Heavy Metal

"By 1941, this baby (with Junkers Jumo 004 jet mills) was showing everybody the future."

Everybody except Der Fuhrer. Heinkel flew a jet in 1939. It's good for the world Hitler was such an idiot.
 
Here’s another write up on the B-36 that I lifted from Facebook:

What was the reason for the B-36 having piston engines?

The B-36 Peacemaker stands as a colossus in the annals of aviation history, a bomber of immense proportions and equally significant capabilities. The reason for the B-36's piston engines harks back to its inception in 1941. At that time, jet technology was in its infancy, and piston engines were the proven, reliable choice for long-distance flight.

The B-36 was designed to be a '10,000-mile bomber,' capable of delivering a payload from the United States to targets across the globe without the need for overseas bases. This incredible range was made possible by six 28-cylinder Pratt & Whitney R-4360 Wasp Major piston engines, which were among the most powerful of their kind at the time.

These engines gave the B-36 an ace up its sleeve: an extraordinary cruising altitude for a piston-driven aircraft, made possible by its massive wing area and the power of its engines. This high-altitude capability put it out of reach of most interceptors and ground-based anti-aircraft guns of the era.

However, as jet engine technology rapidly advanced, the B-36's lack of speed became a growing concern. Jet fighters were becoming faster and more capable, and the B-36 needed to keep up. The solution was a hybrid approach: the addition of four jet engines to the existing six piston engines, giving rise to the phrase "six turning, four burning." These jet engines improved takeoff performance and provided a speed boost when necessary, although they were not used full-time due to their lower fuel efficiency compared to the piston engines.

The jet engines were primarily used during takeoff to increase the potential combat load by up to 40,000 lbs and to boost dash speed over the target area. They could also be used in conjunction with an adjustment of the fuel mixture for the piston engines to achieve rapid acceleration and a steep climb to high altitude, helping to evade enemy fighters.

The B-36's piston engines were a reflection of the technological and strategic realities of the time. They provided the range and altitude performance that were crucial for the bomber's intended role. As the jet age dawned, the B-36 adapted, incorporating jet engines to enhance its performance and extend its operational life. It's a testament to the ingenuity and adaptability of the engineers and strategists of the time that the B-36 served as a bridge between the eras of piston power and jet propulsion, playing a vital role in the defense strategy.

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Here’s another write up on the B-36 that I lifted from Facebook:

What was the reason for the B-36 having piston engines?

The B-36 Peacemaker stands as a colossus in the annals of aviation history, a bomber of immense proportions and equally significant capabilities. The reason for the B-36's piston engines harks back to its inception in 1941. At that time, jet technology was in its infancy, and piston engines were the proven, reliable choice for long-distance flight.

The B-36 was designed to be a '10,000-mile bomber,' capable of delivering a payload from the United States to targets across the globe without the need for overseas bases. This incredible range was made possible by six 28-cylinder Pratt & Whitney R-4360 Wasp Major piston engines, which were among the most powerful of their kind at the time.

These engines gave the B-36 an ace up its sleeve: an extraordinary cruising altitude for a piston-driven aircraft, made possible by its massive wing area and the power of its engines. This high-altitude capability put it out of reach of most interceptors and ground-based anti-aircraft guns of the era.

However, as jet engine technology rapidly advanced, the B-36's lack of speed became a growing concern. Jet fighters were becoming faster and more capable, and the B-36 needed to keep up. The solution was a hybrid approach: the addition of four jet engines to the existing six piston engines, giving rise to the phrase "six turning, four burning." These jet engines improved takeoff performance and provided a speed boost when necessary, although they were not used full-time due to their lower fuel efficiency compared to the piston engines.

The jet engines were primarily used during takeoff to increase the potential combat load by up to 40,000 lbs and to boost dash speed over the target area. They could also be used in conjunction with an adjustment of the fuel mixture for the piston engines to achieve rapid acceleration and a steep climb to high altitude, helping to evade enemy fighters.

The B-36's piston engines were a reflection of the technological and strategic realities of the time. They provided the range and altitude performance that were crucial for the bomber's intended role. As the jet age dawned, the B-36 adapted, incorporating jet engines to enhance its performance and extend its operational life. It's a testament to the ingenuity and adaptability of the engineers and strategists of the time that the B-36 served as a bridge between the eras of piston power and jet propulsion, playing a vital role in the defense strategy.

