86

LeTourneau Inc. Overland train

In the 1950s, LeTourneau Inc. developed several overland trains, essentially oversized semi-trailer trucks that could travel over almost any terrain. Their intention was to be able to handle logistics needs without being dependent on local road or rail systems, allowing them to operate in back-country areas. The US Army had three experimental units built, the largest reaching almost 600 feet (183 m) long, which holds the record for the longest off-road vehicle. Road trains are in use in certain roles today, but the US Army examples and a few derivatives appear to be the only off-road examples built.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overland_train

https://blogdocaminhoneiro.com/2021/07/overland-train-o-mais-longo-veiculo-off-road-do-mundo/ (Portuguese)

top 13 comments
sorted by: hot top controversial new old
[-] HerbalGamer@sh.itjust.works 5 points 9 months ago

Land train....

As opposed to.. Air trains? Sea trains? Space trains??

[-] laverabe@lemmy.world 1 points 9 months ago

don't forget water trains, lower coefficient of friction makes them more efficient

[-] dimath@ttrpg.network 1 points 9 months ago

This opens the possibility of land trains without wheels

[-] laverabe@lemmy.world 1 points 9 months ago

guess no one got the water joke, lol

[-] Zhayl@lemmy.world 2 points 9 months ago

Guess they are all in the same boat

[-] TheBiscuitLout@lemmy.world 2 points 9 months ago

There needs to be more of this kind of thing

[-] AnUnusualRelic@lemmy.world 1 points 9 months ago

Nowadays, they'd sell like hot cakes in the US.

[-] SonicDiarrhea@lemmy.world 1 points 9 months ago

Why? Rail is already present most places and more efficient. Australia has road trains like this, but they're used to get to remote places in the outback where there isn't rail.

[-] TheBiscuitLout@lemmy.world 3 points 9 months ago

Because Look at it!!! It’s far too cool to have existed so briefly

this post was submitted on 26 Feb 2024
86 points (100.0% liked)

Cranes, trains, planes and excavators and stuff like that

261 readers
1 users here now

A place for all things cranes, trains, and excavators, and stuff like that.

Recommended title format: XKCD or something else. Optional additional factual info in text field or comments.

founded 9 months ago
MODERATORS