The train driver in the courtyard

At this time, the Datong Locomotive Factory, located at the foot of Datong Qifeng Mountain and on the banks of Shili River, was in a warm atmosphere of hard work.

On one side, the locomotive workshop was bustling with production.

Workers in blue and black uniforms build locomotives in the stuffy workshop.

One after another, forward-type locomotives roll off the production line here and rush to all parts of the country to participate in the transportation of materials.

On the other side is a construction site with colorful flags flying.

The soldiers of the Railway Corps carried shovels and drove various construction machinery. Under the scorching sun, they watered the construction site with their sweat.

In return, factories have sprung up one after another, symbolizing the hope of domestic industry.

The Datong Locomotive Factory began to be prepared in 1954.

It is one of the large state-owned enterprises that was focused on during the First Five-Year Plan period.

Construction began three years ago with the goal of building the largest steam engine research and production base in Asia.

Generally speaking, it takes four to five years just to build such a large factory. If equipment debugging is also required, it will take at least five to six years before production can begin.

However, considering the urgent need for steam locomotives in the country.

Therefore, Datong Locomotive Works adopted the method of producing and constructing at the same time.

Datong Locomotive Works first produced the Heping type 3501 steam locomotive, and later took over the manufacturing of the Qianjin type steam locomotive from Dalian Locomotive Works.

Different from the hustle and bustle of workshops and construction sites.

In the preparatory department of the forward steam engine at Tatung Locomotive Works.

Chief Engineer Liu, who is responsible for improving the drivers of the Qianjin trains, is facing a dilemma at this time.

"Chief Engineer Liu, a new batch of heavy-duty forward trains needs to be produced by the end of the year.

There is no result yet on the improvement of the locomotive, should we let Professor Chekov get involved?"

Wang, the deputy chief engineer in charge of external relations, saw that the old chief engineer was frowning and said carefully: "They are willing to help with good intentions. There is no need for us to refuse."

Chief Engineer Liu Zhengduo graduated from the Department of Mechanical Engineering of Shanghai University before liberation, and worked as an engineer at the Suqiao Machine Factory of the Guizhou-Guangxi Railway Engineering Bureau.

After liberation, he joined the First Ministry of Machine Building as the chief design consultant of the Vehicle Industry Administration Bureau. He was an absolute master in the field of steam engine manufacturing and production.

Upon learning that Datong Locomotive Works was to be built, Chief Engineer Liu, who was nearly 50 years old, gave up his superior life in Beijing and came here, just to manufacture and produce steam locomotives for our country.

After listening to Deputy Chief Engineer Wang's words, Chief Engineer Liu took two deep puffs of his cigarette and raised his head.

"Old Wang, do you know why our Datong Locomotive Factory was formerly called the 428 Factory?"

Upon hearing this, Deputy Chief Engineer Wang raised his chest and said, “Generally speaking, factories use code names to keep secrets from the outside world.

For example, the Northeast Light Alloy Processing Plant is Factory 101, and Factory 999 is Jiangxi Jinghua Electronics Factory."

At this point, Deputy Chief Engineer Wang suddenly felt something was wrong.

Because in the "Military Industrial Enterprise Factory Name Code Comparison Table", there is also a Factory 428, which is the Dalian Marine Diesel Engine Factory.

Deputy Chief Engineer Wang's expression gradually changed, and he asked in surprise: "Mr. Liu, what's going on?"

“The reason is simple, our factory doesn’t produce confidential equipment like those factories.

But the leaders of the First Ministry of Machine Building adopted the method of borrowing numbers in order to avoid outside interference.”

Deputy Chief Engineer Wang thought about it carefully and realized that this was indeed the case.

Datong Locomotive Factory was not originally called Factory 428.

In October 156, the Russians decided to aid the construction of key engineering projects in China. The name of Datong Locomotive Factory was removed from the plan and became Factory .

Deputy Chief Engineer Wang felt a little uneasy as it was the first time they discussed these secret matters.

He is just an engineer and a scientific researcher. He doesn't pay attention to these things, nor does he want to pay attention to them.

But now there is no way to avoid it.

