Recently we have had discussions on building new replica steam locomotives, and on trying to set a new steam locomotive world speed record. So to solve both of these issues, how about building a replica of the PRR 6200 S2 turbine, equipping it with one of the several types of automatic transmissions that were designed for it but never built, and instead of a boiler, use a small nuclear reactor like the one that ALCO designed and built for Camp Century. The result would be a combination of some of the finest technology from two great builders of steam locomotives.

The S2 turbine provides some significant advantages as a vehicle for setting speed records, its driver balance solution is much simpler than conventional steam locomotives, the technology of building steam turbines is well developed and has even advanced somewhat since the 1940s, and a streamlined version could take advantage of the somewhat reduced profile provided by a small nuclear reactor.

It would only take a few billion dollars to develop, and might be able to haul enough passenger cars to transport some of the technicians needed to keep it running. If it could go fast enough it might be able to make the run from New Bedford (MA) or Fall River to Boston faster than a bus, thus possibly being a contender for use in the $2.2 billion Southcoast Rail project.

Nuke the speed record? With a turbine?

PC

I'll organize the bake sales to pay for it....

Hello,

PCook has drafted one of the more creative April 1st proposals I have seen in recent years. In light of the disaster unfolding in Japan, this proposal is a bit beyond far-fetched!

After the NRC approves this after smoking left-handed cigarettes, lets try to put this through a public comment period! >:-(

Regards,

Randy

Oops, I forgot about the need to accomodate all the NRC inspectors and compliance engineers, we will have to add a few more cars to the train.

That World Speed Record is getting to look more and more difficult to achieve.

PC

Maybe we could do it with a normal S2. If it was geared correctly, that is.