CHAPTER XI -Tom Swift and His Electric Locomotive

As Tom Swift neared the completion of his groundbreaking electric locomotive, his attention turned to the intricate task of setting up its electrical equipment. Weighing nearly two hundred thousand pounds, with the total weight of the locomotive reaching a staggering two hundred and eighty-five tons when fully equipped, the vehicle was a true behemoth. Wrestling with the logistics of ensuring sufficient power supply from the Shopton Electric Company, Tom estimated a demand of forty-four hundred horsepower, necessitating a robust three-thousand-volt direct-current for optimal operation.

With the heavy lifting of integrating the electrical components behind him, Tom, dressed in his workman’s overalls, concentrated on the finer aspects of the installation. The electrical locomotive, unlike its steam-powered predecessors, had a distinctly modern aesthetic with all its machinery encased, presenting an uncluttered silhouette akin to a box car. Standing amidst the towering driving wheels and beneath the streamlined body of the locomotive, Tom was momentarily distracted by a ticking sound, reminiscent of a watch or a death-watch beetle, emanating from within the vehicle.

Curious and slightly alarmed by the mysterious noise, Tom discovered a bundle of overalls shoved near the locomotive’s motors, dismissing it initially as an oversight by the workmen. However, the situation took a dramatic turn when Ned Newton and Rad Sampson burst into the scene, the latter frantically warning of a bomb threat. With the workshop plunged into sudden chaos, Tom’s father, with his extensive experience in mechanical and chemical mysteries, quickly deduced the ticking to be an ominous sign of danger, likely indicating a time bomb concealed among the locomotive’s components.

Reacting with a blend of urgency and calmness that characterizes true inventiveness, Tom, understanding the gravity of the situation, bravely retrieved the ticking bundle. With an expert toss, he submerged it into a barrel of water, a simple yet effective method to neutralize the potential threat, sparing the workshop and all present from imminent disaster. This act, amidst the tension of innovation and the shadow of sabotage, showcased not just Tom’s technical acumen but also his presence of mind and courage under fire, embodying the spirit of adventure and the relentless pursuit of progress that define his endeavors.