The train driver in the courtyard

After receiving support from the mine's leadership.

Zhang Shouyi subsequently made a large-scale adjustment to the personnel of the electromechanical repair workshop.

Finally, a workshop-wide study session was held overnight, where the heads of several work groups made self-criticisms and reached a consensus.

The next morning, Li Aiguo and Engineer Liu stepped into the electromechanical repair workshop.

The equipment is still those old machines with peeling paint.

But once inside, everyone was in high spirits, and the materials were neatly stacked. The entire workshop exuded a completely new and transformed atmosphere.

"Comrade Li, I have selected key personnel and formed a special task force to tackle the scraper truck problem!" Zhang Shouyi's voice was loud and clear.

"Thank you all for your hard work." Time was of the essence, and Li Aiguo didn't even have time for a pleasantry.

He pulled a stack of blueprints straight out of his canvas bag. "Let's get straight to the point."

The scraper-mounted transfer truck features a minimalist configuration.

It's basically a motor driving a trailer; there are no airbags, and steering relies entirely on a motorcycle-like handlebar.

Li Aiguo even added an extra cushioned seat.

This way, the miners who transport goods underground can finally catch their breath between their busy journeys.

Zong Xianfeng had already taken the motor drawings back to the Qianmen Locomotive Depot to rush them out.

The task of the electromechanical repair shop is to grind and assemble parts such as the car body, seat, and handlebars.

When the mine leaders learned that Li Aiguo had come to the electromechanical repair workshop, they rushed over and gathered all the technicians and workers together to explain the importance of the project.

Upon hearing that they would be making an appearance before the Council for Mutual Economic Assistance, the technicians and workers became very enthusiastic.

When we refused to join the Council for Mutual Economic Assistance (COMECON), our Big Brother criticized us quite a bit and even held a major conference in Moscow.

The technicians and miners remember all of this.

People compete for a breath, Buddha competes for a stick of incense.

After being assigned tasks, the technicians and workers all asked to work overtime that night.

After all, the sooner it's built, the better we can know whether this scraper truck is suitable for use in tunnels.

Seeing this, Li Aiguo knew that the manufacturing of the scraper truck body was on track.

This thing isn't technically difficult; the key is the craftsmanship. There's no standardized production process right now, so it all depends on the skill and meticulousness of the technicians.

Just as the task of developing the vehicle body was finalized, the modification plan for the underground cables was also put on the agenda.

The truck uses 380V three-phase AC power.

In a gas-filled mine, if cables are run over by mine cars or torn by sharp coal rocks, delaying production is a minor issue; causing a gas explosion or electrocution is a much bigger problem.

Explosion-proof plugs and sockets, with the plug locked by rotation after insertion, and a gap of ≤0.2mm between the mating surfaces, completely preventing the intrusion of gas and dust.

The drum is a welded steel plate structure with a built-in spring-type automatic winding mechanism.

When the cable is pulled out, the spring stores energy, and after the machine stops, the cable is automatically retracted into the drum to prevent the cable from being dragged on the ground and crushed or scratched.

Install a cable tension protection switch next to the reel.

When the cable is accidentally pulled taut, the switch automatically cuts off the motor power to prevent the cable from breaking and causing a leakage accident.

Li Aiguo has always prioritized safety, and after implementing these designs, he also added an overload relay to the control box.

If the motor current exceeds the rated value, the relay will automatically cut off the power within 10 seconds.

"Comrade Li, your designs are absolutely brilliant." Zhang Shouyi, a senior fitter who had worked in the electromechanical workshop for many years and had a deep understanding of electromechanical systems, was truly impressed.

“Design is just something on paper. To turn it into something real, we need everyone to contribute.”

Li Aiguo didn't shout any slogans either.

But Zhang Shouyi and his technicians and workers were on fire, and they completed the car body in five days and the cable in seven days.

What kind of speed is that?

This is the speed of Linxi Coal Mine!

That's the speed of coal miners!

Of course, with the men in the workshop spending all their time there, their wives at home have been grumbling and complaining a lot in bed.

But she still managed to prepare clean clothes and hot meals and deliver them to the workshop.

The Qianmen Locomotive Depot also performed flawlessly.

With only three days left before the arrival of the China Council for Mutual Economic Assistance (CCEM) research team, Zong Xianfeng personally escorted twelve brand-new explosion-proof motors to Linxi Mine.

Six transfer trucks are organized into a shift, loading and unloading in rotation, which maximizes transportation efficiency.

