Overland Trains: A Missed Opportunity?
TLDRThe script delves into the history and development of trackless trains, from early steam-powered trams to modern electric trams. It highlights Robert Gilmore Lano's innovative designs, such as the Torpedo and the VC12, which were versatile, all-terrain vehicles. The script also discusses the military's interest in these vehicles for constructing air bases in remote regions, leading to the creation of the TC 264 Snow Buggy and the LCC1 Snow Train. The story culminates with the TC 497 Overland Train Mark I, an ambitious project that showcased impressive off-road capabilities but was ultimately discontinued due to practical challenges and the rise of helicopter technology. The legacy of these trackless trains continues to inspire, even influencing the design of monster trucks.
Takeaways
- 🚂 The concept of trackless trains, also known as trams or land trains, dates back to the early days of steam travel and is now primarily used in the tourist industry.
- 🔧 Robert Gilmore Lano, known for his contributions to earth-moving machinery, started his journey in 1902 and later established a machine shop and engineering workshop to manufacture earth-moving equipment.
- 🛠️ Lano's company, RG LeTourneau Inc, provided up to 70% of the construction equipment purchased by the military during WWII and was known for innovative designs like the jack-up drilling rig and straddle carrier.
- 🚌 In the early 1950s, Lano conceptualized a fully articulated train of electric vehicles powered by a large diesel-electric generator, with each wheel having large rubber tires and an individual motor for exceptional traction.
- 📰 The December 1953 edition of the University News Journal featured an article by Lano emphasizing the strengths of land trains, such as their wide stance, low center of gravity, and high tractive effort.
- 🌲 The VC12, a 500 horsepower tractor with three powered cargo trailers, was created in 1953 and was highly effective in transporting lumber across diverse terrains, showcasing the versatility of land trains.
- 🚜 The United States Army took interest in land trains for constructing and supplying air bases in Northern Canada, specifically for the Distant Early Warning (DEW) Line, an extensive radar system.
- 🚒 The TC 264 Snow Buggy was an experimental octo-vehicle designed for moving petroleum and other necessities over ice, featuring 8.3m tall tires and powered by a modified aircraft engine.
- 🚚 The VC22, a larger and specially equipped vehicle for Arctic conditions, was constructed for Alaska Freight Lines and was capable of transporting 140,000 kg of cargo in extreme conditions.
- 🛤️ The LCC1 Snow Train was a 16x16 drive vehicle designed for the Army, featuring specialized snow wheels and a power system from previous land trains, and was capable of hauling up to 44.5 tons.
- 🚧 The TC 497 Overland Train Mark I was the longest off-road vehicle ever built, designed to carry up to 150 tons of cargo and featuring innovative computer systems for precise maneuvering and regenerative braking.
Q & A
What were the trackless trains initially designed for?
-Trackless trains were initially designed to serve various transportation needs, such as transporting goods or people, and are now primarily employed in the tourist industry.
What are some alternative names for trackless trains in different regions?
-In North America, they are known as trams, while in Europe and Australia, they are referred to as land or road trains.
What was the MGM trackless train and what was its purpose?
-The MGM trackless train was a publicity stunt that toured New South Wales in 1928. It was a gasoline-powered steam engine replica with a modified Pullman car that traveled on rubber tires, capable of navigating urban roads and mild off-road terrain.
Who is Robert Gilmore Lano and what is he known for?
-Robert Gilmore Lano is widely known as the dean of Earth moving for his contributions to the field of Earth moving machines. He started his journey in 1902 and eventually established a machine shop and engineering workshop to manufacture Earth moving equipment.
What was the significance of the Tor Toe vehicle designed by Lano?
-The Tor Toe was a multi-purpose aircraft tow tractor designed by Lano, utilizing a gas generator to provide energy to electric driving motors connected to each wheel. It was a precursor to his later concept of a fully articulated train of electric vehicles.
What is the key distinction between Lano's trackless train and modern diesel-electric trains?
-The key distinction is that Lano's trackless train wouldn't rely on any fixed infrastructure, unlike traditional diesel-electric trains which do require some form of track or rail system.
What was the purpose of the University new News Journal article in December 1953?
-The article in the University new News Journal extensively covered the topic of land trains, featuring a striking image of one of the colossal tires used by these trains, emphasizing the strengths and capabilities of these machines.
What was the VC12 and how did it contribute to the development of land trains?
-The VC12 was a 500 horsepower tractor paired with three powered cargo trailers, making it a 16-wheel drive vehicle. It was highly effective in transporting lumber across diverse terrains and demonstrated the potential of land trains for various logistical operations.
What was the primary purpose of the TC 264 Snow Buggy and how was it powered?
-The TC 264 Snow Buggy was designed to move petroleum and other oil-based necessities over ice in Arctic conditions. It was powered by a single Allison V710 aircraft engine, modified to run on butane, which could generate over 1,000 horsepower.
What was the role of the LCC1 Snow Train in the construction of the Distant Early Warning (DEW) Line?
-The LCC1 Snow Train was used to construct and supply air bases in the untamed and frozen regions of Northern Canada, specifically for the DEW Line, an extensive radar system planned to detect Soviet bomber or missile activity within the Arctic Circle.
What was the significance of the TC 497 Overland Train Mark I in terms of off-road capabilities?
