As the days of the steam engine were drawing to a close, many desperately looked for a modern solution to keep steam locomotives in operation. The diesel engine was pounding at the door, and it spelled the end for the fire-breathing, iron monsters of yesteryear. One idea was to create an engine that transmitted steam power to the wheels via a steam turbine.
This had been tried in several different countries before the U.S., but amid World War II, while our nation looked for every opportunity to ship war materials from coast to coast, we dabbled in the turbine trade. In 1944, Baldwin Locomotive Works built the sole example of a turbine-class engine for the Pennsylvania Railroad. It was the largest direct-drive steam turbine locomotive in the world. Numbered S2-6200 on the PRR roster, the S2 had a maximum power output of 6,900 HP and was capable of speeds over 100 mph! Sounds like steam is making a comeback, folks!
However, the S2 had a fatal flaw; it was ineffective at low speeds. At high speeds, the S2 could propel heavy trains smoothly and efficiently.
However, below about 40 mph, the turbine used enormous amounts of steam and fuel. The smooth turbine drive put far less stress on the track than a normal piston-driven locomotive. But poor efficiency at slow speeds doomed this locomotive, and with diesel–electrics being introduced, no more S2s were built. The locomotive was retired in 1949 and scrapped in May 1952.
Thus, the S2 turbine would fade from memory and be forgotten by all, right? Wrong!
Following World War II, the Lionel Toy Train Company was desperate for new model trains and designs to help bring back their production after having to manufacture war materials since 1942. At that time, the Turbine Locomotive was new, and its design was far different than any other toy train on the market. So, in 1946, Lionel introduced the Number 2020 S-2 Steam Turbine Locomotive in its catalogue. It was a rip-roaring success!
The 2020 Turbine (and its successor, the 671) were the first model trains to make smoke. And it came with a tender that whistles at the touch of a button. Young children (and adults, for that matter), desperate to put the war years behind them, clamored for this toy in Christmas of 1946. And while only one actual Steam Turbine was manufactured, this toy model was made in the thousands. Lionel is still making it to this day!
We never know the legacy we leave or the impact we have on others in this life. Sometimes we think that the things we do and say simply fade into oblivion with little residue or mark left on the world as a whole. But we could be very wrong about that! The way we live our lives and conduct ourselves as servants of Christ can have far-reaching effects beyond our comprehension. In Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, he writes, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what helps build others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
The key there is “benefit those who listen.” We never know who may be listening or the lasting impression we might make in passing. I’m sure that the creators of the Turbine Locomotive thought that their design would go down in history as a failure, and as an actual train engine, it definitely didn’t stand the test of time. But as a model toy locomotive, it still delights and enthralls generations of children and adults to this day.
If we allow God to have the last word from our lips, there is no telling where or how those words of grace will turn up. What we do know is that they will have the power to move mountains, change lives, heal the sick, and comfort the broken-hearted.
Roll on Steam Turbine, Roll On!
—
Pastor Mike McVey
Minister – First United Methodist Church, Fairfield TX
ACS Chaplain – United States Coast Guard, Station Galveston TX