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"six turnin', four burnin"

Heavy Metal

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Nerd Alert. This one happended to be in this article. Railroading's Last Great Era: The 1950s

Actually quite fascinating -- IF the interplay of economics, politics, technology in the 20th Century RR business interests you.

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Union Pacific 4004 - cousin to UP #4014 "Big Boy" . 4014 appears many itimes in this thread.


source of below: Union Pacific No. 4004
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Here’s another write up on the B-36 that I lifted from Facebook:

What was the reason for the B-36 having piston engines?

The B-36 Peacemaker stands as a colossus in the annals of aviation history, a bomber of immense proportions and equally significant capabilities. The reason for the B-36's piston engines harks back to its inception in 1941. At that time, jet technology was in its infancy, and piston engines were the proven, reliable choice for long-distance flight.

The B-36 was designed to be a '10,000-mile bomber,' capable of delivering a payload from the United States to targets across the globe without the need for overseas bases. This incredible range was made possible by six 28-cylinder Pratt & Whitney R-4360 Wasp Major piston engines, which were among the most powerful of their kind at the time.

These engines gave the B-36 an ace up its sleeve: an extraordinary cruising altitude for a piston-driven aircraft, made possible by its massive wing area and the power of its engines. This high-altitude capability put it out of reach of most interceptors and ground-based anti-aircraft guns of the era.

However, as jet engine technology rapidly advanced, the B-36's lack of speed became a growing concern. Jet fighters were becoming faster and more capable, and the B-36 needed to keep up. The solution was a hybrid approach: the addition of four jet engines to the existing six piston engines, giving rise to the phrase "six turning, four burning." These jet engines improved takeoff performance and provided a speed boost when necessary, although they were not used full-time due to their lower fuel efficiency compared to the piston engines.

The jet engines were primarily used during takeoff to increase the potential combat load by up to 40,000 lbs and to boost dash speed over the target area. They could also be used in conjunction with an adjustment of the fuel mixture for the piston engines to achieve rapid acceleration and a steep climb to high altitude, helping to evade enemy fighters.

The B-36's piston engines were a reflection of the technological and strategic realities of the time. They provided the range and altitude performance that were crucial for the bomber's intended role. As the jet age dawned, the B-36 adapted, incorporating jet engines to enhance its performance and extend its operational life. It's a testament to the ingenuity and adaptability of the engineers and strategists of the time that the B-36 served as a bridge between the eras of piston power and jet propulsion, playing a vital role in the defense strategy.

View attachment 675391
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After Convair came up with a proposal for a swept wing all jet version, the Air Force authorized the conversion of two B-36Fs. Originally referred to as B-36G, the designation was changed to YB-60. The selling point was lower cost because it shared over 70% of the original design and components. It lost out to the B-52 because it ended up being around 100 mph slower.
 
View attachment 675552After Convair came up with a proposal for a swept wing all jet version, the Air Force authorized the conversion of two B-36Fs. Originally referred to as B-36G, the designation was changed to YB-60. The selling point was lower cost because it shared over 70% of the original design and components. It lost out to the B-52 because it ended up being around 100 mph slower.

YB-60 in flight.

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a two and a half minute mini documentary. two built, none survive.

 
During testing at Mojave airport, I remember seeing a DC-3 flying there with turboprops and a number of sensors (bulges). The Curtiss C-46 was another, less popular cargo plane that basically did the heavy lifting over the Burma hump during WWII.
 
Some years ago, I was sitting in traffic at the red light at 63rd and Cicero in Chicago. The intersection is at the southeast corner of Midway Airport. I was there at just the right time because a DC-3 flew right over me as it came in to land. I’m not sure how many other people paid attention or appreciated what they just saw, but I sure enjoyed it.
 
Regarding Boeing, I worked for Hughes Aircraft Company/Raytheon from January 1985 until I retired in October 2017.

I worked on equipment that went into Grumman (F-14), Northrop (B-2), McDonnell Douglas (F-15, 18, DC-10), Boeing (727), General Dynamics (F-16) and Lockheed (U-2).

My interactions with Boeing were minimal, other than dealing with personnel who were absorbed by Boeing (McDonnell Douglas employees in St. Louis).

