The train driver in the courtyard

It was already noon when Li Aiguo returned to the Qianmen Locomotive Depot.

As soon as the commuter train pulled into the station, Section Chief Xing and the train drivers came to greet it.

"Well done, Aiguo!" Section Chief Xing grabbed Li Aiguo's hand and shook it excitedly.

Several veteran train drivers nearby also applauded.

Yan Jiecheng watched from the sidelines, marveling at the sight.

He also knew that Li Aiguo had developed some flaw detection equipment, but it was only researched by the Qianmen Locomotive Depot's workshop and had nothing to do with higher authorities.

Why are these experienced workers so excited?
"If it weren't for patriotism this time, Lao Cao would be in big trouble."

"This is not just Lao Cao's problem; it concerns all of us train drivers."

"If it weren't for patriotism, that bastard from the General Administration's Security Section might have already arrested Lao Cao."

Hearing these comments and seeing the expressions of the train drivers, Yan Jiecheng suddenly realized that he wished he were Li Aiguo.

These train drivers dared to throw punches at their superiors, yet they deeply respected their old colleagues.

After rescuing Cao Wenzhi, Li Aiguo's prestige among the train drivers increased even further.

Since the train drivers still had to drive, they left quickly.

"Old Cao has been wronged this time. Our Qianmen Locomotive Depot is like his home, so we should send someone to visit him." Section Chief Xing called over Director She from the Education Office and asked her to bring gifts and accompany Li Aiguo to the hospital to visit Cao Wenzhi.

"When we get back, we'll have a short meeting to talk about your ultrasonic flaw detector," Section Chief Xing added.

On his way there, Li Aiguo stopped at the supply and marketing cooperative and bought two bottles of malted milk powder, a few pounds of apples, and a pound of White Rabbit milk candy.

When the two arrived at the hospital, Chen Xueru was in the ward talking to her teacher's wife. When she saw him come in, she immediately stood up and asked, "How is the situation?"

Li Aiguo did not answer her, but looked at Director She instead.

Director She is representing the section today, and she should be the one to announce the results of the accident investigation.

Director She gave Li Aiguo an admiring look before walking to the bedside and smilingly saying to Cao Wenzhi, "Master Cao, the accident has been investigated and clarified. The train accident was caused by hidden damage inside the rails. It was thanks to Comrade Aiguo that we were able to find out."

The General Administration's security investigation report will be available soon, so please don't worry.

Director She paused for a moment, then continued, "This time, the General Administration's Safety Section went too far. The section will report this to higher authorities."

Cao Wenzhi's biggest worry these past two days wasn't his injury, but the fear that he would never be able to drive a train again. Upon hearing this, he almost burst into tears.

"I've caused you trouble. As long as the matter is investigated and clarified, there's no need to report it to the General Administration."

Director She knew Cao Wenzhi's personality well, so she changed the subject, saying, "This time, we really owe a lot to Comrade Aiguo. You don't know, at the accident site, Team Leader Hu Fu asked the experts to determine the nature of the accident, but the experts couldn't do anything. Aiguo took that instrument and shone it on the rails, and guess what? He actually found a hidden defect."

"Old Cao, you've taken on a good apprentice."

"Cough cough, patriotism is indeed good," Cao Wenzhi thought with a sigh.

The reason I took Li Aiguo as my apprentice was simply because I thought he was a good driver and could pass on my skills.

Unexpectedly, it saved his life at a critical moment.

After a brief stay, Director She left. Cao Wenzhi pulled Li Aiguo aside to inquire about the situation at the accident site. After understanding the function of the flaw detector, he clicked his tongue twice.

"Patriotism, I think this ultrasonic flaw detector can still be of great use."

"Section Chief Xing also has this idea, and we might have to hold a meeting when we get back," Li Aiguo replied.

"Then you should hurry back to the section. I'm fine, I'll be discharged in a couple of days. Don't come over unless it's absolutely necessary." Cao Wenzhi got anxious when he heard this and wanted to send Li Aiguo away.

Li Aiguo didn't waste any time. He stood up, put the gift on the cabinet, and then took out a handful of milk candy and handed it to Xiaoju.

"Uncle Aiguo, when I grow up, I want to be a train driver just like you!" Xiaoju said loudly, puffing out her chest as she took the candy.

The conditions in Beijing are much better than in Baotou.

Compared to when she was in Baotou, Xiaoju has grown much taller and has become much more cheerful.

