Topic

Transportation & Infrastructure

A collection of 10 issues

Finland's Glowing Reindeer and the Quest to Prevent Road Collisions

To combat thousands of annual vehicle collisions in its dark northern forests, the Finnish Reindeer Herders' Association trialed a unique solution: reflective paint. Sprayed on antlers and fur, the coating glows in headlights to make reindeer visible at night.

The Nushen JB6500: China's Curious Copy of a Chevy Minivan with a Chrysler Heart

In the annals of automotive oddities, the Nushen JB6500 stands out. A near-perfect visual replica of Chevrolet's 'dustbuster' minivan from the late 90s, its similarities were only skin deep. Underneath, it was a rear-wheel-drive truck powered by a rival Chrysler engine.

Around a Continent on One Road: The Story of Australia's 'Big Lap' and Highway 1

Australia's Highway 1, the world's longest national highway at 14,500km, encircles the continent. It's more than just a road; it's a rite of passage known as the 'Big Lap,' offering an unparalleled journey through the nation's vast deserts, lush rainforests, and vibrant cities.

Beyond the Mail Slot: A Look Inside the USPS's Next Generation Delivery Vehicle

For the first time in three decades, the USPS is rolling out a new fleet of mail trucks. Known as the Next Generation Delivery Vehicle (NGDV), these trucks are a quantum leap in safety, efficiency, and comfort, designed to meet the modern demands of package delivery and improve carrier well-being.

Crankshaft Symphony: The Mechanical Secret Behind the V8 Rumble

The V8 engine's iconic rumble isn't just about more cylinders. It's a product of its cross-plane crankshaft, a design creating an uneven firing order. This irregularity produces the deep, burbling exhaust note, a stark contrast to the smoother, higher-pitched sound of flat-plane V8s.

Motion, Not Magic: Debunking the Myth of How Your Car Generates Electricity

A common misconception is that a car engine's explosions directly create electricity. In reality, these controlled combustions are purely for mechanical motion. The car's electrical power comes from a separate device, the alternator, which converts this mechanical rotation into electricity.