CHAPTER XIII -Tom Swift and His Electric Locomotive

In Chapter XIII of “Tom Swift and His Electric Locomotive,” titled “Hopes and Fears,” Tom Swift presents his latest invention, the Hercules 0001, an electric locomotive, to an eager and curious crowd. The locomotive, a significant feat of engineering, stretches over ninety feet in length and boasts a unique design with high windows and a locked pantagraph that adds height. This chapter captures the moment Tom unveils the locomotive, conducting its initial yard track test, which generates a mix of admiration and anticipation from the spectators and his close friends and family.

As Tom maneuvers the Hercules 0001 around the track, demonstrating its ability to move but not yet at its full potential speed, the crowd, including Ned, Mr. Damon, and Mr. Barton Swift, showers him with praise. However, Mary senses Tom’s dissatisfaction, a sentiment that Tom acknowledges. He admits that while the locomotive ‘do move,’ achieving the desired speed is another matter entirely. Revealing his aim for unprecedented speed, Tom highlights a technical hiccup with the power-feed mechanism, which needs refinement for optimal performance and to prevent electrical discharges during sharp turns.

Tom’s revelation about needing a twin conductor trolley system for smoother power collection without ‘fireworks’ showcases his meticulous attention to detail and dedication to innovation. Despite the initial successful display, Tom confides in Mary and Ned his concerns about achieving the groundbreaking speed he envisions, which is crucial not only to fulfill his contract but also to revolutionize freight transportation. The Hercules 0001, while compact and potent, must meet Tom’s ambitious goal of two miles a minute—a speed he believes is not just a dream but an imminent reality in the realm of human achievement.

The chapter concludes with Tom, buoyed by the faith of his friends and his own unwavering determination, reaffirming his goal. He acknowledges the challenges ahead but is resolute in pushing the boundaries of what is possible, embodying the spirit of innovation and the relentless pursuit of progress.