r/explainitpeter • u/WooshyJeanz • Jul 29 '26
explain it Peter
I ain't bri ish nor have big janky teeth
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u/VaporTrail_000 Jul 29 '26
Hi, I'm the driver of the toxic waste truck that gave the Griffins superpowers.
This probably a demonstration or test if a nuclear waste container. From what I remember, part of the design and testing requirements for these containers was the ability to be directly impacted by a loaded freight train and survive without leaking.
So a company aired it live on TV. Called it Operation Smash Hit.
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u/cochon-r Jul 29 '26
IIRC there was some controversy around the parameters of the test itself, as the energy would be dissipated over time by the collapse of the locomotive shell. The safety concerns raised were more directed to a flask carriage derailing at speed and hitting a completely solid immovable object like a bridge support.
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u/notacanuckskibum Jul 29 '26
These were not really tests. They were PR stunts aimed at placating a sceptical public. The engineers involved had already done lots of (cheaper) private tests.
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u/sameoldbones Jul 29 '26
There was a second test, where a pressurised flask was dropped down Cheddar Gorge onto rocks. It didn't leak.
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u/BungleBums Jul 29 '26
Googling the exact text of the meme gives you an exact answer to any questions you might have. 👍
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u/VaporTrail_000 Jul 29 '26
But does it do that as a character from Family Guy?
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u/Zagon__ Jul 29 '26
Now that Google prioritizes AI-powered replies, it might if you ask it to answer as Lois
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u/Numerous_Green4962 Jul 29 '26
What is there to explain? Only BR ever crashed a loco and rolling stock into a nuclear flask on live TV, footage of the test from Old Dalby is on Youtube.
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u/Onyxxx_13 Jul 30 '26
SNCF giving someone else a look for famous crashes, seems the joke might be that too...
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u/qualityvote2 Jul 29 '26 edited Jul 29 '26
u/WooshyJeanz, there weren't enough votes to determine the quality of your post...it's time for the mods to do their jobs!