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  1. Stalliongrad
    Turbo, one of the coolest words to put on the back of a sports car, Turbochargers work on a very basic principle of forced induction.
     



     


    Porsche Panamera Turbo S

     

    The Otto Cycle: Or 4 Stroke cycle of an engine involves Intake, where the engine draws air or "Breathes", Compression, compressing the air to a higher temperature, Ignition, the explosion, and Exhaust, expended high pressure air leaving or the engine "exhaling". Turbochargers focus on the last stage of this cycle with engine exhaust.
     




     

    Turbocharger Diagram


     

    Turbochargers take the waste exhaust air from the engine and uses it to spin a turbine which takes in more air and pushes it back into the engine. The more air available for the Fuel/Air Mixture the more can be burned thus increasing the speed of the engine. The amount of this air being pushed in by the Turbo is measured as psi. Because they use a turbine, Turbocharged vehicles make noises similar to jet engines depending upon its stage.
     
    Intercoolers: Taking in more air and forcing it back into the engine also causes this air to become hotter. Too much hot air inside of the combustion chamber can cause spontaneous explosions also known as engine knock. This can cause increased wear on the combustion chambers, to avoid this cars equipped with Turbochargers also have a device known as an Intercooler. The Intercooler chills the air being forced into the engine from the turbo before reaching it.
     



     

    2015 Subaru WRX STI being fitted with an exposed Mishimoto Intercooler.


     


    1991 Audi 200 Launch Control. (Listen for the turbo whine)


     




  2. Stalliongrad
    There are many different types ways to build an engine, each with distinct differences and qualities.
     



     

    The Ford Focus RS uses Ford's Duratec Engines (Spring 2016 US Release)


     
     
     




    Subaru Flat 4 Boxer Engine


     
    Boxer Engines: Boxer Engines, also called "Flat Engines" because of their flat and usually compact profile, use Horizontally Opposed pistons which when moving looking like the gloves of two boxers in a match hence the name. Cars using Boxer Engines typically have a lower center of gravity because they are usually lighter and smaller meaning they can be placed lower and farther back in the engine bay. This gives the car a much sportier handling characteristic. Because of the Horizontal layout configuration, Boxer Engines are the only engine type which do not require a balance shaft to hold counterweights because there are no unbalanced forces in its four stroke cycle as long as each bank has the same number of cylinders. Although most car fans do not consider this a drawback, one main characteristic of Boxer engines is that they tend to be louder than engines of other types. When the Engine runs with Engine Block Headers of Unequal Length, a distinctive rumble is heard from its exhaust caused by its firing order. There are currently two Manufacturers who make extensive use of this type of engine, Subaru of Japan and Porsche in Germany.
     




     




     

    Volkswagen VR6 Engine


     
    VR6 Engines: VR6 Engines utilize a complex narrow angle V shape in which work between the cylinders is shared with common parts.The name comes from the combination of the German words for V-Motor and Inline Engine. When 6 cylinders are present there is only one cylinder head for two rows of cylinders. Although vastly different VR6 Engines are able to use the same firing order as a Straight Six Engine. As Volkswagen were the original creators of this technology there are also the primary users, coming into its cars in the 1980's.
     
     
     



     

    Rotary Engine 4 Stroke Diagram


     
    Wankel Engine: Also called Rotary Engines, do not use pistons within a cylinder head to perform the four stroke cycle. Wankel Engines use a three sided triangular shaped "rotor" which spins on an axis performing all of the steps in the cycle in a completely different way. Unlike pistons which are constantly heated and cooled, the rotors are being heated and cooled simultaneously. Developed by German Engineer Felix Wankel this engine type has seen most of its commercial success with Japanese manufacturer Mazda in both its sports cars and race cars. Wankel Engines typically can reach far higher RPMs that pistons and this means they create far more heat than other types of engines. However this means that fuel economy usually suffers and Wankel engines are far more prone to sealant and leaking problems.
     
     
     




     

    Dodge Challenger SRT Hemi Engine


     
    Hemi Engines: Hemi which is short for Hemispherical Combustion Chamber uses these chambers which use a domed shaped cylinder head. In order to achieve domed shaped cylinder heads the engine block must use a wedge shaped design. The primary reason for using a Hemi engine is that the design allows for a higher mechanical compression ratio. This allows for maximum power at higher RPMs. However Hemi Engines have many drawbacks. They are heavy, and the wedge shaped engine is very large which is why it has been nicknamed the Elephant Engine. They also require more parts and complex assembly and can only use 2 valves per cylinder. Because the engines are heavy and very big the cars they usually find themselves in are as well. Many manufacturers around the world have experimented with Hemi Engines and they were very prominent in the early 1900's but have seen the most commercial success with Chrysler which uses them in their Dodge brand as well.
     




     

    Honda Intelligent Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC)


     
    VTEC Engines: Invented by an Engineer at Honda, VTEC Engines are a solution to a problem created by Japanese Law. In Japan, cars are taxed based on Engine Displacement which basically works out to, cars with larger engines pay more in road taxes. This means cars in Japan typically have smaller engines. This has lead to car manufacturers to devise ways to milk more power out of smaller engines. Several designs were used such as Rotary Engines. Another solution was to add a turbocharger which is still the preferred method to get more power out of smaller engines. Ikuo Kajitani an Engineer at Honda, created the VTEC engine. These engines use two camshaft profiles and timing of the valves to improve power. Most are Natrually Aspirated and do not use turbochargers.
     

    Diesel Engines:
     




  3. Stalliongrad
    Pioneered by the Great Leader Kim Il-Sung, Juche is an ideology splintered off from the foundations of Socialist thought.
     