The leaders of the Ministry of Coal Industry and the mine leaders have been keeping a close eye on the progress here.

Upon receiving the report, they immediately changed into miners' clothes, put on safety helmets, and went down into the tunnel.

As he stepped out of the cage, the leader rubbed his eyes, wondering if he was seeing things.

Have you been staying up late these past few days?
Upon closer inspection, there really were six cars.

"Haha! Comrade Aiguo and Comrade Shouyi, you have truly made a great contribution! Six cars in seven days, that's even faster than the Liberation Factory!"

The Ministry of Coal Industry leader laughed and patted the two men on the shoulder, then turned to look at the leaders of Linxi Mine behind him.

The mine leaders, who had just gotten off the cage car, rushed to the transfer truck and carefully examined it.

The design of this vehicle is not particularly sophisticated; it's essentially an enlarged version of a "backward donkey."

The motor is at the back, the truck bed is at the front, and the whole thing is painted a festive bright red. There is also a warning light welded in the middle of the truck bed.

With the flick of a switch, the bright yellow light stands out prominently in the dimly lit alleyway, making it easily visible even to busy miners in the distance.

"Boss, this is a scraper transfer vehicle manufactured by the electromechanical repair workshop over a week, achieving maximum space utilization."

The cargo bed can carry one ton of coal and is equipped with a reverse gear. The seat can be removed, allowing it to be pushed, making it easier to control the direction.

As soon as Li Aiguo opened his mouth, he mentioned the electromechanical repair workshop.

The leaders of Linxi Mine were filled with emotion, thinking, "What a good comrade! He's truly a good comrade."

"Comrades, you have made a great contribution! May I try out this vehicle?" The leaders of Linxi Mine were former front-line miners who had carried coal for seven or eight years before liberation. Seeing this amazing transportation machine, they were eager to try it out.

"Of course!" Li Aiguo nodded with a smile, pointing to the parts on the car and teaching them step by step.

"Look, this is the ignition switch, and this is the brake. Turning the handlebars steers the vehicle, just like riding an electric tricycle..."

Having spent half his life working underground, the mine leaders quickly figured out the tricks of the trade.

He gently turned the ignition switch, and the truck steadily drove forward.

"Moved."

"The car moved."

The leaders of Linxi Mine drove scraper trucks and enjoyed the pleasure of driving inside the mine.

I like this car more and more as I drive it, and I even plan to work as a miner for half a day.

The leaders from the Ministry of Coal Industry watched from the sidelines, nodding repeatedly: "I think this is a good idea! Only when leaders go down to the front lines can they truly understand the hardships of the workers!"

I originally thought the leaders would just come down for a quick tour and then leave.

Now look what's happened, they're going to experience the full life of a miner.

Li Aiguo, however, didn't care at all.

As long as the operating procedures are strictly followed, this transfer truck is safer than driving a car on flat ground.

"Immediately notify the coal cutter to start working." Li Aiguo also wanted to check the transport speed of the scraper truck, so he shouted in the direction of the coal cutter.

At the command, the coal cutter immediately roared to life.

The workers of the sixth coal cutting team quickly took their positions, and the once quiet tunnel suddenly became bustling with activity.

Coal dust filled the air, but the leaders of the Ministry of Coal Industry showed no sign of leaving.

Wearing a cotton gauze mask, I stood to the side, my eyes fixed on the operating equipment.

Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh. The coal cutter's conveyor belt unloads the coal from the discharge port, which then lands right in the hopper of the scraper truck.

Upon receiving the dispatcher's signal, the mine leaders first turned on the alarm lights and then slowly turned on the power switch.

Coal that used to require a dozen miners to carry on their shoulders and take most of the day to transport can now be easily hauled away by just this one piece of iron machinery.

The trucks moved very nimbly through the alleys, easily avoiding oncoming vehicles with a slight turn of the steering wheel, just as smoothly as if they were driving through streets and alleys on flat ground.

In the past, it would take more than ten minutes to transport coal in a tunnel that was several hundred meters long using a handcart.

Now, the transfer truck only takes two or three minutes to come to a steady stop next to the lifting cage truck.

What's even more surprising is the coal unloading process.

There's no need for manual shoveling of coal. The mine leader presses the control lever, and the truck bed slowly rises and tilts under the action of the hydraulic device, with the coal "whooshing" into the cage car.

It filled the cage perfectly, no more, no less.

The capacity of the cargo bed is also specially designed, the same as that of the cage car.

Linxi is an old coal mine, and the cage cars here all use 1-ton medium cages.