The Russian expert group from the Voroshilovgrad Steam Locomotive Building Plant has always wanted to participate in the improvement of the locomotive.

If they had not accepted the help of the Russians when building the factory, they would have been unable to stop them by now.

Thinking of this, Vice President Wang's eyes suddenly lit up.

"So, the reason why our locomotive factory did not become one of the 156 key projects was intentional by the higher-ups?"

[Many people in later generations believed that Tatung Locomotive Works was a 156th project, so it was a th key project. In fact, this is a fallacy.

There are more than 156 projects in the 156th Project, but the Russians are involved in only of them, which are called the Projects.

Chief Engineer Liu nodded and said, "Conflicts may arise between brothers. We must take the path of independence, so we cannot pin all our hopes on others."

After saying that, he tapped the table lightly with his fingers, making a tapping sound.

"The Forward-type steam locomotive is now in the leading position in the world and can even compete with the FD-type steam locomotive of the Voroshilovgrad Steam Locomotive Factory.

If we let the Russian expert group get involved, it might backfire."

Upon hearing this, Deputy Chief Engineer Wang turned pale with fright.

He looked around and breathed a sigh of relief when he saw that there was no one else in the office.

What Chief Engineer Liu said just now is already a mistake under the current situation.

"Don't worry, Lao Wang. The higher-ups are more far-sighted than you think. Otherwise, they wouldn't have included the Datong Locomotive Factory in the 156 key projects."

When Chief Engineer Liu saw Vice President Wang's expression, he understood his concerns and reminded him implicitly.

Only then did Vice President Wang remember Chief Engineer Liu's identity.

This engineer was not just an engineer. He had participated in early activities and even used his own salary as funding.

After liberation, I had a particularly good relationship with some comrades who had walked across the grassland.

In fact, Vice President Wang’s identity is also extraordinary.

Having studied abroad in Eastern Europe, he had many old connections in Eastern European railway departments, otherwise he would not have been able to participate in the construction of the locomotive factory.

Vice President Wang understood the meaning of the above, and put down his burden at this time. He thought for a moment and said:
“An old friend from Hungary who works for the People’s Railway Department did contact me a while ago.

You may not know this, but they used to be an old country with a high density of railway networks.

In terms of land area, it is 8 operating kilometers per 7 square kilometers; in terms of population, it is operating kilometers per people.

Railway transport is the main mode of transportation, but a large number of trains were destroyed in the incident two years ago.

We have completely fallen out with the Americans and the Eagles, and are now in urgent need of purchasing a large number of steam locomotives from our brothers.

It is said that the number of units purchased in a single order is as high as 200 units.

This large order has attracted the attention of the Voroshilovgrad Steam Locomotive Factory.

The Voroshilovgrad Steam Locomotive Factory even planned to modify the FD steam locomotive specifically for them."

At this point, Vice President Wang seemed to have thought of something, his face suddenly changed and he stood up abruptly.

"Professor Chekov is an engineer at the Voroshilovgrad Steam Locomotive Factory. Could it be that he intends to learn from our improvements to the Qianjin steam locomotive?"

Chief Engineer Liu said: "In fact, the Hungarian People's Railway Department has already contacted us, and they are also considering moving forward with steam locomotives.

Therefore, this improvement not only affects whether the steam locomotive can successfully cross the Yangtze River Bridge, but also whether the steam locomotive can be exported."

Upon hearing this, Vice President Wang's breathing quickened.

You should know that most of the products exported from the country in these years are agricultural and sideline products, and the profits are very low.

Once the Qianjin steam locomotive is able to be exported, it will not only bring back abundant foreign exchange, but will also serve as an opportunity to open the door to the export of heavy industrial products.

Especially for steam locomotives which are large machines, sales are not a one-time deal.

Later repairs and maintenance are the main sources of foreign exchange earnings.

A steam locomotive might be worth tens of thousands of tons of grain.
"I'm going to reject Professor Chekov right now!" After understanding the truth of the matter, Vice President Wang made up his mind without hesitation.

At this time, in the newly built expert guesthouse of Datong Locomotive Factory.

