Looking through the archives of photographs of train building at the beginning of the 20th century, a thought struck me: what if some trains of that time were running on batteries? After all, a similar engine system was used in electric cars (remember, Thomas Edison's iron-nickel batteries recharged from steam engines). So why not make a whole steam locomotive working on a similar system?
Imagine a carriage consisting of rechargeable batteries, which, when the energy is low, use the filament to boil water, and when the water boils, the batteries are recharged!
Again, according to the official version, a similar battery engine system was used in electric cars of that time (Thomas Edison Battery)! And if we take into account that it was possible to obtain additional energy from the torque of all subsequent wheelsets of other cars, it turns out that the train could generate a colossal amount of energy!
For example, the easiest way is to remake a dynamo by adding a chain or belt drive aimed at rotating the train's wheelsets! Agree, such a scenario is quite possible, especially for the inventors of that time!
Now, a little history … The wonderful, chic, speedy handsome The Commodore Vanderbilt, designed by Carl F. Cantola, has been transformed from a locomotive called NYC Hudson No. 5344, built in 1934 (most likely, the dates were overestimated by 20-30 years).
Promotional video:
And in 1936, Karl Cantoli creates a brand new, high-speed, streamlined Rexall Train locomotive, the appearance of which matches the Commodore Vanderbilt. The main advantage of the locomotive was the conversion of the fired coal into oil! Later converted to accommodate a gasoline engine and a dynamo that generates electricity. Additional power was needed for the newly installed air conditioning system and for 3,000 light bulbs and 20 engines built into state-of-the-art advertising displays in four exhibition locomotives.
The Firstaid car, provided living quarters with 16 sections for railroad workers and Pullman employees. The Ad-Vantages carriage, the name of the company's trade magazine, housed a model pharmacy with a state-of-the-art prescription counter, a functioning soda fountain, and the latest merchandising and self-service stands.
A modern, functioning soda fountain was installed at one end of a model pharmacy from Liquid Carbonic Co. from chicago
Rexall medicines, vitamins and pharmaceuticals on display in the Pullman Bisma-Rex
Named after a major brand of toiletries, the Pullman Cara Nome wagon featured live demonstrations of cosmetics, as well as displays of stationery, candy and pure foods, including an impressive stream of grape juice from a giant bunch of fruit into a bottle.
A cosmetics specialist stood in the center of the carriage, demonstrating products and providing beauty advice.
Grape juice flowing from a massive bunch of grapes in the Pure Food and Candy section provided a dramatic climax for the four show cars.
The onboard teleprinter was vital for communication with the office, as well as keeping up to date with train schedules and arrangements. He was connected to a telegraph line at every stop. Oliver W. Gieselmann (1904-1981) coordinated the movement of trains with many of the railways he traveled, organizing arrivals, departures and parking spots. He worked in the service and traffic department of United Drug in St. Louis, which usually oversaw the shipment of goods by rail. Giselmann was in close contact with Ben T. Maxi (1897-1987), the multi-tasking train director and official photographer who rode the train.
Epilogue - some numbers
The United Pharmaceutical Company, the Million Dollar Optimized Conventional Rexall Train, traveled 29,000 miles across 47 states and parts of Canada in eight months on 52 different railways. It is estimated that the cost of an excursion to United Drug Co. amounted to $ 1 million. Approximately 10,000 Rexallite representatives (franchise owners) and 20,000 special guests attended the on-board meetings. The train made 262 stops (117 were convention sessions), during which a total of 2,360,000 visitors were on board. High traffic was achieved thanks to prior correspondence with local Rexall dealers and effective advertising in regional newspapers. An accordion-style "souvenir folder", published in at least three editions, was presented to every visitor to the train.
The train was manned by 21 employees of the New York-based Central and Pullman Company (road foreman, electrical engineers, loaders and kitchen workers) and 19 employees of the United Drug Co. (leaders, car demonstrators, orchestra). Louis C. Liggett accompanied his staff throughout most of the tour. During the 236 days of the voyage (March 29 to November 20), the President was on board for 149 days, or 63% of the time.
Some of the text was taken and translated from the blog capnrexall.blogspot.com.
I hope this article opened up the story of an incredible, high-speed and unique train of that time!
Author: Artem Yanovich