Monster Dismantling Company

Chapter 33 The Train

"Why is it only 45 here, but it cost 98 when we bought it from your cousin?" Lin Zhiqing asked in surprise. "Is your 'friendship price' a practice of adding a markup?"

Li Lin also glanced in the direction where the silver dragon had disappeared, filled with doubt—

However, since you've already placed your order, you can just wait where you are.

When he has some free time, he can take a good look at the car.

He had ridden other trains before, but this was his first time on such a special express train. After all, these giant trains, which needed to run on three-meter-wide gauge tracks, had large intervals between each station. Li Lin had never been to places too far from Ningzhou, and therefore had never ridden on this kind of train before.

Now it seems that this carriage is ridiculously large compared to the trains or intercity trains he used to ride.

The seating arrangement wasn't the typical two-row-three-row or three-row-three-row layout of regular trains, but rather 3-4-3—three rows of seats along the windows on both sides, with four seats side-by-side in the middle. However, because the ceiling wasn't very low, there wasn't much of a feeling of confinement.

Logically, the extra space above the seats shouldn't be used for passengers, which seems wasteful. However, considering the original design purpose of this express train, the reason becomes clear: it was originally intended for transporting troops. Its two levels weren't designed to transport seats, but rather for transporting armored vehicles. Ideally, both levels should be able to transport two layers of armored vehicles, allowing an entire brigade and its equipment to be delivered to their designated location using a single train, or two trains coupled together.

This way, once we arrive at our destination and get off the vehicle, we can immediately get into combat mode without spending too much time assembling the team.

There are also special troop transport carriages. The seats in those carriages are stacked one on top of the other, compressing the space to the maximum extent while ensuring basic comfort. The two layers can be compressed into six seats, like a can.

The current civilian version is a result of the initial pacification of the early war. These extra-wide gauge railway cars, due to their strong self-defense capabilities, were used for long-distance passenger and freight transport, sending people and supplies from all over the territory to Jin Gang Zhou, and then through Hangu Pass into Guanzhong.

Li Lin had also heard that a dedicated passenger train was under development—but that wouldn't be operational until the Grand Canal was fully completed. This was because only when the Grand Canal was operational could it effectively remove miasma from the Guandong region east of Hangu Pass, thus curbing the expansion of miasma-ridden wastelands like Leize. Only with a stable environment could large-scale exchanges of people and goods be re-established.

If we can achieve that, then humanity's process of reclaiming lost territory will take a giant leap forward.

For now, everyone has to make do.

Aside from its layout, this vehicle retains some military characteristics in other aspects, such as its relatively small seat spacing and limited legroom, maximizing the distance between the front and rear rows to accommodate more people. The seats are dark green hard panels, non-adjustable forward and backward, but fixed in a relatively comfortable position.

It is said that the design of these seats was inspired by the seats of a pre-war low-cost airline.

From these cramped designs, Li Lin did indeed perceive a kind of "design sense" that was not present at the time.

The lighting in this carriage is also rather poor. Not only is the layout of the carriage like an airplane, but even the windows are as small as those on an airplane, almost like firing ports—because they were actually modified from firing ports.

However, this design also has its reasons: the small windows increase the structural strength and airtightness of the carriages. Considering that the train may pass through areas of miasma, the entire train will need to be in an internal oxygen supply mode. In such cases, the small windows allow more pipes to run through the walls, improving the overall layout of the train.

However, generally speaking...

Li Lin touched the armrest. At least the armrest was soft. At least the seat was clean.

Although many places are cramped, at least it maintains a fairly good appearance. There is no filth or disorder, only decency, cleanliness, and efficiency.

In a way, this can be considered an auspicious sign. After all, this is the face of the coalition government, the place where many people first encounter it. If even this signboard is in disarray, it will diminish the coalition government's prestige throughout the territory.

This aligns with the style of a coalition government: serious yet lively. Maintaining a respectable appearance helps boost morale.

Soon, the car started moving.

The train accelerated with considerable ferocity from the start. Powered by the locomotive, every carriage was essentially a power car. The entire train felt like it was being pushed back into place, accelerating at subway-like speeds. Shortly after leaving the station, it reached a high speed of 350 kilometers per hour.

The train runs very smoothly even at high speeds.

While the coalition government is frugal in many areas, it consistently maintains high standards and strict requirements when it comes to infrastructure investment. The entire railway is elevated, crossing malaria-ridden swamps along its route. The elevated railway is also designed with ballastless track, undergoing regular inspections and maintenance, ensuring a smooth ride even at speeds of 350 kilometers per hour.

Lin Zhiqing took out a coin and tried to stand it upright in the window.

"Li Lin, look, it really stood firm."

The coin stood firmly on the edge of the window.

"What is this?"

"I heard it was a popular game before the war, used to check if a train was running smoothly. I never imagined it could be done now; I thought it was just a legend."

Previously, when I was in Ningzhou, it was difficult to notice this difference. After all, Ningzhou, like other autonomous cities, is financially independent, and its infrastructure receives little external investment, so it's just about getting by. However, once it entered the public sphere and came under the jurisdiction of the coalition government, the level of infrastructure development skyrocketed. This wasn't just true for the railways; it was evident in all aspects, showing a vibrant and rapidly developing momentum.

Lin Zhiqing's mood improved even more than before—after all, she was heading to Guanzhong, a special administrative region directly under the United Government. It was a place historically known as "Sili." If the United Government could maintain a high standard of development here, then most of the other rumors about Guanzhong were probably true.

"Guanzhong seems like a good place," Li Lin said. "Remember to call me when you get there?"

"Yes. I definitely will call you. But will you be able to answer?"

"Oh yeah..."

Li Lin had just remembered that the two sides were not yet able to make phone calls. Although the communication network throughout the region used a similar protocol and was basically usable nationwide, the signal was mostly only available in cities.