If it's in Huainan, where they're using 1.5-ton cages, the truck bed would need to be modified.

Once the cage car is full, press the button next to it, and the cage car room on the ground will receive the signal and immediately start the winch.

Soon, a cage of coal was transported to the surface.

Throughout the entire process, workers hardly need to exert any effort, truly achieving semi-automated transportation.

The leaders of the Ministry of Coal Industry exclaimed in amazement, "This speed is simply incredible!"

The leaders of Linxi Mine knew that the scraper conveyor would be very useful, but they did not expect that it would be so fast when combined with the coal cutter.

After making two trips, he handed the scraper truck to a miner to drive, walked over, and said loudly, "Comrade Aiguo, you have really helped our Linxi Mine a lot! Underground coal transportation has always been a major problem."

I come from a family of miners. Back then, I endured the hardships of working under the whip of capitalists, and I developed a host of health problems.

After liberation, we miners became masters of our own destiny, but we still had to rely on physical strength to extract this black coal!

He paused, calmed himself down, and continued, "We also tried using conveyor belts, but the conditions underground are complex, and they malfunction every few days."

We also tried driving the cage truck directly into the alley, but it was not only costly, but it also made it impossible to turn around.

While a handcart can save some effort, pushing it through bumpy alleyways is still a grueling and arduous task.

Seeing my brothers working so hard every day, drenched in sweat and unable to straighten their backs, breaks my heart!

But what could we do? We had to mine coal and support industrial development!

The leaders of Linxi Mine were truly excited; their voices were even a little hoarse.

"Now it's all good. With the scraper truck, our miners no longer have to suffer. Comrade Aiguo, on behalf of all the miners, thank you!"

Wow.

The voice just fell.

The leaders, technicians, and workers around them all spontaneously applauded.

Wait until the applause gradually subsides.

The leader from the Ministry of Coal Industry looked at Li Aiguo and posed a crucial question: "Comrade Aiguo, can this scraper conveyor truck be mass-produced?"

"The body of the scraper truck is very simple; any machinery factory can produce it. As for the explosion-proof motor, our Qianmen Locomotive Depot can produce it," Li Aiguo said after a moment's thought.

"Can it be promoted to other coal mines across the country?"

“Absolutely. If the hole is narrow, we can reduce the width of the vehicle, as long as the cable can pass through.”

"Great, great!" The leaders of the Ministry of Coal Industry originally came to Linxi Mine to receive the Council for Mutual Economic Assistance, but they did not expect to have such a great harvest.

Even in tunnels where coal cutters cannot be used, the transportation efficiency can be greatly improved with scraper transfer vehicles.

More importantly, it can reduce the burden on workers.

That's how it is these days; the leaders really care about the workers.

After a moment's thought, the leader of the Ministry of Coal Industry asked, "Comrade Aiguo, where do you think would be the most suitable place to mass-produce these scraper transfer trucks?" Scraper transfer trucks have now become an essential tool for transportation in tunnels, and the demand is huge.

Whoever gets this order will get a piece of the pie.

"Leader, the conditions inside the tunnels vary from place to place. Some are high, some are low, some are wide, and some are narrow, so the size of the scraper trucks needed also varies."

If production is unified, it's difficult to take everything into account.

I think the motors can be provided by our Qianmen Locomotive Depot workshop.
The Jixi plant produces the main beams and key components, while the car bodies are manufactured by the electromechanical repair and maintenance workshops in various coal mines.

Li Aiguo had long had this idea.

Unlike standard vehicles, scraper trucks do not have a unified standard, so practicality must be the top priority.

The Ministry of Coal Industry leader pressed further: "Then how can the quality be guaranteed?"

“Our Qianmen Locomotive Depot regularly sends people to inspect the locomotives, and I also believe that the electromechanical repair and maintenance workshops in coal mines across the country would not produce substandard car bodies for their own people,” Li Aiguo said.

"Well said!" the miners cheered.

"Yeah, if anyone dares to try anything funny in front of us miners, we'll smash their head in."

"Comrade Li Aiguo designed such a good thing, so we must ensure its quality."

"Please rest assured, sir!"

The miners nodded in agreement, and Zhang Shouyi also made a statement.

He knew in his heart that being able to participate in the research and development this time would not only wash away the negative impact of the Zhao Sihai incident.

If we can produce car bodies on a long-term basis in the future, things will be much better in the workshop.

"Then it's settled. I will report to the relevant ministries. Everyone, continue your work and prepare to welcome the China Council for Mutual Economic Assistance (CCM) research team."

At last.