I can safely say that the St Louis employees were disheartened when Boeing came along, similarly when Raytheon bought Hughes.

A couple of other comments about the environment.

Northrop and Grumman were both made for each other. They both were knifing, controlling and backstabbing companies.

Lockheed was more of a manipulator.

The older Boeing employees that I dealt with were professional and had vast knowledge of their subjects.

I think Boeing’s ‘beginning of the end ‘ was when they moved their headquarters to Chicago.
 
Heavy? Absolutely. Heavy Metal? Some:

DID YOU KNOW? This is what an oil platform looks like before being submerged in the ocean.

The largest object in the world is made of concrete.

Wonders of engineering.

The record-holding largest object in the world is built of concrete. It is the Troll A marine platform, which extracts gas in the North Sea.

It is owned by Shell Oil and is the heaviest object ever transported by water from where it was constructed, on the coast, to its final location in the sea.

It was completed in 1991 and was moved by 10 ships over several days. It weighs 1,050,000 tons, and its construction used 245,000 cubic meters of concrete and approximately 100,000 tons of reinforced steel.

The Troll A in the North Sea is located 80 kilometers offshore northwest of Bergen, Norway. The platform is the largest ever transported, weighing 683,600 tons and standing 472 meters tall. The Troll A belongs to the gravity base foundations, meaning it rests on the seabed due to its weight. The construction of the platform cost $650 million at the time.

The Troll A platform is a milestone in engineering and has set several records in the Guinness Book. In 1996, it set the record as the largest oil platform in the world, a record later surpassed by the Petronius platform. In 2006, singer Katie Melua held a concert at its base, setting the record for the deepest underwater concert, 303 meters below sea level.

The Troll A platform has contributed to Norway's economic development, as the country is one of the world's largest exporters of natural gas. Additionally, the platform has helped reduce carbon dioxide emissions and improve air quality, as natural gas is a cleaner alternative compared to coal or diesel.

The technology used in the construction and operation of the Troll A platform has been revolutionary. Shell has developed technology to produce, liquefy, store, and offload gas onto floating liquefied natural gas carriers (FLNG) at sea. These advanced technologies allow access to remote natural gas fields and serve larger fields with various FLNG installations.

The environmental impact of the Troll A platform has been minimized thanks to directional drilling, which has played a crucial role in accessing the Troll field while simultaneously reducing environmental impact. Directional drilling tools provide real-time data to guide the drilling process, ensuring precise well placement.

In summary, the Troll A in the North Sea is a natural gas extraction platform owned by Shell that has contributed to Norway's economic development and helped reduce carbon dioxide emissions and improve air quality. The technology used in its construction and operation has been revolutionary and has minimized environmental impact.

IMG_1780.jpeg
 
Heavy? Absolutely. Heavy Metal? Some:

DID YOU KNOW? This is what an oil platform looks like before being submerged in the ocean.

The largest object in the world is made of concrete.

Wonders of engineering.

The record-holding largest object in the world is built of concrete. It is the Troll A marine platform, which extracts gas in the North Sea.

It is owned by Shell Oil and is the heaviest object ever transported by water from where it was constructed, on the coast, to its final location in the sea.

It was completed in 1991 and was moved by 10 ships over several days. It weighs 1,050,000 tons, and its construction used 245,000 cubic meters of concrete and approximately 100,000 tons of reinforced steel.

The Troll A in the North Sea is located 80 kilometers offshore northwest of Bergen, Norway. The platform is the largest ever transported, weighing 683,600 tons and standing 472 meters tall. The Troll A belongs to the gravity base foundations, meaning it rests on the seabed due to its weight. The construction of the platform cost $650 million at the time.

The Troll A platform is a milestone in engineering and has set several records in the Guinness Book. In 1996, it set the record as the largest oil platform in the world, a record later surpassed by the Petronius platform. In 2006, singer Katie Melua held a concert at its base, setting the record for the deepest underwater concert, 303 meters below sea level.

The Troll A platform has contributed to Norway's economic development, as the country is one of the world's largest exporters of natural gas. Additionally, the platform has helped reduce carbon dioxide emissions and improve air quality, as natural gas is a cleaner alternative compared to coal or diesel.