The heavy curtains are made of fine lace, swaying gently in the wind, letting in a little sunlight and adding a bit of warmth to the room.

Melodious music came out from the big speakers of the record player.

Professor Chekov slowly sat down at the mahogany dining table.

"Dear Xie, what's for breakfast this morning?"

"Bordeaux soup and bacon rolls."

Assistant Shekfu placed the exquisite porcelain plate on the table at the right time and said with a smile: "Professor, the conditions here are limited. I hope you don't mind."

"Am I the kind of person who only cares about enjoyment? Besides, we have been given an important task this time. Do you understand?" Professor Chekov blinked mischievously.

"Of course I understand. The fact that you specifically transferred me here from China says it all."

Although Xie Kefu has a Chinese name, he has blond hair and blue eyes.

Because he could speak fluent Chinese and had a deep understanding of the domestic situation, he was noticed by the Voroshilovgrad Steam Locomotive Factory.

He was transferred from the relevant department to serve as Professor Chekhov's translator and assistant.

Shekov had already finished his breakfast and stood by and whispered, "Professor Chekov, do you think Datong Locomotive Factory will adopt our suggestion?"

"Don't worry, Xie, the prototype of the Advance train was designed with our help.

They want to continue to improve now, and they can’t do without our help.”

Professor Chekov tasted his breakfast and said, "I didn't expect that I could taste the flavor of my hometown here."

"This is the cook that Deputy Chief Engineer Zhang from the locomotive factory specially hired from Beijing." Xie Kefu explained with a smile.

Chekov nodded slightly but made no comment.

He has been at Datong Locomotive Factory for a full week.

Deputy Chief Engineer Zhang, who was in charge of the reception work, never showed up, but only delegated comrades from the reception team to come forward.

Just then, there was a crisp knock on the door.

After obtaining Professor Chekov's consent, Shekov walked quickly over and opened the door.

The person who came in was Zhang, deputy chief engineer of Datong Locomotive Factory.

"Dear Zhang, I am really flattered by your warm hospitality. Don't worry, when you arrive in Voroshilovgrad, I will definitely treat you to the purest vodka."

Professor Chekov only took a few bites of his breakfast, but then he winked at Shekov, asking him to take the breakfast away.

Professor Chekov came forward and gave Deputy Chief Engineer Zhang a warm hug. "It's a great pleasure to have friends from afar. Professor Chekov, on behalf of Datong Locomotive Factory, I would like to thank you for your concern."

After the two separated, Deputy Chief Engineer Zhang pulled up a chair and sat down.

Deputy Chief Engineer Zhang is fluent in Russian, so Shekov, as his assistant and translator, is of no use, but he still stands behind Professor Chekov.

"Zhang, you will definitely tell me some good news this time, right? When can our expert team enter Datong Locomotive Factory?" Professor Chekov asked impatiently.

Deputy Chief Engineer Zhang smiled calmly: "Professor Chekov, the improvement work of the Forward locomotive this time is mainly localized improvement, and does not involve large-scale modifications.

Your expert team should be used in more important places.”

After saying this, Deputy Chief Engineer Zhang leaned back on the armrest of his chair.

Although his tone was enthusiastic, he gave off an attitude that kept people at a distance.

The atmosphere in the room suddenly became tense, and the melodious music seemed a bit harsh.

The smile on Professor Chekov's face gradually disappeared, and he winked at Shekov: "Turn it off!"

I gently lifted the needle, and the song "Moscow Suburbs Evening" came on abruptly, with the long tail echoing in the house.
Professor Chekov straightened his collar, his expression became serious, and he looked up and asked, "Zhang, is this the decision of Chief Engineer Liu of your Datong Factory?"

"It is the decision of all the technical staff of our preparatory office."

When Deputy Chief Engineer Zhang met Chekov's cold gaze, he did not avoid it but looked at him calmly.

This made Professor Chekov really unsure of the other party's thoughts.

At this moment, Shekov's heart was in his throat.

He was well aware that this time, the decision to participate in the improvement of the Qianjin locomotive was made by the factory. Even though Professor Chekov was an expert, he would be questioned if he failed to complete the task.