The Ministry of Coal Industry leadership made the final decision.

"Leader, everyone is very happy today. Shall we hold a celebration party?" The leaders of Linxi Mine saw that everyone was in high spirits.

“Great! It’s a perfect opportunity to try the specialties of your Linxi Mine!” The leader from the Ministry of Coal Industry readily agreed.

When the news reached the mine canteen, the chefs immediately got to work.

Considering that underground production cannot be stopped, the canteen specially packed the food into large enamel basins and wrapped them with cotton blankets to keep them warm.

When you open it, it's steaming hot inside.

The dishes were plentiful, including braised pork with vermicelli, stewed chicken and potatoes in a large pot, stir-fried bean sprouts, pickled radish strips, and a dish of firm tofu.

Li Aiguo picked up a piece of old tofu and stared wide-eyed.

"No wonder Zhao Sihai likes to eat it; this stuff really does taste good."

Amidst the roar of the machines, the celebratory banquet, though devoid of alcohol, was filled with a high-spirited atmosphere.

Just as Li Aiguo was celebrating with the miners, an Il-14 landed at Beijing's Nanyuan Airport.

This aircraft is an improved version of the Il-12, featuring twin piston engines that are more stable and comfortable, and is often used to transport important personnel.

Petrov, head of the CME Group, was the first to descend the gangway with his slightly protruding belly.

He was followed by a group of experts from various fields, all wearing woolen overcoats.

Meanwhile, on the airport tarmac, the Ministry of Coal's reception staff had been waiting for a long time.

"Welcome, comrades, from afar! The hotel rooms have been arranged. Please rest for the night, and we will set off for Linxi Mine early tomorrow morning."

Petrov had been nodding arrogantly, his head held high.

But when his gaze fell on the reception vehicle standing to the side, the arrogance on his face instantly froze, and his expression darkened visibly.

That was a Red Star luxury double-decker tourist bus.

The gleaming body has strong lines, and the large body paired with a large, single glass window makes it look particularly impressive.

The older brother's colleague exclaimed, "Wow! This is a car made by Huaxing Automobile Factory, right? It's so beautiful!"

The comrade from the Jieke family got into the car and nodded: "It's a double-decker, and the seats are all made of foam cushions. Oh my, there's even a toilet inside. This car is really nice."

Xiao Luo's family agreed: "It's much better than the ZIL-158 bus, several levels higher. No wonder tour companies in Western Europe use this kind of bus."

Upon hearing this, Petrov was so angry he almost vomited blood.

It's important to know that the ZIL-158 was a car produced by the Khachev factory in Russia, and it was a very popular bus.

Abao's family is the most quick-witted. They've already pulled the comrades from the coal department aside to inquire about the price of Huaxing Tourist Buses, and even asked if they could exchange them for steel or something similar.

"Comrade, we don't know the price, but we can help you contact Huaxing Automobile Factory," the comrade from the Ministry of Coal replied.

"Okay, okay, remember, you must keep in touch."

The Czech family, the young Luo family, and the older brother's family were also very interested.

Although their economic conditions are not as good as those of Western Europe, they have the advantage of abundant raw materials and mature industrial technology, so exchanging them for this bus is not a difficult task.

Seeing this, Petrov's face turned as black as ink.

He gritted his teeth, convinced that the people from Dongda University were definitely doing it on purpose!

But there was nothing he could do.

It's all because the Khachev factory is disappointing.

ZIL-158 has been under development for several years.

There have been no upgrades over the years; they just paint it a new color and replace the rearview mirror, and that's how a new model bus is made.

It's completely incomparable to the Red Star luxury double-decker tourist bus.

That was a slap in the face.

The Russian experts also looked grim.

"Ahem, comrades, you must be tired from your journey. Let's go to the hotel and rest!" The receptionist quickly smoothed things over, seeing that the atmosphere was a bit awkward.

These people boarded the bus and were on their way to the Friendship Hotel.

An older Russian expert leaned over and whispered, "Commander, to be honest, this bus is really comfortable. The ride is much less bumpy than the ZIL-158. I'm usually prone to motion sickness, but I don't feel it at all now. How about... we try to import a few of these when we get back?"

"Cough cough cough," Petrov coughed violently, his face turning ashen, unable to utter a single word.

*****
Inside the Friendship Hotel.

The members of the research team were all accommodated in spacious suites.

The hotel was very thoughtful, even preparing a variety of drinks according to everyone's preferences.

Petrov sat alone on the sofa in the living room, clutching a bottle of vodka in his hand.

