The train driver in the courtyard

The sun poured down on the capital, covering the surface of all things in the world with a layer of brilliant golden light.

A convoy led by a stretched sedan and followed by several Volga cars slowly drove into the Beijing Railway Research Institute.

That extended sedan is a full half meter longer than the Volga.
At the front of the car, the huge chrome grille shines like a majestic mask, exuding a solemn and majestic charm.

"Director, what brand of car is this? Why have I never seen it before?" Engineer Dong looked at the car curiously.

"This is a GAZ from the Russians. It is considered a top luxury car in the Russians' country and is usually only used by leaders of a certain level."

The shiny black paint of Giss sparkled brightly under the sunlight, so bright that it made Liu Guozhang's eyes a little dizzy.

A minister's rank is high enough to afford a GAZ limousine, but GAZ limousines have high fuel consumption and are expensive to maintain, so the one in the ministry is rarely used on weekdays.

This time even the GAZ cars were used. It seems that the Russians' level is higher than expected.

At this time, the convoy stopped and Liu Guozhang came forward with a smile on his face.

Three Russians got off the car, and Minister Teng pointed at the oldest and the fattest Russian and introduced them.

"Director Guozhang, this is Popov, deputy director of the Railway Transportation Research Institute, and this is Fedorov, deputy minister of the Ministry of Railways."

Liu Guozhang shook hands with Vice President Popov with a smile on his face, but his heart was suddenly shocked.

The Russian Institute of Railway Transport Science is the largest railway research institute in the country and was founded in 1918.

It is still sixty years away from becoming a century-old research institute.

It has a long history and a large scale, with 22 subordinate research institutes, each of which is about the same size as the Beijing Railway Research Institute.

The Railway Transport Science Research Institute also has a six-kilometer high-speed test circular line.

The most important thing is that although the Railway Transport Science Research Institute is a scientific research institution, it has a say in the regulation because it has been in charge of the Russians' railway technology research for many years.

Before promulgating regulations, the Russian Ministry of Railways would consult the Institute of Railway Transport Science many times.

As vice president, Popov holds more power than even Deputy Minister Fedorov, which is why he serves as a leader in the expert group.

With such an important figure visiting, it’s no wonder that Minister Teng was so “extravagant” as to use a GAZ car.

Deputy Minister Fedorov of the Ministry of Railways seemed to be impatient. After a few words of small talk, he asked directly: "Director Liu, has your experiment started?"

"Not yet. I'm waiting for you."

Under the leadership of Liu Guozhang, Minister Teng, Vice President Popov and several experts entered the laboratory.

Seeing the simple equipment in the laboratory, Deputy Minister Fedorov of the People's Ministry of Railways frowned slightly.

When he saw that the test line was only 500 meters, he could no longer hold back.

"Minister Teng, Director Liu, railway signaling requires extremely high precision. How can you ensure the precision of these old equipment?
Also, the 500-meter experimental route does not comply with the experimental regulations at all."

Liu Guozhang explained with a smile: "Comrade Deputy Minister, our conditions are limited, so we can only make do with what we have.

As for the 500-meter experimental line, it was built only to verify the transmission of polarity frequency pulses.

Once the experiment is successful, we will select a 100-kilometer section of the upcoming railway as the experimental line."

Deputy Minister Fedorov had come here to find fault today, and he wanted to continue asking questions, but Deputy Dean Popov stopped him.

"Federov, old friend, be quiet and don't disturb the work of the experimenters."

Deputy Minister Fedorov seemed to respect Popov very much. He shut his mouth immediately after hearing this. However, he had made up his mind to find some faults with him later.

Of course, in the position of Deputy Minister Fedorov, there is no personal grudge.

The Russians are the Big Brother. All the things from the Big Brother are good and powerful, and the younger brothers should all buy them.

Railway equipment technology is also related to a country's economic lifeline, and has become a means for the Russians to manage their younger brothers.

What's more, heavy industries such as railway equipment and facilities are still the Russians' areas of advantage.

