Cranes, trains, planes and excavators and stuff like that @lemmy.world laverabe @lemmy.world 9mo ago

Land train - 1950s

LeTourneau Inc. Overland train

In the 1950s, LeTourneau Inc. developed several overland trains, essentially oversized semi-trailer trucks that could travel over almost any terrain. Their intention was to be able to handle logistics needs without being dependent on local road or rail systems, allowing them to operate in back-country areas. The US Army had three experimental units built, the largest reaching almost 600 feet (183 m) long, which holds the record for the longest off-road vehicle. Road trains are in use in certain roles today, but the US Army examples and a few derivatives appear to be the only off-road examples built.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overland_train

https://blogdocaminhoneiro.com/2021/07/overland-train-o-mais-longo-veiculo-off-road-do-mundo/ (Portuguese)

13 comments

Land train....

As opposed to.. Air trains? Sea trains? Space trains??
- Rail trains.
  
  Rails..
  
  Which are on top of...?
- don't forget water trains, lower coefficient of friction makes them more efficient
  
  This opens the possibility of land trains without wheels
There needs to be more of this kind of thing
- Why? Rail is already present most places and more efficient. Australia has road trains like this, but they're used to get to remote places in the outback where there isn't rail.
  
  Because Look at it!!! It’s far too cool to have existed so briefly
- Nowadays, they'd sell like hot cakes in the US.

13 comments