Re: This week at Knott's.

John Cole Wrote:
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> Remember that the type of fuel has a big effect on
> safety. Diesel will burn, but gasoline vapors can
> explode, and are easier to set off.
>
> During WW2, our Sherman tanks had gasoline
> engines, and they were nicnamed Ronsons, (after
> the lighter). Because they "lights first time,
> every time".



I can't say I can follow your logic on those two statements, I often ran the daily tank train loaded with petrol for our city and avgas/jetA1 for the nearby RNZAF base: with 13750US gal narrow gauge tankcars at that. Never had one blow up on me or anyone else for that matter. I'd say the $gal price and economy (should that be frugality?) of Petrol vs Diesel would be the overriding factor.

And as for the Shermans, did they blow up in non-combat use? I guess they got the "ronson" nickname because they had thin armour and a small cal. gun and therefore easy meat for the Hun with heavier armour and longer range guns.

Chris
in New Zealand