Using a Toy Train To Calibrate a Reactor

[Fluesheet]

A friend sent this to me. Who'd have thought.

“The modified model of a diesel train engine was carrying a small chunk of californium-252, a radioactive element that spews neutrons as it falls apart.
“We needed to refine the calibration technique to make sure we are measuring our neutrons as accurately as possible,” said Masa Ono, the project head of the National Spherical Torus Experiment.”

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[Gary S]

Very interesting! The guy in the picture looks like he is enjoying the train. Wonder if he will become a model railroad enthusiast now?

[Tom]

Hmm...I wonder what GERN flux could do for THAT little model railroad project??

[MountainMan]

Hmm...I wonder what GERN flux could do for THAT little model railroad project??

Make it 3% more radioactive, I imagine.

[tetters]

Industries you can model?

[nkp_174]

Most excellent!

[Triplex]

Where's that old picture of some Lionel steamers (minus tenders) hauling samples around in a laboratory?