The Engine also known as The Eternal Engine is the propulsion method of Snowpiercer. The Engine is a perpetual motion machine that propels the train forward without any obvious need for fuel or maintenance. The secondary function of the Eternal Engine is also that of a powerplant for car bogie-motors[1] and on-board batteries. As such, the speed of the train is directly tied to its power supply.
History
Little is known about the history of The Engine or its perpetual motion technology. Before developing this class of Engines, there was at least one prototype build[2].
Technology
As mentioned previously, the Engine is using an unknown perpetual motion technology while also generating energy. The average speed of the train appears to be around 170km/h or 106mph. While perpetual in motion, the maximum speed of the train is 200km/h[1]. While moving through the mountainous Yukon Territory, the Engine was using all of its power to move the train, and little to none energy was left to provide the electricity, as such, the train had to use its onboard batteries.
When Javier De La Torre suggested slowing down, as such at its current speed Snowpiercer was causing numerous avalanches, Melanie Cavill notes that she cannot allow that, as it would cause blackouts. After the train was hit by Class 3 avalanche, Snowpiercer slowed by 12%, which caused numerous blackouts as the batteries were already nearly depleted. The train also has a "dead-minimum speed" at which it can run; if the Engine slows down, even more, its likely the perpetual motion Engine would cut off. From on-screen evidence, this appears to be about 40-50km/h.
As later revealed by Melanie and Miles, the train becomes slower with each revolution and it is on the Engineers to reverse that "because if Snowpiercer stops, we all die." Also according to Bennett Knox, there are no Perpetual Motion spare parts.
Stopping the train for short periods appears to be possible as the train was halted by Big Alice twice (in 994 Cars Long & The Time of Two Engines). Also Alexandra Cavill told Snowpiercer, they have 13 minutes to surrender before the cold overcomes and they all freeze to death. When stopped, the train remains powered on its on-board batteries. However, in The Time of Two Engines, Melanie states that she drained Snowpiercer's batteries too much trying to escape from Mr. Wilford. As a result, the train can never move on its own again.
Interior
The Engine has two levels. On the first level is a corridor on the left side of the car with a series of doors (presumably for train systems), leading to a secure door behind which is a set of stairs leading to the second level and a bio-locked[3] compartment, most likely containing the Engine. It's currently unknown if anyone can enter the Engine itself, as it does not use RFID Access Chip technology as other security measures aboard the train.
Directly above the Engine is the second level, containing a door at the rear (presumably for train systems, such as the Weather balloons), living quarters with 4 bunks (which is currently occupied by Melanie Cavill) and the Control room. While the train has automatic controls[4], the Control room is usually occupied by one pilot and one engineer during the day and a single pilot during the night.
The pilot has an unrestricted view and access to numerous control systems ranging from speed control and diagnostic panels that alert the pilot to potential issues ahead.
The Control room also serves as an information hub for the entire train[5]. If the train detects a breach or mechanical malfunction, it will alert the Control room operators.
There are a set of armored doors that can lockdown the Control room in cases of emergency and a button in the Hospitality Car that triggers a alarm to lockdown the Engine. There is also a radio to communicate with Cavill in other Cars during emergencies when the Engine is in lockdown. During lockdown (with direct access to water, some food and waste storage) the Engineers can stay in the Control room for a long time.
One of the systems that can be controlled from the Engine is separating sections of the train. However, this is a complicated step and requires two safety switches to be disabled, one on either side of the separation while the Engine has two switches as well that require two operators to work. The switches must have keys turned in them simultaneously to be activated and then the switches themselves must be flipped at the same time to initiate separation of each end of the disconnected section of the train.
Exterior
If Snowpiercer encounters extreme obstacles or heavy snow, the Engine can deploy a retractable Plow[6]. When closed, the plow seamlessly retracts into the Engine's hull and does not disturb its aerodynamic design. While deployed, the pilot can change the configuration of the plow to best serve the rough terrain ahead. On top of the Engine is a large spotlight directly above the cockpit. There is also a Wilford Industries logo on the front of the Engine. There is also a Weather balloon deployment system, called sound balloons, installed in the roof, beneath retractable panels.
Appearances
- Season One
Trivia
- Only nine people so far have been seen in the Engine: Melanie Cavill, Bennett Knox, Javier De La Torre, Jinju Seong, Miles, LJ Folger, Nolan Grey, Ruth Wardell and Andre Layton.
- Of this group, only Jinju, LJ, Grey, Ruth and Layton have not been seen piloting the train.
- Miles and Layton are the only people to travel the entire length of the train, from the Docking Car, to The Engine. Miles was first, Layton was second.
- Despite the Engine requiring perpetual motion to work, the train was stationary at boarding with no issues[2] and was brought to a stop twice by Big Alice.
- Despite being called The Eternal Engine, on the blueprint it is called Engine Eternal.
- Based off of the 2D diagram, the Engine appears to have a 0-10-10-0 wheel arrangement, and as seen in another diagram, it also appears to have piston rods, which show that it has cylinders, possibly indicating that the Engine is steam-powered.
Gallery
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The Engine by Alex Nice
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Snowpiercer leaving Chicago
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Cabin of Melanie Cavill
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Cockpit shot
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Closeup
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The Plow
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The Balloons
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Closeup
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Closeup
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Approaching Neckbreaker