He unscrewed the bottle cap, poured a full glass into it, tilted his head back, and drank it all in one gulp.

The spicy liquor slid down his throat, but it did nothing to quell the anger in his heart.

"Professor Dzerpigovev, we're setting off for the Linxi Mine tomorrow. Once we get there, it's up to you. You must find out the problem with the Red Star coal cutter."

After putting down his wine glass, Petrov looked up at the deputy team leader standing next to him.

Dzerpigorev was from the Gorlovsky Machine-Building Plant in the Soviet Union.

He was a core expert who participated in the development of the KG-3 coal cutter and was considered an authoritative figure in the field of Soviet coal machinery.

Petrov's purpose in inviting him was self-evident.

But Dzerpigorev frowned.

"Commander, we haven't even seen a trace of the Red Star coal cutter yet, so we have no way of making a judgment. Scientific research must be based on facts."

"Be realistic?" Petrov's gaze turned cold as he looked at Dzerpigovev.

Dzerpigorev, however, seemed oblivious to his displeasure.

He said to himself, "The dozen or so experts who accompanied us this time are all experts in the field of coal cutting machines."

Once we arrive at Linxi Mine, we will definitely conduct a comprehensive and detailed study of the Hongxing coal cutter.

I heard that it uses a three-head cutting disc design.

This is the first time such an event has occurred in the history of coal cutter development, and it is of great research value.

"Enough!" Petrov waved his hand impatiently to interrupt him. "Go back now."

"Yes"

After Professor Dzerpigovev left, Petrov beckoned, and when a Cheka came up, he whispered a few words in the Cheka's ear.

The Cheka personnel nodded, turned, and pushed open the door to leave.

Not long after, he led a young man in his twenties in.

"Team leader, Professor Dzerpigovev just took a break. What can I do for you?"

Petrov did not answer immediately, but instead took a cigar from the cigarette case.

The young man, quick-witted and agile, immediately took out a lighter and kindly lit it for him.

Petrov took a sip of his drink before slowly speaking: "Comrade Sizov, how many years have you been following Professor Dzerpigovev?"

Xi Zhuofu bowed respectfully: "After graduating from university, I entered the professor's laboratory. It's been five years now."

"Five years and you're still just a junior researcher. Looks like your skills aren't all that great." Petrov exhaled a puff of smoke at Sidov.

Sizov's face flushed instantly. He coughed a few times from the smoke, but dared not raise his hand to cover his mouth. He could only smile awkwardly.

"I am already content to be able to learn from my teachers. As for professional titles, I have never dared to dream of them."

"If I gave you a chance to become the principal researcher, would you take it?"

Petrov's voice wasn't loud, but it was like a thunderclap that exploded in Sidzov's ears.

Sizov suddenly raised his head, his eyes wide open, his face full of disbelief.

The professional title system in Soviet research institutes was very similar to that in China, with the ranks from lowest to highest being: lab technician, junior researcher, researcher, and senior researcher.

The chief researcher is a top-tier position that allows one to work independently and take charge of the entire laboratory.

Today, the owner of this position is Professor Dzerpigovev.

"This, how is this possible? How can I compare to my teacher?" Xizhuofu was initially overjoyed, but then he came to his senses.

He's still more than ten levels away from becoming the chief researcher, and it'll never be his turn in this lifetime.

Seeing that Sidov did not refuse outright, Petrov nodded in satisfaction.

"Dzerpigorev's technique is indeed excellent."

Unfortunately, he didn't understand the real purpose of our research trip.

Such people who are out of touch with reality are no longer trustworthy.

I think you're a smart person, and you'd be quite suitable for this position.

So, what are your thoughts?

"I will follow the team leader's lead. Whatever the team leader tells me to do, I will do!" Xizhuofu's eyes instantly turned red after he realized what was happening.

Sizzov's biggest dream in life is to become the head of the laboratory, but due to limited talent and lack of technical expertise, he is currently still a junior researcher.

He was presented with an opportunity to rise to the top, how could he possibly miss it?

Petrov smiled with satisfaction and patted Sizov on the shoulder: "Very good. You can go back now. Remember, once you get to the Linxi mine, play it by ear."

"Yes."

The door was gently closed, and the living room returned to silence.

Petrov stood up and poured himself another glass of vodka. This time, the pungent liquid surprisingly tasted somewhat sweet as it went down his throat.

He held a glass of vodka, walked to the window, looked at the myriad lights of Beijing outside, and a cold smile curled at the corner of his mouth.

(End of this chapter)