Last year, after learning that China was preparing to upgrade its railway signal equipment, the Russian Ministry of Railways had already made preparations for the sale and even set up a special coordination group.

All the preparations have been done, and we are just waiting for the flower growers to come and purchase.

result.

Gone.

The pants have been taken off, I’m not coming anymore!

The flower grower suddenly didn't want the equipment anymore.

The Russian felt very strange.

After careful inquiry, I found that the little brother was standing up again.

A train driver named Li Aiguo developed a new type of railway signal track.

The Russians felt that the name Li Aiguo was very familiar.

Upon asking around, I found out that the combustion-supporting furnace, the rollover carriage, the patriotic steam engine, and the hot pack were all invented by this guy.

In particular, these devices have been sold to Eastern Europe and even the international market.

It's like prying under the wall of Big Brother's house.

Now Li Aiguo wants to make a move in the field of railway signaling, where the core technology is mastered by the big brother.

That’s great!

This is how we have this high-level team of experts.

Popov ignored Deputy Minister Fedorov and kept his eyes fixed on the young man who was directing the researchers' work.

"That's Comrade Li Aiguo, the train driver, right?"

Liu Guozhang nodded slightly: "Yes. If you need me, I will go and invite him over?"

"No, no, no, he is working. We can't delay the work of a researcher." Popov shook his head hurriedly.

"After the voltage test, remember to test it again. Our line voltage is unstable."

"The connector of the number detector needs to be checked."

"."

As the deputy team leader of the project, Li Aiguo is actually almost the same as the team leader.

From the installation of experimental equipment, the arrangement of experimental procedures, to the experimental operating standards, all are under command.

I was busy for half an hour and finally completed the experimental preparations.

At this time, he looked up and saw Minister Teng and a few Russians. Knowing that the expert group had arrived, he walked over with a smile.

"Hello, Minister Teng, hello, comrade expert, hello."

Deputy Minister Fedorov was about to speak when he was stopped by Popov.

"Comrade, how did you come up with the idea of ​​using polarity frequency pulses as detection signals?"

Popov seemed very interested in Li Aiguo and asked, holding Li Aiguo's hand.

Li Aiguo said: "Mr. Vice President, we found in the experiment that polar pulses have a high branch sensitivity and can effectively deal with the poorly conductive thin layers formed by the wheels of the car, such as oil, sand, and coal dust.

Polar pulses are also much cheaper than DC rails.”

"From a practical point of view, you have done a good job. But have you ever thought that the experiment may fail?" Popov stared at Li Aiguo's eyes.

Li Aiguo said frankly: "There is no success without failure. Research is about finding the successful one among countless failures. Also, I have always had good luck."

"He's courageous and is indeed a good candidate for scientific research."

Popov looked around the laboratory, his eyes flickering.

"Well, now let me see how lucky you are."

Preparations in the laboratory are complete.

Li Aiguo looked at Liu Guozhang and said, "Teacher, please come here."

Liu Guozhang took the control box from Zong Xianfeng and pressed the button. The polarity frequency pulse generator made a buzzing sound and the instrument panel rotated rapidly.

Biu
The signal lights on the railroad tracks came on.

A researcher raised his hand and said, "Report, signal received."

Another researcher raised his hand and said, "The signal detected a train parked on the track!"

boom.

There was thunderous applause.

The ability to detect trains means that the idea of ​​using polarity frequency pulses as railway signals is correct.

Li Aiguo took a deep breath and issued the second order.

"The simulated driving experiment begins!"

Zong Xianfeng and two other researchers pushed a track car used to simulate a train and moved it along the rails.

When the rail car reached the "boundary", the traffic light ahead suddenly turned red.

At the same time, a researcher raised his hand and said, "Other trains have been detected in the competition area, and they are temporarily blocked."

boom!
Thunderous applause rang out again.

The ability to detect the race zone with signals is sufficient to demonstrate the feasibility of polar frequency pulse rails.

Subsequently, the researchers conducted multiple tests on the polarity frequency pulse signal.

Both the signal strength and the signal sensitivity far exceed the DC track signal.

