Restart:Untalented Man

Chapter 232 Steam Locomotive— Test Run Part I

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The next day, Riz's black carriage, adorned with intricate golden accents, awaited him outside the palace gates.

As he stepped inside, the carriage driver skillfully manoeuvred the horses, urging them forward with a gentle flick of the reins. The majestic horses, their glossy coats glistening in the morning sun, pulled the carriage into motion.

The city streets bustled with activity, as merchants set up their stalls, pedestrians hurried about their daily errands, and carriages weaved through the maze of bustling traffic.

Riz peered out the window, observing the vibrant tapestry of his capital city. The clatter of hooves filled the air as the carriage made its way through the bustling thoroughfares.

Pedestrians, dressed in a myriad of colourful garments, moved aside respectfully as the carriage approached. Street vendors paused momentarily to watch the elegant procession pass by, their curious eyes following the black carriage adorned with the royal emblem.

As the carriage moved farther from the city centre toward the south, the noise and commotion gradually subsided. The buildings transformed from towering structures to quaint houses and verdant fields. The bustling cityscape gave way to a more serene and idyllic scenery.

They journeyed deeper into the outskirts to a vast expanse of cleared land. The carriage rolled to a stop and Riz stepped out onto the untamed earth.

The location served as a testing ground to evaluate the locomotive's capabilities.

Nestled amidst the open space, only a basic infrastructure consisting of a makeshift track and a modest platform was built. It was a humble setting, contrasting with his monumental vision of the future railway station that would soon grace this land. 

Waiting for him was a group of engineers and researchers from the Bideford Research Center. Their beaming excited faces were the first that came into his sight.

Behind them stood a magnificent creation, a marvel of engineering, ready to revolutionize transportation. 

Its sleek and elongated form exuded power and elegance. The polished metal gleamed under the sunlight, reflecting the vibrant hues of the surrounding landscape. A series of tall, slender wheels adorned its undercarriage.

As Riz approached, he marvelled at the design. The locomotive's body resembled a long, slender arrow, purposefully crafted for speed and efficiency. A graceful funnel protruded from the top, hinting at the immense power contained within. Its surface bore intricate engravings, showcasing the fine craftsmanship that had gone into its creation.

"Welcome, Your Majesty." Arnold greeted with a touch of excitement in his voice.

Riz acknowledged Arnold's greeting with a nod and turned his attention to the assembled engineers and researchers from the Bideford Research Center.

Their faces were filled with anticipation and pride as they stood beside the steam locomotive.

"Impressive work, everyone," Riz commended as he move closer to the locomotive. His voice was genuinely filled with admiration.

Appearance-wise, it only looks like a traction engine merged with the carriage. It has a striking resemblance to Stephenson's Rocket. Nevertheless, this was their first step attempt to push the limit of the distance travelled by humans. As such, there's no need to go overboard and build something complicated right off the bat. 

"Why don't you explain to me Arnold how its works?"

"As you wish, Your Majesty." Arnold stepped forward. He pointed to the cylindrical boiler, emphasizing its importance. "Here lies the heart of our locomotive, the boiler. We burn coal, producing heat that turns water into steam."

Arnold pointed at the large driving wheels. "These sturdy wheels are connected to pistons inside the cylinder. As the steam enters the cylinder, it pushes the pistons back and forth. This back-and-forth motion is then converted into rotational motion, causing the wheels to turn and drive the locomotive forward."

He continues, "Within the cabin, our driver controls the flow of steam, adjusting valves to regulate the speed and direction of the locomotive."

Riz nodded, "Why don't we start the test now?"

"Certainly, Your Majesty," Arnold replied, eager to showcase the locomotive's capabilities. With a confident nod, he signalled to the engineer to initiate the test.

Steam billowed from the vents as the fire roared within the boiler, creating a mesmerizing sight. The rhythmic chugging filled the air, accompanied by the soothing hiss of the steam. The locomotive came to life, ready to embark on its journey.

"Your Majesty," Arnold said, gesturing toward the railroad car attached to the back of the locomotive, "Allow me to show you the passenger car."

Riz followed Arnold's lead, stepping into the small railroad coach car. The interior boasted comfortable seating arrangements, upholstered in plush fabric. Large windows lined the sides, providing a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.

Arnold explained, "This is a passenger car we built for this occasion. It was designed to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable journey for you, Your Majesty. The seats are cushioned for maximum comfort, and the large windows offer scenic views during the ride."

King Riz took a seat, feeling the softness of the upholstery beneath him. "This is quite impressive, Arnold. Honestly, you don't really have to do this and keep it simple."

"Don't worry, Your Majesty. This railroad car is only made for you. As for the general passengers, we plan to build an open-air car concept with a simple roof and sturdy railings on the side. The design allowed passengers to enjoy the journey while immersing themselves in the surrounding scenery."

"Is that so?" Riz nodded, understanding the intention behind keeping the design simple and cost-effective. "I appreciate the concept of simplicity and affordability. Just make sure to prioritize safety so no accidents happen. We don't want to scare people from using it once it begins operating."

"You have my word, Your Majesty. Safety will be our utmost priority," said Arnold. The engineers on the couch nodded in agreement as well. People often tend to be apprehensive about new technologies.

As they settled in, the locomotive's engine continued its rhythmic chugging, signalling that it was ready to depart. Arnold and King Riz watched as the landscape outside began to glide by.