     

    Tower of the Juche Idea in Pyongyang, North Korea


     

    Juche can be translated to mean "Autonomy" or "Self-Reliance". Kim Il-Sung was primarily a Marxist-Leninist practitioner of socialist thought and created this method of thinking after his rise to power to make the revolution distinctly Korean. It holds the belief that individual is "the master of his destiny and that the North Korean masses are to act as the masters of the revolution and construction". The primary idea being that North Koreans are to establish their nation without the assistance or interference of other nations who would seek to destroy it. This idea is coupled with the notion that the Korean People cannot advance forward without the Party and its Great Leader.
     



     

    Official State Portrait of the Great Leader Kim Il-Sung


     
    In North Korea, Juche eventually replaced Marxist, Leninist thought in the 1980s. During the 1960's and 70's North Korea was firmly aligned with the Soviet Union and it was during this time standards of living in North Korea were at their highest. Toward the end of the Soviet Era, Juche begun to take over as North Korea could no longer be reliant upon an ally. This ended the true socialist system in North Korea and replaced it with a cult of personality surrounded around the Kim family and a wave of rampant Korean Nationalism.
     



     

    Juche also places a great emphasis on combating Western Imperialism and implies that the West has been the primary aggressors in most of the worlds conflicts and that the safety and security of the Korean people rests with the Korean People's Army
     
    In North Korea the system which started out with much promise has been tainted to alter the system to bias Kim family and the Korean People's Army rather than the people of North Korea turning the ideology into religion in some respects. A firm understanding of the Juche Idea is ingrained in the minds of all North Koreans and acts as a unifying force binding them together in unparalleled national unity.
     
     
     

    Korean People's Army State Merited Chorus


     

    "Korea Does What It Is Determined To Do"


     




  4. Stalliongrad
    Changing its name in 2014 from MetroTransit, Halifax Transit moves 27 million people a year as the largest transit operator in Atlantic Canada.
     




     
     
     
     
     

    Halifax Transit New Flyer Xcelsior XD40


     

    Type: Public
     
    Union Representation: Halifax Transit Bus Operators are represented by Amalgamated Transit Union Local 508
     
    Fleet Size: 302 Low-Floor Buses, 4 Ferries
     
    Routes: 67
     
    Manufacturer and Powerplant: Halifax Transit began to procure from New Flyer to phase out older NovaBus models opting for the Xcelsior Diesel variant. The Majority of its buses are powered by special blends of Biodiesel and some of its newer buses are hybrids operating on regular or special biodiesel.
     




     
     
     
     
     

    Halifax Transit New Flyer Xcelsior XD40 in its Garage Bay


     

    Fare Collection: There is currently no Contactless Card Payment System in Halifax however there are plans to create one or implement one being used elsewhere. Passes are sold to students and seniors in addition to regular tickets.
     




     
     
     
     
     

    Halifax Transit Bus Ticket


     

    Livery: Halifax Transit re-branded itself in 2014 keeping in line with the city re-branding as well. It possesses one of the most aesthetically pleasing liveries in North America. Hosting themes of Blue and Yellow in two alternating X patterns on a white backdrop along with the new agency logos.
     




     
     
     
     
     

    Halifax Transit New Flyer Xcelsior XD40 on a break


     
     
     
     
     

    (Bus Drivers on Lunch or Bathroom Breaks will lower the bus to prevent it from rolling away while they are away from the controls)


     

    Innovations: Halifax Transit is working with several tech companies to improve on its GPS tracking software to enable greater accuracy when using its trip planner technology.
     


    Halifax Transit during Rush Hour


     
     
     
     
     




     
     
     
     
     




  5. Stalliongrad
    Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District, branded as AC Transit serves Oakland, California as well as a portion of the East Bay area in San Francisco.


     



     

    AC Transit Van Hool A330


     

    Type: Public
     
    Fleet Size: 586 Low-Floor and Articulated Transit Buses
     
    Routes: 149
     
    Manufacturer and Powerplant: AC Transit is known for procuring buses from Van Hool of Belgium. Van Hool is well known for its Highway Coach offerings but it has only seen moderate success with its line of transit buses in the United States. AC Transit worked jointly with Van Hool to test new Hydrogen Fuel Cell buses and currently operates 12 such vehicles. Recently expanding its fleet to include New Flyer Xcelsior XDE 60 Articulated buses to handle the routes with the heaviest amounts of ridership. The bulk of the fleet is comprised of Van Hool and Gillig models which have lower running costs.
     



     

    AC Transit New Flyer Xcelsior XDE60 Articulated


     
    Fare Collection: The Contactless Card Payment System in Oakland is known as Clipper Card. Clipper Card is used by 17 Transit Agencies in the Bay Area including SF Muni in San Francisco. The common joint fare structure allows people to transfer to different jurisdictions without paying extra and being able to take advantages of transfers. The cards can be reloaded at Walgreens pharmacies.
     



     

    Clipper Card and Reader


     
    Livery: AC Transit vehicles host themes of Green, Black and Silver on a White Backdrop along with the agency insignia. Vehicles developed for test purposes or propelled by alternative fuels are given special liveries to denote their "Green" status.
     



     


    AC Transit Van Hool A300L


     
    Innovations: AC Transit is fully committed to Hydrogen Fuel Cell and Solar technology and has voiced its intention to assist manufacturers and furthering this aim. Oddly, older AC Transit buses were not ordered with Air Conditioning, which was at the time seen as an "Option". Older Buses have since been retrofitted with Air Conditioning. AC Transit also connects many of the colleges in the area to the transit hubs for students diminishing the need for the universities to run their own shuttles.
     