Upon hearing the news, Minister Teng took the initiative to go into the laboratory and shake hands with the researchers one by one, thanking them for their dedicated work.

After he walked out of the laboratory, he shook Li Aiguo's hand and said, "Comrade Aiguo, congratulations on completing the first phase of the experiment. I hope to see the second phase of the experiment start as soon as possible."

The second phase of the experiment requires the cooperation of the vacuum tube computers of Factory 738, but there has been no news from Factory 738 so far.

Li Aiguo could only nod and say, "Minister, don't worry, we have done our best and will not slack off in the slightest."

Minister Teng patted Li Aiguo on the shoulder and said, "When the railway is officially completed, I will personally recommend you for the credit."

"Thank you, Minister."

After the experiment, Li Aiguo arranged for Engineer Dong and the researchers to continue optimizing the design of the polar frequency pulse rails, and then prepared to go to Factory 738 again to urge the development of the vacuum tube computer.

Just then, Li Aiguo was invited into the conference room.

Popov, who had been waiting in the conference room, stood up and shook hands with Li Aiguo.

"Comrade Aiguo, it seems that you are really lucky this time."

"There is a saying in our country that good people will be rewarded. After all, I am a very good person."

Li Aiguo was a little confused about his intention, so he responded with a joke.

Popov said solemnly: "Luck is too important for a scientific researcher. You are really a good candidate for railway research."

He paused for a moment, then slowly said: "Would you like to work at our Railway Science Research Institute?
Don't worry, we will arrange expert treatment for you. Not only will you enjoy free housing and generous allowances, but you will also be allocated foreign exchange coupons.

Your wife will also be assigned a less busy position so that she can better take care of your life."

When these words were spoken, Liu Guozhang, who was standing not far away, was really shocked.

The Russian Academy of Railway Sciences is a sacred place for railway researchers all over the world.

Its strong technical reserves, abundant research funds and generous treatment have all attracted researchers.

Liu Guozhang's eyes were fixed on Li Aiguo. If Li Aiguo agreed at this time, he would not blame Li Aiguo.

"Comrade Dean, I'm sorry. Although our country is a little poor now, it is my home after all. I still hope to stay in my own home." Li Aiguo said without hesitation.

Deputy Minister Fedorov originally thought that Popov's price was too high.

All the top experts at the China Academy of Railway Sciences are authorities in railway technology.

As for being equipped with a special car and foreign exchange coupons, that is ministerial-level treatment.

He was about to stop Popov, but now he heard that Li Aiguo actually refused directly.

Instead of feeling relieved, Deputy Minister Fedorov felt despised.

"Comrade train driver, you..."

Just as Deputy Minister Fedorov was about to explode, Popov reached out to stop him.

"Comrade Fedorov, please be aware of your identity."

Deputy Minister Fedorov suddenly woke up as if from a dream and quickly shut his mouth.

Popov looked at Li Aiguo gently without any anger on his face. He said, "Comrade train driver, I respect your decision. We will stay in Beijing for another two days. If you change your mind, you can inform us at any time."

The temptation is really too great, but who can blame Li Aiguo, the kind of person who pees while standing?

"No, I won't change my mind."

He straightened his back, looked determined, and spoke in a loud and clear voice.

"Really?" Popov smiled mysteriously, turned around and walked away.

Deputy Minister Fedorov gave Li Aiguo a fierce look and followed Popov closely.

Li Aiguo had no favorable impression of Popov at all.

Although this person appears to be polite on the surface, his eyes are like those of a poisonous snake. If you are not careful, you may be bitten by him.

If possible, he would prefer to deal with a typical Russian like Fedorov.

******
In a private room of Friendship Hotel.

After the accompanying Cheka personnel conducted a thorough search of the room using equipment to detect eavesdropping devices, they nodded slightly to Popov to indicate that the room was safe and secure.

"You guys go out."

After the Chekas left, Popov dragged his heavy steps and slowly sat down on the chair. He frowned slightly, raised one hand and rubbed his temple weakly, his face full of fatigue.

