The World's Largest Computer in 1951

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around historical and technical aspects of significant machines and vehicles, including the ENIAC computer and the Russian Ekranoplan. Participants engage in a quiz-like format, posing questions and providing hints about various inventions, their specifications, and historical context.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes the ENIAC, detailing its size, weight, components, and power consumption, while noting its limited processing power compared to modern devices.
  • Another participant identifies the ENIAC as the machine described in the previous post.
  • Participants discuss a large vehicle that weighs 540 tons, can travel over land and water, and is hinted to be built in Russia, leading to speculation about its identity.
  • Some participants propose that the vehicle in question is the Russian Ekranoplan, explaining its design and operational principles related to ground effect.
  • There is a discussion about a vehicle that achieved over 188 miles per gallon, with participants speculating on its type and historical significance, including a mention of a Harley Davidson motorcycle from 1908.
  • One participant describes a crude device involving a wooden stand, a funnel, acid, and copper wire, prompting further questions about its purpose.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the identity of some machines, particularly the vehicle that achieved high fuel efficiency, as various guesses and clarifications are made. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specifics of some inventions and their historical context.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the specifications and classifications of the vehicles discussed, particularly regarding the Ekranoplan's operational capabilities and the fuel efficiency claims of the motorcycle.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in the history of computing, engineering innovations, and the evolution of vehicle technology may find this discussion engaging.

  • #1,321
Evo said:
you just did :biggrin:

Nothing gets past you, does it?


Anyway. It looks like this one needs a superior mind to crack. Where's zoob and uncle Danger?
 
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  • #1,322
Is this a type of mine?
 
  • #1,323
Ivan Seeking said:
Is this a type of mine?

No.

To be honest, I thought someone would get this within the first few goes. I feel kind of guilty for wasting peoples' time with such a stupid puzzle!

I'll give you another 10 mins or so before revealing, and then you can all cuss me and someone can post a proper one.
 
  • #1,324
brewnog said:
Nothing gets past you, does it?
I'm sharp as a tack. :approve:

Anyway. It looks like this one needs a superior mind to crack. Where's zoob and uncle Danger?
How about another clue?
 
  • #1,325
Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and Missouri all have one of these.

Mississippi has a shedload of them.

Arkansas, Ohio, Oregon, California and New Jersey all have none.
 
  • #1,326
Crud! I know this is something obvious but its not hitting me. :devil:
 
  • #1,327
Ivan Seeking said:
Crud! I know this is something obvious but its not hitting me. :devil:


Mmm, I'll be, urrrrm, doubled up in laughter if you don't get it soon...
 
  • #1,328
double consonant
 
  • #1,329
Ivan Seeking said:
double consonant

Close enough, double letter.

Sorry it was crap, I didn't think it would last this long.
 
  • #1,330
We don't have a knife through the heart smilie? :devil:
 
  • #1,331
Whoops, I forgot about Cameroon.

No, I thought that was pretty good... Maybe a few more clues would have helped. It is tough because you can hardly say anything without giving it away. I was definitely burning up Google:language and alphabet, politics, laws, geography, industry... and for six or seven countries .

back in a few minutes
 
  • #1,332
Measuring 600' X 100' X 50' [one significant figure], hush was the word. For a deeply held secret was at stake.
 
  • #1,333
Neptune
Golf
CIA
 
  • #1,334
Philadelphia project, project rainbow USS Eldridge?
 
  • #1,335
No, this was real. :biggrin:
 
  • #1,336
In fact I have stood within a few hundred feet of this.
 
  • #1,337
An indirect clue:
How to catch a fly.
 
  • #1,338
The Eldridge was a real ship. It's just the project that is fictional. Hmm, I probably shouldn't guess Noah's ark either then. :biggrin:

Is it the world's largest bee hive?
 
  • #1,339
World's largest fly swatter?
 
  • #1,340
Is it the world's largest bee hive?

No
 
  • #1,341
Evo said:
World's largest fly swatter?

No, :biggrin: , that last clue has an exclusive context that cannot be extrapolated - unless you know exactly how it connects, don't guess because you won't.
 
  • #1,342
Just think of the skill you would need to hit a fly with something this size. :biggrin:
 
  • #1,343
ooh, this is a good thread, bit too clever for me though.
 
  • #1,344
Andy said:
ooh, this is a good thread, bit too clever for me though.


Ahh, come on Andy, put your google skills to the test.

Another clue
Benicia
 
  • #1,345
I have a headache and can't google. :frown:
 
  • #1,346
The trash dump in Benicia, California?

You know, the one where they have that secret military base with all the black helicopters.
 
  • #1,347
Huckleberry said:
The trash dump in Benicia, California?

No...

You know, the one where they have that secret military base with all the black helicopters.[/QUOTE]

,,,but that answer finds a bit of a connection.
 
  • #1,348
but I can neither confirm nor deny whether records exist
 
  • #1,349
anything to do with the neptune project with all those fibre optic cables?
 
  • #1,350
RAF Fylingdale?
 

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