I've been involved with cars all my adult life and during teenage years, and whilst not a mechanic I have learned about engines and car components. Therefore I was quite amazed recently to learn of a two stroke diesel engine, I had never heard of such a thing. Was aware of two stroke engines but these were often attached to lawn mowers and small motorbikes. I always thought diesels worked on the old 4 stroke system of suck, squeeze, bang, blow.
My enlightenment occured watching a YouTube video and it mentioned the famous UK Deltic locomotive developed in the early days of changing from steam to Diesel. Seems the Deltic loco was powered by a two stroke diesel engine. I knew this engine was loud, I knew too the engine had been developed for boats (minesweepers I think) but had no idea they were two stroke diesels.
Complex design, I often wondered how engineers dreamt up the valve gear on steam locos and the design of the engine used in the Deltic loco is mind boggling.
We take things for granted, amazing what goes in to the designing.