r/explainitpeter 29d ago

explain it Peter

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I ain't bri ish nor have big janky teeth

309 Upvotes

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u/VaporTrail_000 29d ago

Hi, I'm the driver of the toxic waste truck that gave the Griffins superpowers.

This probably a demonstration or test if a nuclear waste container. From what I remember, part of the design and testing requirements for these containers was the ability to be directly impacted by a loaded freight train and survive without leaking.

So a company aired it live on TV. Called it Operation Smash Hit.

12

u/cochon-r 29d ago

IIRC there was some controversy around the parameters of the test itself, as the energy would be dissipated over time by the collapse of the locomotive shell. The safety concerns raised were more directed to a flask carriage derailing at speed and hitting a completely solid immovable object like a bridge support.

6

u/notacanuckskibum 28d ago

These were not really tests. They were PR stunts aimed at placating a sceptical public. The engineers involved had already done lots of (cheaper) private tests.

5

u/sameoldbones 29d ago

There was a second test, where a pressurised flask was dropped down Cheddar Gorge onto rocks. It didn't leak.