    AC Transit at Work


     




     

    AC Transit Van Hool A330


     




  6. Stalliongrad
    Palestinians walled off from new Israeli settlements in the Palestinian West Bank


     
    Dates: 1964 - Ongoing
     
    Factions Involved: Israeli Defense Forces, Likud Party, Hamas, Palestinian Authority
     
    Overview: The Israeli/Palestinian Conflict is one of the longest ongoing conflicts in the world having its roots planted in the early 20th Century.
     

     

    All of what is now Israel was once called Palestine


     
    The British Controlled an area of Southern Syria which was previously governed by the Ottoman Empire. This area was known as Mandatory Palestine. The British took control after WWI and held power here until 1947. On November 29 1947 the United Nations recommended a plan to divide Palestine into separate parts. The Majority of Palestine would remain under Arab Palestinian Control and another half for Jews to include the city of Jerusalem. The British had been moderately successful in quelling sectarian violence between the Arabs and Jews however fighting broke out.
     
    The Jewish Militias would ultimately prevail as they had greater numbers. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_exodus_from_Arab_and_Muslim_countries
     
    Many Jews living in Europe and Arab countries began to make their way toward Israel to support the new Jewish state. This was accompanied by a new Political Semi Religious movement known as Zionism. Israel was later established as a Jewish State in 1948.
     
    The Role of Zionism: The Jewish Militias and large Jewish exodus from neighboring Arab countries were empowered by Zionist philosophy. In short it is a Jewish Nationalist movement aimed at supporting the creation of a Jewish State and reparations for anti-Semitic activities that have taken place throughout history. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zionism
     



     

    Anti-Zionist Jews Burning the Flag of Israel


     



     

    Anti-Zionist Jews in support of Iran and Palestine


     
    Zionism on the political spectrum would rank Far Right/Conservative and this has created a strong divide among the Jewish community regarding Israel. According to the Torah, the Jews must wait for the return of the Messiah before they can establish a Jewish State. Zionism ignores this portion of the Jewish Religious Text, arguing that the Jewish People have suffered enough wrongdoing at the hands of their enemies and the only means of protection is the immediate creation of a Jewish State. Jews who do not agree with Zionism and its effects on the region have strong condemnation of Israel and its policies. Zionism at its very core cannot accept a Two-State Solution: One State for Jews another for Arabs. Zionists proclaim all of Israel belongs to the Jews. Conversely, Israel does not give Arab Palestinians equal protection under Israeli law (frequently cited as the One-State Solution to which the Palestinians have agreed too but Israel demands further concessions)
     
    In 1948 the remaining Arab Militias were reorganized and armed by neighboring Arab countries and these militias carried out a 9 month war with the newly created Israeli Defense Forces and lost. They were eventually forced to retreat to either Egypt or Jordan.
     




     

    Artists Depiction of the Battle of Dothan Valley, Samaria


     

    Six Day War: In 1967 Israel responding to tensions on its border with Egypt launched a simultaneous offensive against Egypt, Syria Jordan and Iraq and won. At the end of this war Israel had expanded to include the Sinai Peninsula and the Gaza Strip (Formerly Part of Egypt), The West Bank (Formerly Part of Jordan) and the Golan Heights (Formerly Part of Syria). The Zionist Government of Israel used this offensive to "reclaim lost Jewish Land" and it was intended to solidify Israels position in the Middle East. Egypt at the time had the largest military in the Middle East and the most capable Air Force in the region. The majority of military equipment during this era was of either American or Soviet origin.
     
    The majority of Arab states used Soviet weaponry (although Jordan used American equipment) while Israel used American and British armament. The Israeli Defense Forces overwhelmed all Arab opponents and pushed into Egypt as far as Suez forcing the Egyptians to retreat. IDF forces continued to fire and bombard fleeing Egyptian soldiers after they were defeated.
     



     

    Artists Deception of the IDF attack on the USS Liberty


     
    USS Liberty Incident: On June 8, 1967 the Israeli Air Force attacked an American Research Vessel the USS Liberty which was in International Waters 29 miles north of the Egyptian city, Arish. Israeli Air Force jets had been monitoring the USS Liberty activity and had positively identified the ship as American. This first wave of pilots had neglected to inform the second wave who had identified the ship as Egyptian. The Egyptian Navy used British Destroyers of the Hunt Class during this time which looked nothing like the USS Liberty. IDF torpedo boats made one pass and torpedoed the USS Liberty killing 34 and wounding 171 while severely damaging the ship. Israel claimed it could not identify the ship positively because it was not displaying a flag. The crew has displayed an American Flag after the initial fly-by of IDF Jets over their position. Israel paid $3 Million to the families of those who died and another $3 Million to those who had been wounded as well as $6 Million for the cost of the Liberty. It is believed by some the Israelis knew the ship was American and were ordered to attack anyway.
     
    Palestinian Reemergence: In the 1980s Israel began the process of destroying Palestinian Homes for new Israeli Settlements. The Palestinians in the Occupied West Bank began to retaliate against IDF Forces and this began a drive for Palestinian Nationalism. The Palestinians are currently governed by the Palestinian Authority. Two main groups control its Legislative council, Fatah and Hamas. This confederation of loosely associated Palestinian Resistance has created confusion.
     



     

    Fatah Palestinian Security Forces on patrol in the West Bank


     



     

    Hamas Police Officers March in Gaza City


     

    Fatah generally has control over the Palestinian areas of the West Bank and the Palestinian Capital City of Ramallah. Fatah is more secular in its governance and its recognized by the United States and the West to be the legitimate government of the Palestinian people.
     
