X-12 atomic locomotive concept 3D model

X-12, this concept was created by Dr. Lyle Borst and his physics students at the Univeristy of Utah after consulting the Association of American Railroads and a dozen different companies. As big as the largest steam engine, the two-sectioned X-12 would be 160 feet long, would be powered by a steam-generating atomic reactor in a 200-ton shield to contain its intense radiation. The whole engine would weigh a massive 360 tons, and its wheels would be driven by electric motors. The reactos itself, designed by Babcock & Wilcox Co., consists of a cylindrical tank three feet in diameter and a foot long, filled with a solution of fissionable U0235. As the control rods are withdrawn, chain reaction in the uranium heats the solution to 460°F. Water piped into thousands of tubes running through the cylinder is turned to steam by reactor's heat. After passing through a moisture trap the steam goes on to turn the turbine, which drives four electric generators, two on each side of the reactor shield, producing 7,000 hp. On leaving the turbine the steam is reconverted to water by a condenser, then flows back to the reactor once more. Since a second water system is necessary to cool the condenser, Dr. Borst's design calls for a 65-foot radiator car behind the locomotive.