-The TC 497 Overland Train Mark I was the longest off-road vehicle ever built, capable of hauling up to 150 tons of cargo. It featured a unique computer system for precise maneuvering and regenerative braking, showcasing advanced off-road capabilities.
What led to the end of the Overland train projects and how did their legacy continue?
-The rise of helicopters during the Vietnam War and the shift in military funding from experimental projects to active war efforts led to the end of the Overland train projects. However, their legacy lived on, notably in monster truck racing, where some of the large tires from the Overland trains were used.
Outlines
🚂 The History and Innovation of Trackless Trains
The script delves into the history of trackless trains, tracing their origins to early steam-powered trams and their evolution into versatile tourist attractions. It introduces Robert Gilmore, known for his contributions to earth-moving machinery, and outlines his journey from humble beginnings to establishing a machine shop and engineering workshop. The narrative highlights his company's growth, its role in World War II, and Gilmore's personal project of creating a multi-purpose aircraft tow tractor called the 'Torpedo.' The script also discusses the development of electric trams and the limitations of traditional trams, setting the stage for the innovative trackless train designs that followed.
🌲 Land Trains: From Logging to Military Applications
This section of the script focuses on the practical applications of land trains, starting with the VC12, a 500 horsepower tractor designed for transporting lumber across diverse terrains. It details the vehicle's impressive capabilities, including its 16-wheel drive configuration and agility on rough logging roads. The military's interest in land trains for constructing and supplying air bases in remote regions of Northern Canada is also discussed. The script describes the development of the TC 264 snow buggy and the VC22, a specialized vehicle for Arctic conditions, which was used for logistics in the construction of the Distant Early Warning Line. The challenges faced during the VC22's expeditions and its eventual abandonment are also recounted.
❄️ The Development of Overland Trains for Harsh Environments
The script continues with the development of the Overland Trains, designed to operate in extreme conditions. It describes the creation of the Side Dump Train and the Arctic Overland Train, which were innovative vehicles for their time. The LCC1 Snow Train is highlighted for its successful testing and field operations, including its unique features like a powerful crane and specialized snow wheels. The script also covers the rise and fall of the Overland Train concept, from its peak during the Cold War to its eventual discontinuation due to the rise of helicopters and budget constraints during the Vietnam War.
🏜️ The Mark I Overland Train: A Technological Marvel
This paragraph introduces the TC 497 Overland Train Mark I, an off-road vehicle designed for diverse environments. The Mark I featured a computer system for precise maneuvering, regenerative braking, and a turbine engine for power. The script details the vehicle's impressive off-road capabilities, its innovative design, and the challenges it faced in terms of fuel consumption and practicality. The rise of helicopter technology and the shift in military funding away from experimental projects led to the discontinuation of the Overland Train program, with the Mark I eventually being sold for scrap.
🏁 The Legacy of Overland Trains and Their Impact
The final paragraph reflects on the legacy of Overland Trains, noting their influence on monster truck racing and the Guinness Book of World Records. It also pays tribute to Robert Gilmore, the visionary behind these vehicles, who dedicated his life to innovation and hard work. The script concludes with Gilmore's passing and the impact he left on the field of earth-moving machinery and transportation.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Trackless Trains
💡Earth Moving Machines
💡Diesel Electric Generator
💡All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs)
💡VC12
💡Distant Early Warning Line (DEW Line)
💡Snow Buggy
💡VC22
💡LCC1 Snow Train
💡TC 497 Overland Train Mark I
Highlights
Trackless trains, also known as trams or land trains, have a history dating back to steam travel and are now often used in the tourist industry.
These articulated vehicles typically operate on roads, with a power tractor pulling multiple unpowered cars for transporting goods or people.
Robert Gilmore Lano, known for contributions to earth moving machines, started his journey in 1902, shaping his inventive spirit through diverse experiences.
Lano's company, RG LeTourneau Inc, provided the allies with sturdy construction equipment during WWII and created innovative designs still used today.
Lano conceptualized a fully articulated train of electric vehicles powered by a large diesel-electric generator, without reliance on fixed infrastructure.
The VC12, a 500 horsepower tractor with three powered cargo trailers, was a 16-wheel drive vehicle effective in transporting lumber across diverse terrains.
The United States Army showed interest in land trains for constructing and supplying air bases in Northern Canada, specifically the Distant Early Warning Line.
The TC 264 Snow Buggy was an experimental octo vehicle with 8.3m tall tires, powered by a modified aircraft engine running on butane.
The VC22 Snow Train was designed for the Alaska Freight Lines, capable of transporting 150 short tons of cargo in Arctic conditions.
The LCC1 Snow Train was a 16x16 drive vehicle with accommodations for a crew of three, designed for operations in harsh Arctic conditions.
The TC 497 Overland Train Mark I was the longest off-road vehicle ever built, capable of hauling up to 150 tons of cargo.
The Mark I featured regenerative braking, converting kinetic energy into electricity, and a computer system for precise maneuvering.
The rise of helicopters and the Vietnam War led to the end of the Overland train projects due to funding shifts and changing military priorities.
Lano's Overland trains influenced monster truck racing, with Bigfoot outfitted with 10-ft tall tires possibly from Lano's designs.
Lano Technologies continued to innovate in earth moving equipment, with Lano himself working until his death in 1969.
Transcripts
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