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.

  • #1,531
zoobyshoe said:
You have invented this clue yourself. I never said or implied he was an explorer of the Americas. All I said is he went looking for iron.
I know, I'm just thinking out loud. Maybe I should stop that. But you did say it was in the US?
 
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  • #1,532
honestrosewater said:
I know, I'm just thinking out loud. Maybe I should stop that. But you did say it was in the US?
Absolutely. And he was a US Citizen from birth.
 
  • #1,533
Meriwether Lewis?
 
  • #1,534
honestrosewater said:
Meriwether Lewis?
Much too early in US history. No.
 
  • #1,535
Henry Ford?
 
  • #1,536
wolram said:
I think he had an unusual ship named after him
I just googled this and there is, in fact, a non-standard seagoing vessel named after this man.
 
  • #1,537
honestrosewater said:
Henry Ford?
No, but you're much closer to the target dates. Look a little earlier in time.
 
  • #1,538
D.O.S, i don't want to answer this as i haven't a good clue.
 
  • #1,539
wolram said:
D.O.S, i don't want to answer this as i haven't a good clue.
Just write down the initial of his first name. That will be a clue for Honestrosewater, and will probably confirm to me you know the answer.
 
  • #1,540
Maybe a Civil War era vessel? :redface:
 
  • #1,541
zoobyshoe said:
Just write down the initial of his first name. That will be a clue for Honestrosewater, and will probably confirm to me you know the answer.
If i am right it is D
 
  • #1,542
honestrosewater said:
Maybe a Civil War era vessel? :redface:
No, the vessel wasn't commissioned till long after he died.

He is so famous, you'll be amazed when you find out. This cement/ iron thing that he pursued for 20 years was basically a money pit and financial failure for him. Precious few people know of this chapter of his life.
 
  • #1,543
wolram said:
If i am right it is D
No...Sorry! You have had the wrong person in mind.
 
  • #1,544
Lincoln? Eh, I have given up the not thinking out loud thing. :-p
 
  • #1,545
honestrosewater said:
Lincoln? Eh, I have given up the not thinking out loud thing. :-p
No. You're back to being too early.
 
  • #1,546
david o saylor was my guess
 
  • #1,547
Thomas Edison, Theodore Roosevelt

Little note: Edison's submarine had a piano on it. Hah.
 
Last edited:
  • #1,548
honestrosewater said:
Thomas Edison,
Yes!
 
  • #1,549
See, if you just guess enough... :smile:
 
  • #1,550
I think people should have a clue ready when they answer the question
 
  • #1,551
Moving from one hill to another, he became his own master.
 
  • #1,552
does it have anything to do with faries? because that's what google told me
 
  • #1,553
yomamma said:
does it have anything to do with faries? because that's what google told me
Um, no...
 
  • #1,554
honestrosewater said:
Um, no...
hmm... hints...?
 
  • #1,555
honestrosewater said:
Moving from one hill to another, he became his own master.

Are these hills the hills of Rome? Just a random guess.
 
  • #1,556
matthyaouw said:
Are these hills the hills of Rome? Just a random guess.
No. In the US. The hills aren't the biggest clue, more like confirmation.
 
  • #1,557
hills in the us...
 
  • #1,558
yomamma said:
hills in the us...
The hills are in the US...
 
  • #1,559
I'm going to abandon this thread for now and go to the "where is it?" thread
 
  • #1,560
Polaris...
 

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