have been issued to the railway by the lower official. Now every Railway Department official knows it by heart.”

As if to confirm Lin Wentao’s words, Princess Pingyang said with a relaxed expression: “The track is divided into rails, sleepers, connecting parts, track beds and switches.”

“Among them. The sleepers are divided into two types: wood and concrete. The two are spaced apart from each other. The rails, bolts and other components are made of steel. Together with the gravel track bed, it is basically a qualified railway.”

Xiao Ming nodded with satisfaction after hearing this.

Princess Pingyang seemed to want to show off in front of Xiao Ming, so she said: “The track gauge of this railway track is also particular. According to the standards, now all the railway tracks are standard gauge, with a width of 1435 mm.”

After saying this, Xiao Ming praised “My aunt knows this track standard by heart, so I feel completely at ease.”

With various technical standards that surpass this era, Xiao Ming naturally will not let the Great Yu Railway explore the standard width of the track by itself, directly Just come up with mature railway standards.

After all, Lin Wentao’s steam locomotives have been produced according to this standard from the beginning. However, the width of rail tracks in each country is different. This is mainly to prevent other countries from directly using each other’s railways when they invade, such as Russia. Broad gauge is used, which is wider than European railways.

“The Emperor’s ability to entrust such an important matter to me, a weak woman, is a sign of trust in me. How dare I live up to the Emperor’s expectations.” Princess Pingyang smiled like a flower.

An official from the Railway Department took the opportunity to flatter him and said, “Her Royal Highness the Princess has really worked hard for this railway. She has to patrol along the railway every day. I feel inferior to myself.”

Only then did Xiao Ming notice that Princess Pingyang was a little darker. , he said: “When the railway is fully opened to traffic, I will personally hold a banquet to celebrate my aunt!”

Princess Pingyang was stunned for a moment. In fact, she has been living in trepidation since she came to Qingzhou. This nephew seems gentle, but he is deadly. He is not lenient at all when it comes to raising people.

The day when King Zhao and Zhao Yuanliang and his son were executed by Ling Chi was still fresh in her mind. In the past, she was ashamed of Xiao Ming, so now she did not dare to have any wrong thoughts and worked for the royal family wholeheartedly, just to have a prosperous and wealthy life. second half of life.

“Thank you, Your Majesty. I’ll be waiting for that day.” Princess Pingyang secretly rejoiced. Apparently her actions on this matter made Xiao Ming very satisfied.

As time went by, there were more and more people on both sides of the railway, and it was impossible to see the other side at a glance. At this time, Lin Wentao said: “Your Majesty, the steam locomotive is almost ready. Is it officially running now?”

Xiao Ming said at this time After looking at the direction they came from, Fiji, Pang Yukun and other officials were also coming this way. Princess Pingyang must have also informed them.

Nodding, Xiao Ming said: “Let’s get started, let the people of Qingzhou and all your beloved ladies witness the operation of the first steam locomotive in the Chongqing Kingdom.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.” Lin Wentao responded, and then gestured to the platform .

There was a station staff holding a red flag on the platform. After receiving Lin Wentao’s signal, he waved the small red flag in his hand.

Following his movements, the steam engine car made a loud whistle again, and then the train made a “hum, hum” sound and started to move on the rails.

Officials such as Fiji and Pang Yukun came to Xiao Ming’s side. After saluting, they all stretched their necks to look at the steam locomotive.

After the locomotive dragged the long car body and began to move, Pang Yukun exclaimed: “I didn’t expect this steam locomotive to really be able to drag such a long carriage.”

Fiji also looked surprised. He said: “Indeed, but this It was running a little too slow. “

Xiao Ming smiled and said nothing. He was ridiculed when the first steam locomotive was in operation, but in the end steam locomotives eliminated traditional cattle and horse transportation.

Of course, the steam locomotive now manufactured by Lin Wentao is not comparable to the first steam locomotive. After Lin Wentao’s testing, the reciprocating high-temperature and high-pressure steam engine he installed is enough to make the locomotive run at a speed of 67 kilometers per hour, although it is faster than the first steam locomotive. The speed of contemporary trains is very high, but it is already very rare.

Moreover, Lin Wentao is already developing a compound-expansion steam engine, which can use steam twice or even three times, greatly improving the thermal efficiency of the locomotive.

Once this kind of steam engine is successfully developed, the speed of both steam locomotives and steam ships will be greatly improved.

“Hang Chi, Huh Chi.”

The steam locomotive was getting faster and faster after leaving the station, and the people on both sides of the road exclaimed in surprise.

Before this, many people were wondering what this strange thing was used for, but now they finally understood.

However, they, who had never seen a steam locomotive, were frightened by this scene. The Qingzhou University students mixed in the crowd couldn’t help cheering. This incident was also of great significance to them, because it proved that they had abandoned the Four Books and Five Classics. correct.

Even more shocked than the people of Qingzhou were the Western businessmen.

“My God, what on earth is this? What did I see in Dayu?” A young Western businessman exclaimed, and next to him was an older Westerner who was the young man’s father.

“This is science.” A crazy light flashed in the eyes of the young businessman’s father.

The young businessman looked at his father. In his memory, his father was very knowledgeable. He continued to ask: “Father, what on earth is this?”

“I don’t know, but this must be something incredible. Maybe we should stay here.” Find out what they are.” The older businessman said solemnly.

(End of chapter)