    Hamas secures the Palestinian settlements of the Gaza Strip and is more religious and adherent to Sunni Islam. Hamas is designated a Terrorist group by the United States while other countries have not given them this mark. Hamas like Fatah has two separate wings, one which is political and the other is militant. The political wing of Hamas works to effect change in the Palestinian government while the militant wing works to defend Gaza against Israeli incursion.
     
    The Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades are the militant wing of Hamas, and they too have been labeled a terrorist group. The Brigades operate independently of the Political wing which often causes confusion. The Brigades do not take orders from the politicians running Hamas and act in both offensive and defensive manners.
     

    Israeli Air Strikes into Gaza have killed citizens whom the IDF claim are being used as "human shields". Israel's offensives against Hamas often have severe consequences such as targeting hospitals and schools. During the IDF's most recent incursion into Gaza, IDF forces were instructed to shoot and kill anyone who was not an IDF soldier.
     

    Fatah and Hamas have had fighting among themselves but have quelled recent tensions to focus on Palestinian Statehood.
     



     

    Likud


     
    Israeli Leadership: Israel is currently governed by the Likud Party and its Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Likud does not want a Two State Solution to the crisis but constantly tells the United States and the United Nations that it is "committed to a Two state solution". Israel received billions of dollars of American Aid Money and no longer sees a reason to negotiate for a two state solution and is intent on imprisoning the Palestinians in Gaza and eventually pushing them out of the West Bank. The Likud leadership in order to keep the United States and the West as well as the UN appeased must continue to fear monger them into thinking that Israel is constantly under attack from Hamas (when most of Hamas activity recently has been retaliatory) and Iran (Netanyahu called the US/Iran Deal detrimental to Israeli Security..... Taking Nukes away from Iran puts Israel in danger?)
     




    Fatah


     
    Palestinian Leadership: Fatah was founded by the stalwart Palestinian Statesman Yasser Arafat and is currently lead by the President of the Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas. Fatah unlike the Likud Party is Far Left allying itself with center-left socialist ideology. Fatah along with Hamas and other groups form a Confederation which jointly represent the interests of the Palestinian People. Fatah has been successful in getting Israel to temporarily off and on agree to the Two State Solution however Israeli construction of settlements in the Palestinian Controlled West Bank continues.
     
     
     
    Current Status: Israel is continuing to demolish settlements in the West Bank and building a wall against the Palestinian territories as well as laying minefields to keep Palestinians out of Newly constructed Israeli settlements. Israel is currently led by the Likud Party which is continuing Israels long history of Zionist aggression against its Palestinian neighbors. The only two possible solutions to the crisis have been addressed but rebuffed by the current Israeli government.
     
     
     

    Save Gaza, Free Palestine


     

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlOSNnJAKw8

     


    Exercise Restraint, Negotiate


     

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s44hw4xSE90

  7. Stalliongrad
    It is a common misconception that the vast majority of traffic and speed enforcement is done in the name of safety. It is however false and that profits have triumphed over safety and police officers have been ordered to pull over vehicles at random to achieve ticket quotas.
     




     

    Radar Countermeasures fitted to the grille of a Subaru Outback


     

    Purpose and Function: Radar Countermeasures are devices fitted to vehicles which detect, sensor and or block radar directed at the vehicle by law enforcement. This gives the driver ample amount of time to correct his or her speed before entering a speed enforcement area.
     



     

    Warning Sign forbidding the use of Radar Detectors at Virginia/Washington DC Border City of Rosslyn, Virginia


     
    Legality: Many States have prohibited the use of these devices for one reason only. They disrupt the flow of revenue generated by issuing traffic citations. Police Officers issuing tickets have a 1 in 4 chance that the individuals they cite will actually show up to traffic court to dispute the summons. If 3 people forgo this and pay the fine but one fought a ticket and won the state still collected money for illegally issued traffic citations.
     



     

    Diagram displaying Radar Jamming Technology


     
    Radar Jammer: Radar Detectors are often paired with Jammers as well. These devices confuse and deflect radar signals emitted from police radar guns making it impossible for the police to get an accurate reading of the speed of your vehicle decreasing the chances of being pulled over. Radar emits a laser which is aimed at a target, the amount of time it takes for the laser to return to its source determines how fast the target is moving thus giving a speed reading. Jammers emit their own reading at a higher frequency confusing the police radar. Other countermeasures simply "ping" the radar laser off of their vehicle into another direction also confusing police radar.
     



     

    Radar Detectors by Cobra Electronics


     
    Devices: The most common type of Radar Detectors are mounted by the driver onto the dashboard while others are more intricate and hidden in the vehicles front bumper or grille. The device will beep and flash when sources of radar are detected allowing you time to compensate your speed accordingly.
     



     


    Subdued Radar Countermeasures fitted to a Tesla Model S


     
    Plasti-dip: Plasti-dip is a removable temporary paint which is often applied to cars to temporarily change its exterior color. Plasti-dip is also used as a radar countermeasure as well. Radar works well against shiny surfaces like chrome and aluminum. These surfaces are often the portions of a car police will aim at because the radar is guaranteed to work when aimed at these areas. Plasti-dip is often used to cover wheels, mirrors and car emblems to block radar as well. When the driver is ready to remove the plasti-dip paint it simply chips off after picking at it with a fingernail.
     



     

    Mercedes Benz Emblem covered in Plasti-dip


     



     

    Infiniti G37 grille covered in Plasti-dip


     
     
     

    Radar Detector Demonstration


     




  8. Stalliongrad
    Solaris Bus and Coach is a Polish heavy vehicle manufacturer well known for its bus offerings across Eastern Europe.