Li Aiguo patted Xiaoju's head and said, "Okay, when our Xiaoju grows up, we'll drive a big train."

Chen Xueru had to pick up her child in the afternoon, so she left the hospital with Li Aiguo. Li Aiguo first took her home before riding his motorcycle back to the Qianmen Locomotive Depot.

"Patriotism, can this ultrasonic flaw detector be used for routine rail inspection?" As soon as the meeting started, Director Huang of the track workshop eagerly raised his hand.

Railway tracks are subjected to thousands of tons of pressure almost every day. Over time, cracks may develop inside, which has caused many train accidents in the past.

Determining whether there are cracks inside the rails has become a major challenge for the track maintenance workshop. In the past, track inspectors relied on tapping the rails with hammers to detect them.

The only problem is that the false negative rate is too high.

Section Chief Xing also looked at Li Aiguo: "Aiguo, you should tell us quickly."

"I actually had this idea too. To truly apply it to track inspection, we need to miniaturize the flaw detector and equip it with a battery," Li Aiguo replied.

"Good, good, good." Section Chief Xing said "good" three times and stood up: "Aiguo, this task is entrusted to you. If you need anything, just ask Section Chief Liu."

"Ahem, Section Chief, should we report this to the higher-ups?" Li Aiguo reminded him.

"How could I forget about that? You go to work first, I'll go to the ministry now." Section Chief Xing's eyes lit up instantly. If the flaw detector could really be developed, it would be a major technological achievement.

Reporting to the ministries and commissions serves two purposes: first, it allows one to claim credit, and second, it allows one to request supplies.

As the saying goes, the squeaky wheel gets the grease, and this is something he, as the section chief, should be doing.

Section Chief Xing immediately rushed to the ministry in high spirits.

Li Aiguo also returned to his studio and began planning the miniaturization of the flaw detector.

Since it will be used in the field, and considering the working environment of the track inspectors, it must be sturdy and durable, and have three-proof performance.

The outer casing can be made by stamping thick steel plates, and the internal circuit components are supported by a wooden frame to reduce the impact of vibration. Adhesive strips are added to the sealing points.

The oscilloscope can be installed in a wooden box to reduce vibration, with adjustment buttons added to the outside and a probe interface on the side.

Zong Xianfeng and Wild Automotive experts modified the handheld probe, equipping it with an insulated handle and installing a spring plate on the head.

The modifications went smoothly; the only problem was the battery.

In those days, the Xinxiang Battery Factory was already capable of mass-producing storage batteries, and most of the batteries for the Qianmen Locomotive Depot came from there.

However, the storage battery is not only inconvenient to use, requiring three charging and two discharging cycles, but its starting current is too low, only 50A.

Both oscilloscopes and ultrasonic transmitters are major power consumers.

Zong Xianfeng calculated that in order for the flaw detector to work properly, at least fifty batteries would need to be connected in parallel, and the weight would be comparable to the battery packs of later new energy vehicles, which obviously has no practical value.

"I remember there was a type of battery with a relatively high starting current, but it's not currently in mass production."

After learning about this, Lao Zhang from the maintenance workshop inquired through his friends in Northeast China and came to a less than ideal conclusion.

There is indeed an alkaline nickel-cadmium battery that can provide a high starting current, but only Torch Factory can produce it.

When Li Aiguo heard the name Torch Factory, he realized that things were going to be difficult.

Torch Factory is one of the few military battery manufacturers in China, mainly producing lead-acid batteries for tanks, lead-acid batteries for aviation, and batteries for deep-sea submersibles.

It's more accurate to call it a military research institute than a battery factory.

"Professor Qi works for Harbin Aircraft Industry Group, so he should have connections with the Torch Factory. Let's ask him about it first."

After lunch, Li Aiguo went to the 116 Project workshop, only to learn an unexpected result: Professor Qi had taken leave.

"Where did Lao Qi go at this crucial moment?" The unlicensed car expert was somewhat frustrated.

Zong Xianfeng said, "Last night, Professor Qi asked me about the details of yesterday's ultrasonic flaw detector test. Could he have some ulterior motive?"

Upon hearing this, the atmosphere in the studio suddenly became tense.

"No, Professor Qi should be fine. Everyone, don't worry, let's get back to work." Li Aiguo knew Professor Qi well.

Such a person can work anonymously for ten years straight; their ideological awareness is unmatched by ordinary people.

Moreover, the core technology of the ultrasonic flaw detector is only in Li Aiguo's own hands.