The technology used in the construction and operation of the Troll A platform has been revolutionary. Shell has developed technology to produce, liquefy, store, and offload gas onto floating liquefied natural gas carriers (FLNG) at sea. These advanced technologies allow access to remote natural gas fields and serve larger fields with various FLNG installations.

The environmental impact of the Troll A platform has been minimized thanks to directional drilling, which has played a crucial role in accessing the Troll field while simultaneously reducing environmental impact. Directional drilling tools provide real-time data to guide the drilling process, ensuring precise well placement.

In summary, the Troll A in the North Sea is a natural gas extraction platform owned by Shell that has contributed to Norway's economic development and helped reduce carbon dioxide emissions and improve air quality. The technology used in its construction and operation has been revolutionary and has minimized environmental impact.

View attachment 675940
I just read about that last week. That would be a site to see, towing a tower that is over 1500 ft high! Just a little bit of engineering going on there.
 
Heavy? Absolutely. Heavy Metal? Some:

DID YOU KNOW? This is what an oil platform looks like before being submerged in the ocean.

The largest object in the world is made of concrete.

Wonders of engineering.

The record-holding largest object in the world is built of concrete. It is the Troll A marine platform, which extracts gas in the North Sea.

It is owned by Shell Oil and is the heaviest object ever transported by water from where it was constructed, on the coast, to its final location in the sea.

It was completed in 1991 and was moved by 10 ships over several days. It weighs 1,050,000 tons, and its construction used 245,000 cubic meters of concrete and approximately 100,000 tons of reinforced steel.

The Troll A in the North Sea is located 80 kilometers offshore northwest of Bergen, Norway. The platform is the largest ever transported, weighing 683,600 tons and standing 472 meters tall. The Troll A belongs to the gravity base foundations, meaning it rests on the seabed due to its weight. The construction of the platform cost $650 million at the time.

The Troll A platform is a milestone in engineering and has set several records in the Guinness Book. In 1996, it set the record as the largest oil platform in the world, a record later surpassed by the Petronius platform. In 2006, singer Katie Melua held a concert at its base, setting the record for the deepest underwater concert, 303 meters below sea level.

The Troll A platform has contributed to Norway's economic development, as the country is one of the world's largest exporters of natural gas. Additionally, the platform has helped reduce carbon dioxide emissions and improve air quality, as natural gas is a cleaner alternative compared to coal or diesel.

The technology used in the construction and operation of the Troll A platform has been revolutionary. Shell has developed technology to produce, liquefy, store, and offload gas onto floating liquefied natural gas carriers (FLNG) at sea. These advanced technologies allow access to remote natural gas fields and serve larger fields with various FLNG installations.

The environmental impact of the Troll A platform has been minimized thanks to directional drilling, which has played a crucial role in accessing the Troll field while simultaneously reducing environmental impact. Directional drilling tools provide real-time data to guide the drilling process, ensuring precise well placement.

In summary, the Troll A in the North Sea is a natural gas extraction platform owned by Shell that has contributed to Norway's economic development and helped reduce carbon dioxide emissions and improve air quality. The technology used in its construction and operation has been revolutionary and has minimized environmental impact.

View attachment 675940

great minds think alike.:)

Post in thread 'Heavy Metal' Heavy Metal

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my, how far stamping has come in 100 years. robots, electronics, hydraulics, etc.

but some things havent changed. still taking flat pieces of steel and making shaped parts that STILL have a lotta human hands/eyes before assembly in the body shop.

about 3 minutes here at Stellantis (Chrysler) Sterling Heights.



Other than foundries, one of my favorite auto plants: stamping.

about four minutes (a fair bit of Toyota propaganda, sorry, but still good piece) for anyone not familiar with, or just wanna relive memories, of stamping.

Good overview of what happens inside the four walls of the plant .. "blank" to final part.
 
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The 385 feet long, 26 feet wide 1.5million pound transformers are for a wind farm in Medicine Bow, Wyoming.

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The 385 feet long, 26 feet wide 1.5million pound transformers are for a wind farm in Medicine Bow, Wyoming.

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the transformer is the silver "box" nestled in that honkin' orange apparatus, yes? and look at that traffic jam stacked up behind that load.

all that stuff we see must weighs 750 tons i think.

Heavy Metal

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