According to his observation, Professor Chekov had a bad temper.

Tick ​​tick
The sound of the large clock on the wall, which was originally very clear, now seemed particularly dull, like a heavy hammer hitting the heart.

Professor Chekov stared at Deputy Chief Engineer Zhang. The tense atmosphere in the room was suffocating.

"Hahahaha" just when Shekov was about to come out to smooth things over.

Professor Chekov suddenly laughed loudly, stood up and held out his hand to Deputy Chief Engineer Zhang: "Zhang, we have been friends for many years, I can understand your concerns.

We just mean well. Since you don't need help for the time being, we can't force you to do anything. We wish your locomotive improvement work goes smoothly."

Deputy Chief Engineer Zhang looked very calm, but sweat was already forming on his palms.

He, who has always been a germaphobe, wiped his hands on the corner of his clothes without leaving a trace, then stretched out his hand and shook hands with Professor Chekhov.

“Thank you for your understanding, Professor Chekov.

We at Datong Locomotive Factory have been very busy recently, so I am unable to accompany you in person. Please forgive me.

If necessary, we can arrange a flight directly to Beijing."

“Not for now, I like your locomotive factory very much, it reminds me of the construction of the Voroshilovgrad Steam Locomotive Factory.

At that time, I was still a young technician in my twenties, full of enthusiasm.

When people get old, they always like to reminisce about the past.”

"Since you have decided to stay here for a while, I will arrange a tour guide right away."

Deputy Zhang did not seem to understand the implied meaning. The corners of his mouth twitched twice. He said goodbye to Professor Chekov, turned around and left the room.

Shekov walked to the door skillfully, looked outside, and seeing that there was no one there, he closed the door carefully.

At this moment, Professor Chekov, who had been smiling just now, had a face so dark that ink could drip out.

"A passerby is destroying the bridge! It's so abominable!"

boom!
His fist slammed heavily on the table, and the Jingdezhen teacup on the table shook and fell along the edge of the table.

This exquisite teacup, which could only be seen in the Friendship Store, was about to be smashed into pieces.

A big hand appeared at the right time, gently picked up the teacup and placed it steadily on the table.

Shekov looked at the furious Professor Chekov and whispered, "Professor, should we report this to the higher-ups and let them put pressure on us?"

"No, this is neither Czechoslovakia nor the Southern League. The higher-ups won't let these little things affect the relationship between the two." When these things were mentioned, Professor Chekov instantly calmed down.

Xie Kefu nodded: "It is precisely because of this that the people from Datong Locomotive Factory rejected us.

Are we just going to give up? I heard that Hungary is very interested in Qianjin Steam Engine. This is a large order of more than 200 locomotives. "

The Voroshilovgrad Steam Locomotive Factory is one of the main steam locomotive factories of the Russians.

However, as more locomotive factories were built in the country in recent years, the number of orders has been greatly reduced.

If this big order is snatched away again, not only will our reputation be affected, but our interests will also be harmed.

Professor Chekov seemed to have figured something out. He laughed loudly, patted Shekov on the shoulder and said, "Xie, don't worry. I know the abilities of people like Deputy Chief Engineer Zhang very well.

They are passionate and enthusiastic, and their hard work is unmatched.

But when it comes to designing steam engines, they are definitely no match to us.

Whenever they encounter difficulties in making improvements, they will still invite us to join.

Of course, if the Qianjin steam engine is not improved, it will have no advantage in the competition with the FD steam engine.

So there is absolutely no need for us to worry.”

Xie Kefu savored the thought for a moment and suddenly realized, "So you didn't choose to leave here just now because you were waiting for Deputy Chief Engineer Zhang to come to you for help again!"

"People like Deputy Chief Engineer Zhang are very strong-willed. If you keep forcing them, it will be difficult to achieve the desired effect. When they get hurt and bleed, they will naturally bow their heads."

Professor Chekov walked over to the record player and put the needle back on the record.

The record player turned slowly, and the song "Moscow Evenings" flowed out like water, flooding the entire room.