Deputy Minister Derov poured two glasses of vodka, handed one to Popov, and then picked up the glass and drank it all.

Then, under the influence of alcohol, Deputy Minister Derov expressed his doubts.

“Comrade Vice President, if we need polarity frequency pulse orbit technology, we can negotiate with the Chinese side.

As long as we pay a certain price, I believe China will not refuse."

"No, no, you misunderstood."

Unlike Derov who drank heavily, Popov just took a small sip of vodka after taking the glass.

The spicy alcohol spread in his mouth, and the tingling sensation it brought made him intoxicated.

Popov went on to say, “I am not interested in polar frequency pulse orbit technology.

Although our DC rail technology has various drawbacks, once it is perfected, the effect will be no worse than China's new technology.

These two technologies are two directions of railway signaling. There is no difference between them. Do you understand?"

Although Derov was a political worker, he had learned a lot of technical knowledge because he was in charge of technical work over the years. He nodded slightly.

"Then why did you invite the train driver?"

"A train driver who can develop a locomotive that liberates the locomotive, improve the furnace, and now research railway signals, his own value far exceeds railway signal technology!"

Derov thought this statement was a bit ridiculous, but he didn't dare to refute it directly. He stood up, poured a glass of wine, drank it all, and said, "Maybe he is lucky."

"Mr. Deputy Minister, as a researcher, luck is also a part of strength. Luck even determines the key to success or failure." Popov stood up and said loudly: "The great Dmitri Ivanovich Mendeleev invented the periodic table because of his dream.

The great Alexander Popov was teaching at a torpedo school when he accidentally discovered radio by testing the effect of radio waves on torpedoes! "

Derov pretended to listen attentively, but his face showed a look of disapproval.

It is not certain whether Mendeleev's story was a false rumor.

Popov claimed that his ancestors discovered radio while studying torpedoes, purely to gild his ancestors' reputation.

That’s right, this Popov is the direct descendant of Popov, the founder of radio.

His original name was not Popov. He changed his name after graduating from university in order to be like his ancestors.

All Russians know the story of Popov's invention of the radio. That guy invented the radio in order to hook up with five lovers at the same time but could not afford the high phone bills.

"Yes, luck is also part of strength."

Droff nodded obediently and tactfully.

"What are you going to do?"

"Communication! Cross-border communication." Popov stood up suddenly, his eyes shining, as if everything was under control.

He clapped his hands vigorously and paced back and forth in the guest room with firm and powerful steps.

Although the floor was covered with thick carpet, the heavy footsteps could still be heard, as if every step carried an unstoppable force.

Drov looked at Popov and was secretly worried, but he had to admire his momentum. He was really afraid that he would collapse the roof.

"We can invite the train driver to study. Once he goes to our Railway Science Academy, it will not be up to him whether he can come back or not."

"I'm afraid the Chinese Ministry of Railways will not agree," Derov reminded.

He had dealt with Minister Teng before and knew that although he seemed reckless, he was actually extremely meticulous and was a very difficult person to deal with.

"Price? As long as the right price is given, I believe the Chinese side will agree." Popov said in a deep voice.

Derov's eyes lit up.

Inviting train drivers to go for further training does not hurt China's reputation. Supporting a batch of equipment also makes China gain money.

You have both the appearance and the substance.

Derov racked his brains but could not find even one reason why the Chinese side would refuse the invitation.

night.

Inside the office of the Minister of Railways.

An urgent internal meeting is being held.

"Take a look, this is the telegram we just received. The Russians want Comrade Li Aiguo, a train driver from the Qianmen Locomotive Depot, to go to the Railway Science Academy for further studies.

They were quite generous this time and were willing to provide us with some equipment.”

Minister Teng handed a telegram from the Russian Academy of Railway Sciences to the deputy ministers and directors for circulation.

"Five FD heavy steam locomotives, twelve 12-759 open wagons, three second-generation ChME3 diesel locomotives, and one VL60 electric locomotive."

