Technology, Books and Other Neat Stuff

Somewhat over the top on the ludicrous engineering stakes was the Lucy Aston, a Clyde paddle steamer built in 1888, and converted to run with four jet engines in the 1950s...

"Lucy was powered by four Rolls-Royce Derwent V engines, giving a thrust of 3600 lb each at 14,500 rpm."

"To stop quickly in an emergency, large metal flaps were lowered from the outriggers to act as water brakes."

Now that's what I call engineering. But then, I'm a man who once spent large chunks of his time building coaxial connectors out of steel and copper pipes...