But where did Professor Qi go?
At that moment, he entered the office of the top leader of the Aviation Administration.

When the senior leader saw Professor Qi enter with a document in his hand and a smile on his face, he knew there must be good news. So he put down what he was doing and said, "Professor Qi, judging from your expression, is there some good news? Is the assembly of the armed helicopters completed?"

Professor Qi didn't say much, and handed the materials to the senior leader: "The Qianmen Locomotive Depot has developed a new type of equipment that can detect gaps and hidden damage inside the rails."

"Railways are made of metal. Does that mean this thing can also detect aerospace-grade metal materials?"

"That's exactly what I was thinking, which is why I came to report to you. This is a report of a test that was conducted just yesterday, and I have all the details."

Upon hearing this, the top leader was overjoyed and snatched the materials from Professor Qi's hand, carefully flipping through them.

Although no specific technical details are provided above, it is certain that ultrasonic flaw detectors can indeed detect railway tracks.

"well!"

When he saw something particularly interesting, the top leader couldn't help but nod repeatedly.

After reading it, the big boss seemed to suddenly remember something, picked up the phone and dialed: "Xiao Liu, go and see if Engineer Su from Nanfei is still in the ministry. This guy has been hanging around the ministry these past few days. If he is, invite him over."

After hanging up the phone, the senior leader eagerly and carefully reviewed the materials.

Professor Qi frowned. What was Old Su, that guy with thick eyebrows and big eyes, doing in Beijing instead of overseeing the manufacturing of trainer aircraft in Nanchang?
At this moment, Chief Engineer Su, the person in charge of mass production of the Nanfei Primary Training Vehicle 6, was walking out of the ministry's office.

Because the CJ-6 was the first truly mass-produced aircraft in China, and although it had the technical foundation of the JJ-1 (three were produced), Nanjing Aircraft Industry Group took over the mass production work. However, due to its weak technical foundation, the mass production progress was not ideal, especially in how to detect hidden metal damage on the fuselage, which was slow to materialize.

Chief Engineer Su came to the ministry with two main purposes.

One reason is to see if we can get some assistance from here.

The saying "the squeaky wheel gets the grease" also applies to the industrial sector.

However, metal material testing has always been a major challenge in this era. Even the Big Brother couldn't solve it, and the results were far from ideal. The ministries didn't have any solutions either, and could only focus on improving the processing technology.

Secondly, it's to show determination.

The CJ-6 trainer encountered difficulties during its test flights. As a result, a point of contention arose regarding whether to continue development or to copy the Yak-18A aircraft from its older brother.

The Fourth Bureau and the Engineering Department felt that the technology for copying the Yak-18A aircraft was already mature, and there was no need to continue developing the CJ-6 trainer.

The Fourth Bureau once assigned Nanjing Aircraft Industry Corporation (NACIC) the task of reverse engineering the Yak-18A aircraft. However, NACIC withstood the pressure and insisted on continuing the original development plan, deciding to conduct trial production of two aircraft simultaneously. The factory's support enabled the development of the CJ-6 trainer aircraft to continue.

Su Gong recalled the scene with lingering fear.

Now that the mass production of the CJ-6 is facing difficulties, those who support the Yak-18A have come out again, which could very well lead to a major upheaval.

Therefore, Engineer Su had to come to the ministry in advance to do his work and try to get the support he needed.

Just as Engineer Su was walking out of the office building with his thoughts on him, a staff member ran up behind him, calling out, "Chief Engineer Su, please wait a moment."

Hearing someone call his name, Chief Engineer Su stopped and turned to look at the person: "Secretary Liu, is there something you need?"

Secretary Liu said breathlessly, "Our leader would like to ask you to come over for a moment."

Hearing this, Chief Engineer Su was somewhat confused.

He's been working in a ministry lately, and the top leaders know that, but they've never summoned him. Why the sudden change of heart?
However, since they were in such a hurry, it must be something important. Chief Engineer Su followed Secretary Liu to the big boss's office.

I was stunned as soon as I entered the door.

He and Professor Qi were old classmates and had even worked together for a period of time. However, Professor Qi later went to Harbin Aircraft Industry Group, while he went to Nanjing Aircraft Industry Group.

I heard that Professor Qi is working on a major aircraft development project. How did he end up here?
Seeing his expression, the senior leader smiled and said, "Old Su, you know Old Qi, so I won't introduce you. Please have a seat."

