Early Prediction

[NW Mailing List]

I mentioned my latest read, Cyclopedia of Engineering  Vol.III and have 
just finished it. The final two pages in the section, Self-Contained 
Railway Cars, include a prophecy of where we are 100 years later.

   " It is according to human nature, and not unreasonable, for steam 
railroad men, ... to be disposed to look down on and take a disparaging 
view of the internal-combustion engine. Many of these, and engineers in 
general, having closely studied the steam engine, have an inherent 
prejudice in its favor and regard the internal-combustion engine as an 
interloper.

and, in conclusion, the prophetic words come off the now yellowing pages 
as clear as a locomotive bell,

   " ... small engines... when constructed on this principle and coupled 
together would give any desired power for heavy trunk-line service." 
(See attached scan.)

For those who enjoy steam (count me as one) we can only marvel that the 
folks in Roanoke kept right on improving steam locomotives for another 
50 years regardless.

Mike Pierry, Jr.
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