     
     
     



     
     
     

    Solaris Urbino 18 CNG Factory Demonstrator


     
     
     

    Manufacturer Quick Facts:


     
     
     

    Founded: 2001



    Main Office: Bolechowo, Poland



    Notable Product: Urbino, Alpino, InterUrbino, Vacanza, Valletta, Tramino


     

    Solaris is also known for building intercity Trams as well, building models for major cities in Eastern Europe.
     




     
     
     

    Solaris Vacanza Touring Coach converted into a Blood Collection Van at the University of Warsaw


     

    Solaris actually began as a contractor for Neoplan. Solaris built and sold Neoplan buses in Poland for the Eastern European market. Solaris began building its own buses in 1999 and did not renew its license with Neoplan. Solaris builds Standard Transit Buses as well as Trolleybuses and Tourist Coaches.
     




     
     
     

    Solaris InterUrbino Factory Demonstrator


     

    Solaris was the first European bus manufacturer to produce a hybrid version of one if its main models. For its electric buses and trams, Solaris teams up with other companies such as Ganz Electro in Hungary and Cegelec in the Czech Republic to assist with developing Batteries and other electric vehicle technologies.
     




     
     
     

    Solaris Urbino 18 Hybrid Factory Demonstrator at a transit convention in France


     
     
     

    New Solaris Urbino 12 Hybrid Teaser Film from Solaris


     
     
     




     
     
     

    Solaris Urbino CNG Backfire


     
     
     




  9. Stalliongrad
    The Greater Stockholm Local Transit Company or SL as it is locally known, organizes land based public transportation in Stockholm


     
     
     



     
     
     

    SL MAN Lion's City decorated for LGBT Pride Week


     

    Type: Public/Private Hybrid SL Buses are owned and operated by private companies, SL rail services use SL owned Rolling Stock but are operated by private companies.
     
    Fleet Size: Undisclosed, vehicles are shifted around between various independent contractors and records are private
     
    Routes: 40 Bus lines, 25 Heavy and Light Rail lines
     
    Manufacturer and Powerplant: The private contractors operating for SL often use imported German MAN and Mercedes-Benz models running on CNG or Hybrid Powerplants. Others may use domestic Swedish vehicles procured from Volvo and Scania powered by Biofuels and Ethanol.
     




     
     
     

    SL Scania OmniCity


     

    Fare Collection: There is no Contactless Card Payment System in Stockholm. Tickets must be purchased and then validated similar to the BVG Berlin system. Stockholm has one of the most expensive to board public transit networks in the world and operates on an extremely outdated Zoning model. In this complicated model moving between zones of the city can cost extra especially during rush hour. 1 Ticket costs 25 Krona. (25 Swedish Krona = $2.96 US Dollars) a one day pass costs 117 Krona (117 Swedish Krona = $13.83 US Dollars)
     
    Livery: SL uses two liveries which denote different types of service. Routes serviced by Red buses are classed as Service routes. These are routes which provide normal service from residential areas to the city centers and vice versa. Blue Buses provide service in the city centers as well as suburban routes which connect to the outer areas of the city. Elderly People and Pregnant women are allowed to "hail" the service buses like taxis even if not at a bus stop in certain residential areas.
     




     
     
     

    SL Volvo B9S in Blue Livery


     

    Innovations: SL has a history of Privatizing and then later returning to a public model. First Privatizing in 1915 and going public in the 1920s after acquiring private motor bus companies. In its current incarnation SL privatized again in 1993 and has shifted to become more like TFL in London imposing regulations on the private contractors to keep service as normalized as possible.
     


    SL at work in Stockholm


     
     
     




     
     
     




  10. Stalliongrad
    (Happy New Year! Wewt Wewt)


     
    Procurement is when Transit Agencies or Motor Carriers are looking to add new vehicles to their fleets or are looking to start operations and need to acquire vehicles.
     
    Stages: The individuals in charge of purchasing new buses for transit fleets are often called "Procurement Officers/Specialists". They often report to a board of directors who run the transit agency.
     



     

    Volvo 9700 Factory Demonstrator


     
    Stage 1: The board of directors will inform the Procurement Officer about the Budget the agency has to spend on new vehicles as well as the costs associated with operating and maintaining them. The procurement officers job is generally to find new vehicles that will fit within the budget.
     



     

    NovaBus LFS Factory Demonstrator


     
    Stage 2: Procurement Officers will Analyze the current status and future service projections. Procurement Officers will organize a meeting with senior bus operators and sometimes union officials to address any difficulties where bus operators have seen a need for important change. Some buses may have gotten to old and need to be replaced. Some buses have a turning radius which makes operation on some bus routes far more difficult than need be. They will then take a special bus with a senior bus operator out on to the routes to see what new features newer buses should have.
     



     

    New Flyer Xcelsior XDE40 Factory Demonstrator


     
    Step 3: Procurement Officers will contact various bus manufacturers to inform them of an upcoming procurement bid. The bus manufacturers will then look over the list made by the Procurement Officer and see if they currently build or can build buses that will meet or exceed this list of requirements. The Manufacturers will send representatives with Factory Demonstrators, or buses that are designed to show transit agencies what types of buses they can build and what technologies they use.
     



     

    Proterra BE-35 Factory Demonstrator


     
    Step 4: The Procurement Officers will then set up a Bid. A process in which the bus manufacturers interested in competing for a contract agreement will send factory demonstrators and provide information related to how much the fleet they are being asked to build will cost and how long it will take to complete.
     



     

    Mercedes Benz Citaro Factory Demonstrator


     
    Step 5: The Board of Directors will have gone over each bid from the different manufacturers and will select one based on if a specific type of bus will meet the cities needs better or will select the manufacturer who provides the cheaper option. The winner of the bid, will then sign a contract and be awarded money to build the new fleet of vehicles and must provide them within the time period in the contract agreement.
     