After he sat down, the senior leader picked up the "well-behaved" materials and handed them to him: "Old Su, you have to thank Professor Qi. I couldn't get you what you asked for, but Professor Qi found it. Take a look."

Mr. Su was stunned again. Professor Qi was a helicopter design expert, but he didn't know anything about metal detection. How did he find a solution?

In modern terms, this is called "crossing over".

But President Su didn't care about anything else and immediately opened the report to read it.

When he saw the words "Detecting a 20mm rail gap", he almost couldn't believe his eyes and rubbed them to look again.

Those words remained unchanged.

No, don't get excited. How exactly is it done? Can it be applied to all metal materials? What about the accuracy?
Suppressing his excitement, President Su continued flipping through the pages, and this time he was shocked.

At this moment, President Su felt like he had found something he had been searching for everywhere, but it turned out to be right under his nose. This was exactly what the Elementary Instruction Set 6 urgently needed, and now it had been made.

It took President Su a while to calm down before he looked at the top leader and asked, "This ultrasonic flaw detector really exists. You're not just trying to fool me, are you?"

The senior leader was both amused and exasperated: "Worried? That's easy to solve. This was made by the Qianmen Locomotive Depot workshop. Professor Qi has a collaboration with Li Aiguo in the workshop. We'll go to the Qianmen Locomotive Depot to see for ourselves and put President Su at ease."

Upon hearing this, President Su felt as if he had misunderstood the senior leader.

Such technical details could be left to the responsible leader, but the top leader insisted on making the trip himself. This wasn't to confirm whether the ultrasonic flaw detector was useful, but to provide support for the CET-6.

It was made for those people in the Fourth Bureau to see.

General Manager Su was more than happy to agree and immediately nodded: "No problem, sir. Professor Qi, let's go to the Qianmen Locomotive Depot."

The Qianmen Locomotive Depot is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Railways, so even if they want to go there, they have to give permission first.

The top leader called Leader Teng, but Leader Teng's secretary answered the phone and said that Leader Teng was discussing work with the leaders of the subordinate locomotive depot.

"Transfer the call and tell Lao Teng that I have an emergency."

Leader Teng is currently reviewing the report submitted by Section Chief Xing.

"Is this the legendary object that the train driver created to save his master?"

Section Chief Xing pondered for a moment before understanding what Leader Teng meant.

The railway system is a big family, and news spreads quickly. The news that Li Aiguo had created an ultrasonic flaw detector to help Cao Wenzhi clear his name spread very quickly.

In this era, the railway system emphasized orderly succession. Now that the apprentice has saved his master, it perfectly matches people's impression of the traditional master and apprentice relationship. People are praising the boy for his kindness and righteousness.

The story became increasingly exaggerated as it spread, eventually giving rise to proverbs like "the train driver created something to save his master."

"This is it."

"It seems the rumors are true. Comrade Aiguo is a good comrade." Leader Teng nodded and opened the report.

I had only glanced at it twice when the phone rang.

"Qianmen Locomotive Depot? Li Aiguo? Ultrasonic flaw detector?"

Upon hearing the voice on the phone, Leader Teng was somewhat surprised, and even laughed out loud after hanging up.

"What's wrong, boss?" Section Chief Xing was bewildered.

"I never expected that this new thing would be targeted by the aviation industry so soon after it was built."

"Huh?" Section Chief Xing was even more confused.

Because the aviation leader was of a high rank and had a good relationship with Leader Teng before liberation, Leader Teng immediately decided to personally lead a team to the Qianmen Locomotive Depot.

When the leaders from the Ministry of Railways and aviation experts arrived at the Qianmen Locomotive Depot in a large entourage, it was already dinnertime.

Leader Teng and the senior leader politely declined Section Chief Xing's invitation to have lunch first, and went straight to the front gate locomotive depot workshop. Section Chief Xing could only ask the canteen to heat up the food.

When Li Aiguo received the call from the ministry, he was puzzled as to why the aviation department had taken notice of the ultrasonic detector.

When Li Aiguo saw Professor Qi, who had come with the leaders of the Aviation University, he finally understood.

"Comrade Aiguo, Professor Qi made this decision on his own, but please don't take offense. This thing is extremely important to our aviation industry."

When the leader of the aviation university spoke up, Li Aiguo immediately straightened his chest and said, "Leader, it is an honor for me and our studio to be able to help."

"Alright then, let's see how the test goes." The aviation leader was a military man who valued efficiency and decisiveness.