Looking at the names of vehicles and equipment listed in the telegram, the deputy ministers all widened their eyes in surprise, with expressions of disbelief on their faces.

Heavy steam locomotives and open wagons are fine.

The ChME3 diesel locomotive and VL60 electric locomotive are all new diesel engines and electric locomotives newly developed by the Russians.

The Ministry of Railways once tried to purchase it from the Russians, but was rejected.

Now it’s delivered to your door!
A deputy minister exclaimed: "It is obvious that the Russians have set their sights on Li Aiguo, but I didn't expect that Li Aiguo would be worth so much money."

Another leader said: "If all these equipment were added together and replaced with military equipment, it would be enough for two divisions. Li Aiguo is worth two divisions."

At this time someone raised a question.

"In the past, the Russians acted like big brothers and helped us a lot. But they have become stingy these days. Why are they willing to give us so many things?"

Minister Teng nodded and said, "That's a good question! The steam engines and open wagons in front are fine.

The new internal combustion engines and electric locomotives are not practical, and the Russians have not promoted them on a large scale. They are just used as technical indicators to support the scene. "

The leaders nodded one after another. After the last dispute between the patriotic steam engine and the internal combustion locomotive, the ministry had reached a consensus that the internal combustion engine technology was not yet mature and that the patriotic steam engine should continue to be promoted in the country.

The deputy minister said: "Even if we exclude the two new types of trains, the value of these equipment is very high. Minister, when should we send Li Aiguo to study?"

"I oppose this idea." Minister Teng stated his point directly.

The deputy minister was stunned and it took him a long time to react.

"Minister, Li Aiguo did develop some equipment, but he gave too much for it."

"Why did the Russians give so much? Doesn't this just show the value of Driver Li?" Minister Teng asked in return.

After these words were spoken, the leaders present all looked thoughtful.

It is undeniable that the former big brother was indeed very considerate. He promoted the spirit of brotherhood and provided a lot of domestic technology and projects.

But since the Corn Emperor came to power, all the aided technologies and projects have come at a high price.

Sometimes, the prices offered by the Russians are even higher than those in the international market.

Under such circumstances, no one would believe that the Russians would offer such a huge sum of money just for a "not so important" train driver.

However, if you want to reject the Russians, you should always find a suitable reason and give them face.

Minister Teng made the final decision.

"Comrade Li Aiguo has been working hard for many years and has become seriously ill. He needs to rest and cannot go abroad for further studies for the time being. So let's send a telegram to the Russians."

The leaders all agreed, thinking that this would also give Big Brother a way out.

When Popov received a special call from the Russians, his expression became strange.

"The train driver who was as strong as a bear yesterday suddenly fell ill?"

"This is just an excuse from the Chinese side. Should we put more pressure on the Chinese side?" Derov felt that he was being teased by the Chinese side.

They have shown enough sincerity, isn't China bullying them?
"No need." Popov pondered for a long time and sighed, "We are no longer the big brothers we were five years ago, and they are no longer the little brothers we were five years ago."

Derov thought Popov was a little timid, and Popov didn't explain.

Ever since the Corn Emperor took power, Big Brother's family has begun to shrink its sphere of influence due to a sharp decline in strength.

*****
Because Deputy Ministers Popov and Derov took up most of the day, it was already past six in the afternoon when Li Aiguo left the Railway Research Institute.

I rode my bike to Factory 738.

Professor Xia Zhongsu said that the magnetic drum had not been completed yet and asked Li Aiguo to wait patiently.

Well, these days making vacuum tube computers has become a craft.

I can’t eat hot tofu in a hurry!

Li Aiguo could only suppress his impatience and rode his bicycle slowly towards the courtyard.

As I reached the door, I heard the roar of a jeep behind me.

Zhou Ke drove a jeep at high speed and stopped in front of Li Aiguo with a click.

"Zhou Ke, what happened? Why are you so anxious?"

Zhou Ke jumped out of the jeep, took Li Aiguo's hand, and said hurriedly: "Brother Aiguo, you are sick."

"what?!"

(End of this chapter)