    New Flyer Xcelsior XN60 Factory Demonstrator






     

    Proterra BE35 Factory Demonstrator


     




  11. Stalliongrad
    Known for her often bubbly personality, knowledge of motorsports and intense passion for racing Sabine Schmitz adds a flair of girl power to the male dominated following of motorsports.


     



     

    Sabine Schmitz with the BMW M5 Ring Taxi


     

    Driver Quick Facts:


     

    Name: Sabine Schmitz



    Birthday: May 14, 1969



    Hometown: Adenau, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany



    Series: World Touring Car Championship



    Team: Munnich Motorsport GmbH, Porsche, BMW M Sport



    Sponsorship: BMW M Sport



    Victories: 50 (Winner of the 1996 and 1997 24 Hours of Nürburgring)



    World Touring Car Championship Career: Disputed as her Career is on and off and is in Semi-Retirement


     



     

    Munich Motorsport RML TC1 Chevrolet Cruze raced by Schmitz in 2015


     
    Overview: Sabine Schmitz had long been racing before coming to international fame and becoming a recognizable figure on television. Sabine Schimtz was born to a family of hotel and restaurant owners eventually trained to manage one owned by her family near the racetrack in Nurburg. Eventually she and her sisters began racing but Sabine was the only one who stuck with it after a few amateur victories. She has remakred she has probably been around the Nurburgring over 30,000 times. Her familiarity and knowledge of the racetrack have earned her the nickname "The Queen of the Ring". She is more recognized as a commentator and TV personality beginning with her time at the reigns of the BMW Ring Taxi. BMW Sponsors her company Sabine Schmitz Motorsports which operates the "Ring Taxi" a ride given to tourists and race enthusiasts around the track at high speed. The vehicles provided are always the current generation of the famed BMW M5. Sabine stopped driving the Ring Taxi since 2011. When she was driving she allowed her passengers to record their experience with her driving which were often uploaded to youtube, increasing her popularity along with her appearances on Top Gear.
     



     

    Sabine Scmitz in the BMW M5 Ring Taxi


     

    BMW Unscripted


     




     


    A Typical Ring Taxi Experience With Sabine Schmitz


     




  12. Stalliongrad
    Workers in the Transportation Industry often face unfair treatment with regard to simple labor practices that in other industries are not an issue.
     

    The Two Largest Representing Transportation Workers:
     




     

    Amalgamated Transit Union


     

    Founded: September 15, 1892



    Main Office: Washington DC, United States



    Affiliation: American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations



    (AFL-CIO)



    Additional Councils: Canadian Council organized in 1982 to represent transportation workers of the Toronto Transit Commission (Local 113)



    Workforce: Transit Employees, School Bus Drivers, Subway Operators, Mechanics


     




     

    International Brotherhood of Teamsters


     

    Founded: 1903



    Main Office: Washington DC, United States



    Affiliation: Change to Win Federation, Canadian Labour Congress



    Additional Councils: Teamsters Canada



    Workforce: Blue Collar Workers, Truck Drivers, Taxi Drivers, Professional Chauffeurs


     

    Some Common issues brought about in Labor Disputes for Bus Drivers are:
     
    Pay: As is the case in most Labor Disputes, Pay is usually at the top of the list. Bus Drivers typically receive pay based on seniority. Drivers who have been at the company the longest are paid more and usually have first pick of route assignments and any available overtime work. Some Cities have Privatized their public transport network. The way this works is the public bus service is contracted to a Transportation company to run day to day operations with public taxpayer money. The issue this creates is the transportation company has a vested interest in keeping as much of that money as possible. Because the drivers work for the private company and not the government pay is usually lower and raises are far less common.
     
    Bathroom Breaks: It sounds juvenile to argue about when one has the right to go to the bathroom but bus drivers are in a unique position because of the fast paced nature that is public transportation. Bus Drivers spend anywhere from 6 to 10 hours behind the wheel driving a route until their clock out time. Public Transit Buses are not equipped with restrooms. This means that during a bus driver's shift, he or she must request permission to use a restroom (like a kindergartner). The dispute from the company point of view is that a public transit bus cannot be taken off of a route for any length of time because of the potential for delays in service, Vandalism or Theft of a Public Transit Bus etc. When Bus Drivers take bathroom breaks they usually must "Find" one first. Being a bus driver is not like a desk job where the bathroom is down the hallway. Most usually find a restaurant or store that will allow them to use it. (which takes more time) The Unions have successfully lobbied for bus drivers to have the right to request bathroom breaks at anytime during a shift. It was not uncommon for bus drivers to pee in bottles while driving because they weren't allowed to go to the bathroom. With women making up a large percentage of bus drivers in recent years the unions have to remind transit operators to allow them extra time.
     
    Sick Leave/Call Outs: Again, Driving a transit bus is not like a normal desk job where if you are sick you can keep tissues at your desk along with a warm cup of tea and still get your work done. When bus drivers are sick they are not able to focus on the road while operating their vehicles. Bus Drivers come in contact with hundreds of people a day and it is not common for bus drivers to catch colds frequently. Federal Department of Transportation Regulations prohibit the use of drugs and cold medicine because they can make Bus Drivers drowsy. Bus Drivers not being allowed to take cold medicine while coming into contact with the general public every day means they get sick more than average. Most transit agencies have an attendance policy which works off of a point system (where points are bad). Acquiring a certain number of points means that a driver could be fired or suspended. A bus driver calling out sick at my company received 2 points. The company would fire you after 10 points and 1 point could be removed for 30 days of attendance. This policy forced drivers to come into work while sick because they were afraid of being fired for calling out sick. This is common among many transit agencies. A sick bus driver is not a safe bus driver because he or she cannot focus on the road. The Unions have fought to alter or abolish call out penalties in many transit agencies attendance policies.
     
