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In the early days of automobiles, Rudolph Diesel came up with a new kind of engine to power the machines that would be more efficient than steam. We learn that the Diesel family started in France, but during war torn days, ended up in England. Young Rudolph studied mechanical engineering, and developed his idea based on the operation of a steam engine, but would be more light weight and efficient.
A mentor from college put him to work, but in his off hours he continued to draw up plans for his engine. Diesel married, grew a family, and over 20 years he finally came up with the final plan for an engine that burned oil, rather than getting its power from steam. Can he convince machinists and mechanics that his idea is more than an invention on paper? Initial failures only serve to prove that he was on the right track.
By 1913 Diesel’s engine was powering vehicles around the world, and in the first world war was widely put to use in military vehicles and submarines. Though Diesel mysteriously became missing in action during the war, his invention kept alive and grew in its importance. What was the mysterious circumstance of his death? The world may never know.