[Late at night, the garden was quiet

Only the wind is blowing gently
The night is so kind and cheerful
In this quiet night

】

Deputy Chief Engineer Zhang left the guesthouse and returned to the preparatory office.

Chief Engineer Liu is analyzing the drawings of the Qianjin steam engine with a group of technicians in the drawing room.

His gray hair stood out among the crowd of black people.

Seeing Deputy Chief Engineer Zhang coming in, Chief Engineer Liu said a few words to the young engineers and called him into the office next door.

After closing the door, Chief Engineer Liu picked up the enamel mug and poured him a cup of tea.

"Tell me, what's going on?"

Deputy Chief Engineer Zhang took the enamel pot and said excitedly: "Mr. Liu, things are just as you expected. Chekov did not turn hostile."

"Of course, Big Brother still has to have some face." Chief Engineer Liu asked, "Have they left?"

"Not yet. They should be ready to watch our show."

When this topic was mentioned, the smile on Deputy Chief Engineer Zhang's face gradually disappeared.

He asked quietly, "Mr. Liu, how is the improvement going?"

"It's too difficult. The design of the Qianjin Steam Engine is already very advanced. It would be extremely difficult to improve it further."

Chief Engineer Liu sat on the chair and said with a wry smile: "During the meeting just now, there were five improvement project teams and more than 40 technicians. After more than a week, there was no progress in the improvement work."

"I'm afraid Professor Chekov is just waiting for us to encounter difficulties so that we can surrender to them."

Deputy Chief Engineer Zhang had anticipated this situation and wanted to comfort Chief Engineer Liu.

But he also knew that any consolation would be in vain for the old chief engineer who was committed to promoting the development of domestic steam locomotives.

"Hey, I wonder what the progress is like at the Beijing Locomotive and Rolling Stock Research Institute?" Deputy Chief Engineer Zhang suddenly remembered that there was another team.

Chief Engineer Liu smiled bitterly and said, "Old Zhang, you are desperate and are trying all kinds of methods. Although we have sent more than a dozen researchers and Xiao Zheng to lead the team, the personnel and equipment there are far inferior to ours. How can we make any progress?"

"that's true."

Deputy Chief Engineer Zhang knows.

The symbolic significance of the joint improvement of the locomotive is greater than its practical significance, and I felt a little discouraged for a while.

at this time.

There was a knock on the door.

The person who pushed the door open was the correspondent of the preparatory committee.

"Chief Engineer Liu, this is the mail we just received. It was sent by the Beijing Locomotive Research Institute via the train line."

Looking at the email addressed to Chief Engineer Liu himself, Chief Engineer Liu frowned.

"The address is the Beijing Locomotive Research Institute. Could it be that they have made some progress?"

"impossible."

Vice President Zhang took out a knife and opened the letter, and what came into view was a drawing.

There is a large lead-printed text on the drawing: [One of the improvements to the forward-type steam engine, rolling bearings instead of sliding bearings]

"Nonsense! Don't Xiao Zheng and the others know the advantages of sliding bearings? How could they come up with such an outrageous improvement plan?" Vice President Zhang started to get angry as he looked at the drawings.

“Don’t worry, this blueprint has the words “top secret” written on it, and there is also the seal of the Locomotive Research Institute, which means that the blueprint has been approved by the Locomotive Research Institute.

I have met Liu Guozhang several times. Although he started late and is not a technical talent, he is a very upright person and will not allow his subordinates to mess around.

Teacher Zheng is a comrade who sticks to his own opinions and will not give in easily unless this plan is really feasible.
The sliding bearings of the forward steam engine do often fail if they are replaced with rolling bearings.

Chief Engineer Liu picked up the drawing and looked at it carefully.

He was very experienced and was able to guess the general idea based on some minor details.

Spread the drawings on the table, put on glasses, and study them carefully.

Deputy Chief Engineer Zhang also became serious. He picked up a pen and took out a notebook, and started checking the drawings and making calculations.

The two studied it for a while, then looked up at each other at the same time, and saw shock in each other's eyes.

"This improvement method is really useful!"

The two of them lowered their heads again, eager to study it. (End of this chapter)