Chapter 161: God-Like Feeling
When Vanderbilt first saw the Pioneer, he had a hunch that this type of train would soon become popular throughout the United States and be recorded in the history of the development of American railway transportation.
Unlike the toy-like locomotives launched by major railway companies in the East, the first impression of the Pioneer locomotive is that it is reliable, strong, powerful and full of strength.
The innovative 4-4-0 guide wheel and drive wheel configuration is also eye-catching.
"Is this the locomotive you designed? My God, the old locomotives used by the Eastern Railway Company more than ten or twenty years ago are just children's toys compared to the Pioneer!" Theodore looked at Liang Yao in surprise.
"It was designed by the engineering team of the California Railway Company. I just provided them with some ideas and thoughts."
Liang Yao said lightly.
He was not proficient in the specific technical details of train design. In terms of technology, he was not even as good as these outstanding engineers in the 19th century.
But the information, knowledge reserves, advanced ideas and thoughts accumulated in the era of information explosion, and his outstanding and unique vision were unmatched by anyone of his time.
The outstanding engineers of this era are more powerful than Liang Yao expected. Just give them some ideas and tips and they can often bring you unexpected surprises.
Steam engine manufacturer Theodore Secor is a steam engine supplier for many railway companies. The steam engines manufactured by his steam engine factory are top-notch in the United States.
Theodore has also personally participated in the design of locomotives. He is an expert in locomotives.
He couldn't believe that this epoch-making locomotive was designed and manufactured by a new railway company that had just been established for less than a year.
As for why Theodore knew that this locomotive was called Pioneer, the reason was very simple. The black locomotive was painted with its name and number in white paint.
The outspoken Theodore looked at Vanderbilt, who was as shocked as he was.
"No offense to my old friend, the Stonington and New York & Harlem Railroads are still using the DeWitt Clinton and West Point locomotives, which are more than ten or twenty years old. Compared with the Pioneer, they are indeed outdated and should be retired."
The locomotives used by the Stonington and New York & Harlem Railroads should be improved models of the DeWitt Clinton and West Point locomotives.
But no matter how much they are changed, they can't cover up the fact that these two old guys are outdated: the speed of less than 30 miles per hour and the pitiful carrying capacity of less than 40 tons can no longer meet the current market demand.
Not to mention the factor of safety hazards.
Vanderbilt looked grim. If his railroad company continued to operate in its current state, he would not be able to defeat his opponents and become the leader of the industry. He must make some changes to change the current status of the Stonington and New York & Harlem Railroads.
Otherwise, his investment in the railroad industry will be wasted.
I didn't expect to learn about railways from Liang Yao this time when I came to California.
Since the last time he came to California, Vanderbilt has developed a strong interest in Liang Yao. After returning to New York, he also learned about Liang Yao's birth country.
As far as he knows, this is a vast agricultural country with a large population, and people cultivate and produce in the most traditional way.
Vanderbilt doesn't understand how this guy, who grew up in a country without a steam engine, a rail, or a train, can know so much about the railway transportation industry. Is this the so-called talent?
If it is a talent, this young man's talent is too terrible.
"Theodore, what you said makes sense. The antiques that my railway company is still using should indeed be retired."
Vanderbilt is not a person who can't listen to other people's opinions. He admitted this frankly.
"But whether the Pioneer is flashy or consistent, you must ride it yourself and experience it before you can make the final judgment."
With that, Vanderbilt boarded the train.
Before boarding the train, Theodore curiously patted the black locomotive to confirm whether it was solid.
The result was obvious. The workmanship of the Pioneer was very solid and impeccable.
After entering the carriage, the first feeling given to everyone was comfort, very comfortable.
This comfort is reflected in all aspects. The carriage is spacious enough and high enough. Even the tall Vanderbilt does not have to worry about hitting his head when standing upright.
The fur seats are also very comfortable to sit on. The carriage is clean and tidy. The spotless glass can be wiped even without opening it.
In comparison, the carriages of the same level of those railway companies in the East are simply hell.
As soon as everyone sat down, the attendant pushed a dining car and served them steaming fresh food and thoughtfully prepared clean and hygienic tableware.
The food on the train is very rich.
Dutch sea bass, truffle-wrapped chicken, grilled lamb chops with broad bean puree in Brittany sauce, baked rabbit, stewed oysters, cabbage soup, hot coffee, Burgundy red wine.
These dishes and fine wines were served one by one, almost filling up the already small table.
In addition to these, Liang Yao even prepared a box of cigarettes that had just been launched by the cigarette factory for each person and a box of matches.
"I felt like a god."
Shipbuilding expert Jeremiah could not wait to tear off the thigh meat of the truffled chicken and put it into his mouth as soon as he sat down.
Although the train attendant on the Liangyao train prepared tableware for him, he still preferred to eat this kind of hard food with his hands.
"Jeremiah! Please behave like a gentleman! We are decent people after all. Oh, my God, your eating manners are so ugly!"
Theodore scolded Jeremiah while grabbing a piece of roasted lamb chops and dipping it in mashed potatoes and started to eat it.
"Your eating manners are not much better!"
Jeremiah raised his head and wiped his greasy mouth, and rolled his eyes at Theodore.
Vanderbilt did not touch these rich delicacies. It was not that he was not hungry, but that he liked to smoke a few puffs of cigarettes before the meal.
This was his unshakable habit before and after meals, because he believed that smoking helped digestion. Although his private doctor had told him that this view was ridiculous, he still believed it firmly.
"What a meticulous service! Your railway company is a good role model for me to learn from." Vanderbilt said in a very sincere tone.
He is a person who is good at learning from others' strengths. Even if his competitors or people he hates have something worth learning, he is willing to lower himself to learn.
"I feel honored to be your role model." Liang Yao said.
He also has plans to enter the Eastern Railway Transportation Company. Vanderbilt is undoubtedly a good partner, and of course, the most threatening competitor.
Vanderbilt's son William was also liberated from the farm this time and followed Vanderbilt to California to broaden his horizons.
Like his father, William is also a heavy smoker.
William's impression in Vanderbilt's heart is only slightly better than that of Connie. Unlike Connie, William did not completely give up like Connie, but tried to prove himself like his father. As the eldest son of the Vanderbilt family, he is capable of shouldering the responsibility of the Vanderbilt family.
He managed the farm that Vanderbilt gave him well, but Vanderbilt never praised him and his attitude towards him was still as bad as before.
This made William very disappointed and frustrated.
All he needed was a word of encouragement and comfort from his father.
But his father treated these words of praise and affirmation as stingy as the dollars in his wallet, and it was difficult for these words to come out of his mouth.
Thinking of this, William felt more and more depressed and depressed.
.