    Hazardous Conditions: Every transit agency has its own protocol dealing with bad weather, some transit agencies do not shut down even during hurricanes or heavy snowfall. This ignores the fact that in some types of weather driving a transit bus is simply not possible. Agencies and unions have worked out agreements in which a set system of parameters dictates if bus service should be suspended in the interest of safety. When bus drivers are forced to drive in undrivable conditions it increases the chances of an accident. Many agencies did this on purpose to force their own drivers to have accidents so they would have an excuse to fire them. Some of the local unions have agreements that allow bus drivers to decide when conditions are not safe, they are allowed to pull the bus over and wait for the weather to clear. Others have bargained for extra pay for driving during bad weather conditions.
     
    Bus Driver Attacks: Bus Drivers are attacked in every major city every day. Driving a bus and coming into contact with the public comes with a degree of exposure. But no bus driver goes to work expecting to be confronted with a gun or a knife. Simply put, its not in the job description. All transit buses are equipped with cameras and recording devices. But this does not prevent attacks on bus drivers. The most common reason bus drivers are attacked is when a passenger boards a bus and does not pay the fare. When asked to pay, some people are willing to attack bus drivers for a free ride hoping the driver doesn't want a confrontation. Sometimes attacking people is part of a gang initiation and bus drivers sometimes taxi drivers are targets. Transit Agencies expect their drivers to be friendly and courteous, its hard to be friendly and courteous in a neighborhood where bus driver attacks are fairly common. One driver in my area was attacked so badly he is no longer able to eat solid food. The Unions have put pressure on the Transit agencies to install Plexi-glass barricades which separate the driver from the passengers. Police take these attacks seriously because if a bus driver is attacked while he or she is driving. Not only is the driver at risk, the passengers on the bus are at risk as well as the public because the driver cannot drive the vehicle safely with someone attacking them. The transit agencies have been reluctant to install the barricades (which are fairly common in Europe) because it erases the "Friendly Bus Driver" image they wish to portray. It eliminates contact with the public, and forces the agency to acknowledge that sometimes the public we are supposed to serve is the problem. Female Bus drivers working late shifts driving a night bus route are extremely vulnerable to this type of attack. Most buses are now equipped with a silent alarm which alerts the police to an emergency on board.
     
    Bus Maintenance: Transit Buses spend an extremely long amount of time on the road. Wear and tear on transit buses is something that must be constantly kept in check because of the safety risks. An improperly maintained bus can but bus drivers in emergency situations that could have been avoided if the bus had been maintained properly. Some agencies do not hire enough mechanics to properly service its entire fleet. Buses may spend only a few hours in the yard before they go back onto their routes. For example, if bus service ends at 3 AM and begins at 6 AM the buses are only idle for 3 hours. That is not a long enough time window for mechanics to properly inspect and maintain bus fleets. This causes them to abandon their ASE Certification for "quick fix" tactics. Last winter nearly 20 buses at my company ran out of fuel while out on the route because the mechanics did not have enough time to fuel them. It is frequent for buses at my lot to overheat because they simply have no antifreeze. Personally speaking i remember making a right turn in my bus and my steering wheel was suddenly rendered inoperable. When the mechanic reached me he told me my bus had no power steering fluid. These types of mistakes can cause serious and catastrophic accidents. Unions have fought for transit authorities to have extra capital to hire additional mechanics.
     
    Keep these things in mind the next time you wonder why your bus driver doesn't give you a smile.
     
    Support your Local ATU!!! WE ARE ONE!!!
  13. Stalliongrad
    Simply known as the "T" by locals, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority is the 4th largest transit network in the United States, averaging 1.3 million trips every weekday nearly 33% of people in the Boston area commute with public transportation.


     



     

    Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority New Flyer Xcelsior XN40


     

    Type: Public, Semi-Political Subdivision of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
     
    Union Representation: All MBTA Bus Operators are represented by Amalgamated Transit Union Local 589
     
    Fleet Size: 1,060 Low Floor Transit Buses, 125 Heavy Locomotives
     
    Routes: 178 Bus Routes, 11 Commuter Heavy Rail Lines, 3 Subway Lines, 5 Ferry Boat Routes shipping from 9 Terminals
     
    Manufacturer And Powerplant: The MBTA recently signed a $222 Million agreement with New Flyer of Canada to provide additional Xcelsior Buses to phase out older Orion, NABI and Neoplan models. The MBTA is the second largest consumer of Compressed Natural Gas in Massachusetts. The MBTA is attempting to go diesel free opting for the Xcelsior XN40 CNG Variant from New Flyer. Although some XDE Models are in service.
     



     

    Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority New Flyer Xcelsior XDE40


     
    Fare Collection: The Contactless Card Payment System in Boston is known as CharlieCard. It is named after a folk song called "Charlie on the MTA" (When the MBTA was still known as the Metropolitan Transit Authority). The Song refers to a man named Charlie who is trapped on the MTA system because he cannot pay the 5 Cent surcharge required to exit the station. It is valid on MBTA Buses and Subway but not on commuter rail or ferries.
     



     

    MBTA CharlieCard


     
    Livery: MBTA Transit Buses host 4 tier paintwork working from the bottom up with Gray. Black, Yellow and Blue Stripes on a White Backdrop. MBTA Commuter Rail Locomotives are notable among rail fans because of their Magenta, Gray and Yellow Paint.
     



