The dissertation is a complex research of the life path, scientific contribution, organizational and education activity of the designer and engineer L.S. Lebedyanski (1898–1968) – the great designer of the various types of locomotives, such as steam locomotives, diesel locomotives, and the founder of the new type of locomotives – gas turbine locomotives. He was the designer of the variety of locomotive`s projects, mentor for the generation of new locomotive designers, laureate of the domestic and foreign rewards.
The work consists of an introduction, three chapters, conclusions to each chapter, general conclusion, list of used sources and appendices.
In the first chapter of the dissertation the historiography, source base and methodological base of the research are described. The analysis and systematization of the relevant scientific literature and archival sources has shown that articles, monographs, and biographical essays often have features of fragmentation of the study and limitations while reviewing the scientific views and engineering approaches of L.S. Lebedyanski. Those sources focus mainly on some episodes of designer`s activities and observe his projects separately. Quite often in those sources the information is not completely accurate and has differences in evaluation of the designer`s contribution in development of the domestic and world locomotive industry. Highlighting of the L.S. Lebedyanski role is not always appear to be scientifically balanced and made at the appropriate methodological level, and therefore, shows insufficient study of the problem analyzed in the dissertation. As the matter of fact, we may conclude that the research of the scientific contribution, organizer`s and educational activities of L.S. Lebedyanski has not yet been completed.
In the second chapter of the dissertational research the historical reconstruction of the scientific contribution, educational and organizational activities of the designer L.S. Lebedyanski is described. The process of the formation of designer`s views and the reasons that influenced L.S. Lebedyanski and made him such a formidable engineer and organizer are observed in this chapter. We are showing the facts from the childhood of the designer L.S. Lebedyanski that started to form his willing to become a part of the locomotive industry in general and be a locomotive designer in particular. The information about the education of L.S. Lebedyanski is also observed in this chapter. We tracked his educational path from the first lessons with the private teacher in the childhood till the education at school and later at the Politechnical institute in Petrograd. In addition, we mentioned the first steps of L.S. Lebedyanski in locomotive industry meaning his first experience of work at the railways, when he was the assistant of the steam locomotive driver in town Tihvin. We separated the period of the designer`s life mention above as the period of his childhood, education, first practical and theoretical experience, and formation of his personality.
In the third chapter of the dissertation we represent the modern vision of the designer L.S. Lebedyanski`s legacy in context of the development of the locomotive industry. Creation of the new types of locomotives, work with the new types of engines (diesel engines, gas turbine engines), educating of the young engineers and organization of the designer`s dedicated groups, contribution to the renovation of the former Soviet Union industry during the after war period – this is only the short list of designer`s L.S. Lebedyanski activities. Due to the solving of those issues he became the widely known specialist in the former Soviet Union and the founder of the gas turbine locomotive industry.