Wild car expert and Zong Xianfeng installed the ultrasonic detector.

The two had become numb to this situation and were used to it. They knew it must be a good thing, so they were very motivated.

The leaders and experts watched the entire experiment intently. Chief Engineer Su from Nanfei even participated in the testing, asking questions from time to time.

"Patriotism, could this thing be used in the testing of aerospace materials?"

"It should be possible. With proper calibration, it is entirely possible to inspect critical components such as aircraft engine blades and fuselage structure." Li Aiguo was not boasting.

Ultrasonic flaw detection technology was used in the later aircraft manufacturing process, which is the real reason why Li Aiguo spent so much effort developing it.

I originally planned to gradually promote this technology, but I never expected that the other party would come to me.

As the experiment progressed, the joy on the faces of the leaders and experts on site grew stronger.

After seeing that Engineer Su had tested the metal he brought from the aerospace industry and confirmed that there were cracks inside, everyone was all smiles.

The people in the studio clenched their fists in excitement.

The aviation leader stepped forward: "Comrade Aiguo, you've really solved a big problem for us in the aviation industry this time. President Su, you can rest assured now, haha."

Mr. Su was so excited that his face turned red. He took several deep breaths before speaking: "I'm too excited. Please forgive me. You may not know how important this thing is to us."

It's fair to say that this thing potentially saved a major project for us and changed the course of our aircraft manufacturing history.

These words shocked everyone present except for Leader Teng and those from the aviation industry.

Even Li Aiguo began to speculate that since the aviation industry urgently needed this, it might mean that some kind of aircraft was about to be mass-produced.

However, this matter was highly confidential, and Li Aiguo was not at liberty to inquire about it.

Chief Engineer Su, considering the need for confidentiality, did not continue speaking, but instead looked at Li Aiguo and asked, "Comrade Aiguo, how long would it take to modify the ultrasonic waves to detect aerospace metal materials?"

"About a week." The modification wasn't difficult, so Li Aiguo gave a conservative timeframe.

"Alright, alright, I'll stay here for the next week." Chief Engineer Su nodded.

Li Aiguo: "."

With Professor Qi and Chief Engineer Su now on board, the Qianmen Locomotive Depot seems to have transformed into an aircraft factory!
Li Aiguo welcomed Chief Engineer Su's willingness to join the renovation project.

At this moment, Chen Fangyou, the head of the safety department, stepped forward.

When he saw him come out, Section Chief Xing realized something was wrong.

This man is an old-fashioned person; he once argued with Li Aiguo over a motorcycle issue.

If Li Aiguo hadn't invented the safety helmet, he certainly wouldn't have agreed to mass production of motorcycles.

Coming out now definitely won't bring anything good.

It was too late for Section Chief Xing to stop them.

Chen Fangyou directly raised his concerns in front of all the leaders: "Leaders, we are currently discussing the mass production of ultrasonic detectors, and the power line inspection workshop urgently needs this batch of equipment."

He didn't finish his sentence, but everyone understood what he meant.

Section Chief Xing reprimanded Chen Fangyou with a stern face: "We need to consider not only the locomotive depot, but the overall national strategy. We have also benefited a lot from other departments. Now that we have achieved results, do we want to keep our own achievements to ourselves? This kind of factionalism is unacceptable."

Chen Fangyou realized he was inappropriate and quickly shut his mouth.

The leaders present, including Teng and aviation officials, did not criticize Chen Fangyou.

After all, line safety is also crucial, and we cannot disregard line safety just to help other departments.

Chen Fangyou's willingness to stand up in front of so many leaders shows that he takes safety to heart.

Chief Engineer Qi replied, "Don't worry, leader, I will bring technicians over here. It won't take up too much of your energy."

Li Aiguo also stated: "The modification work and the mass production work are not in conflict. In fact, the aviation industry may be able to help us solve big problems. I think the modification work and the mass production work can be carried out together."

Everyone applauded enthusiastically again, with Chief Engineer Su and Chen Fangyou being particularly enthusiastic.

In conclusion, Leader Teng said, "Well, this research and development was a great success. Now that Chief Engineer Qi is here, we must do everything we can to meet his requirements. Let's all work together to eliminate any hidden dangers for our warplanes."

Leader Teng felt somewhat proud.

He personally oversaw the construction of the studio.

Li Aiguo is someone he has watched grow up.

My child has made something of himself!

(End of this chapter)