     

    Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority NovaBus Rapid Transit Series


     

    Innovations: Along with SEPTA, the MBTA is one of only 2 Transit Agencies in the United States known to operate all 5 of the most common types of rapid public transport. Bus, Subway, Heavy Commuter Rail. Light Rail and Watercraft. The T Symbol was adopted in 1960 and was inspired by the same logo used by the Stockholm Metro in Sweden. Its simplistic nature was thought to help people find the train quicker.
     



     

    The "T"


     




     

    Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority NABI LFW


     


    The "T" at Work


     




     





  14. Stalliongrad
    Alexander Dennis is a British Manufacturer of transit buses and has expanded, acquiring market share internationally.


     



     

    Alexander Dennis New Enviro 400 Factory Demonstrators


     

    Manufacturer Quick Facts:


     

    Founded: 2004



    Main Office: Larbert, Scotland, United Kingdom



    Notable Product: Enviro 400, Enviro 500, ALX400, Trident, Sabre, Dagger



    Industry: Buses and Fire Engines


     



     

    Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service Alexander Dennis Sabre XL


     
    Alexander Dennis is best known for its internationally exported Fire Engines and Double Decker buses used in countries all around the world. It is also one of the major bus manufacturers for the United Kingdom. After its company restructuring, Alexander Dennis decided it was worth the expensive investment to alter its Enviro 400 and 500 models for export to the United States and Canada. Two markets which haven't been as receptive to Double Deckers in the past have now begun to show interest and it has paid off as many transit agencies in the United States and Canada are considering Double Deckers over Articulated Buses.
     



     

    Kowloon Motor Bus (KMB) Alexander Dennis Enviro 500 on route in Hong Kong


     
    Hong Kong (a former British Territory which still drives on the right) has been one of Alexander Dennis' major export markets as Hong Kong has a high demand for double decker buses. Special versions have been built for the Hong Kong market which feature tighter turning radius and high capacity air conditioning. In North America most Alexander Dennis buses are used in Tourist sightseeing operations where the buses have an "open-top" configuration. However some agencies are exploring double deckers for transit applications as well.
     



     

    Community Transit (Seattle/Sound Transit Ally) Alexander Dennis Enviro 500


     



     

    OC Transpo (Ottawa) Alexander Dennis Enviro 500


     
    Although many Tour Bus operators are protesting the use of double deckers in a transit setting, plans have moved forward in many American and Canadian cities to use them. Alexander Dennis frequently brings its factory demonstrator to Transit events to show procurement officers who may be interested. They also loan factory demonstrators to transit agencies curious about them as a trial.
     

    OC Transpo Alexander Dennis Enviro 500


     




     

    Community Transit Alexander Dennis Enviro 500


     




  15. Stalliongrad
    Issued by the State Department to foreign Diplomats, Ambassadors and Consul's, Diplomatic License Plates are a common sight here in Washington DC and New York City. Any city with major concentrations of Embassies and Consulates have a higher amount of their use.


     



     

    Cadillac Deville on older Diplomatic License Plates (1985 Template) in NYC near the United Nations Building


     
    Purpose and Function: Diplomatic License Plates are used on vehicles which are owned or used by Embassies and Consulates. They are issued by the U.S. State Department Office of Foreign Missions (OFM) and allow diplomats to drive in the United States without having to obtain a US Driver's License and in some cases a vehicle approved for use on American roads.
     



     

    In 2007 the State Department OFM changed the Template as some claimed the older template was too similar to license plates issued by the State of Ohio.


     
    Rank and Diplomatic Status: In Diplomacy, some members of a Diplomatic mission have lower status and thus lower immunity and protections, these individuals are issued license plates by the State Department as well however they look different.
     
    Diplomat: OFM plates issued with the title "Diplomat" are given to representatives of Foreign Embassies. These individuals have the highest diplomatic rank and immunity protections. The majority of these license plates remain in Washington DC.
     
    Consul: OFM plates which read "Consul" are given to individuals with Consular status. Consul's do not directly represent an Embassy, but they do represent their respective nation at a Consulate. They have some diplomatic immunity.
     



     

    An OFM Consular License Plate


     
    Staff: OFM issues license plates to vehicles used by the Staff who work at foreign embassies and consulates. These license plates look similar to the other two, however have no title written on them. These individuals usually haven no diplomatic immunity and protections and are subject to the same laws as the rest of the motoring public.
     



     

    OFM Staff License Plate


     

    Abuse: The U.S. State Department issued a manual to Police Departments which may come into contact with vehicles using these license plates. They specifically outline the protections given to individuals using them. It was once a frequent occurrence where diplomats were pulled over for traffic violations and police officers were unaware of diplomatic immunity. Because Diplomatic Immunity is covered under International Law, and the complex nature surrounding it Police Officers are unlikely to pull over or ticket vehicles using OFM License Plates. This has led to a abuse in some cities where, Diplomats have been found parking in handicap spaces, in front of fire hydrants and in tow away zones. Some have even been found to disregard common moving violations such as running red lights and speeding. An Officer reporting abuse of OFM plates could very well be putting his/her career on the line. Diplomatic Immunity can be revoked and Diplomats can be sent back to their home countries for abusing this privilege but it is often a long process that requires a joint inquiry by a Police Department and the OFM.
     



     

    Diplomats in NYC were criticized for parking for "Free" and usually all day.


     

    Vehicle Immunity: Sometimes Diplomats bring over their personal cars from their home country for use here in the US. These vehicles because they were not built to US specifications are not allowed for import by US citizens but are allowed to be used if attached to a person with immunity.
     



     

    A Chevrolet Cobalt on Diplomatic Plates


     
     
     

    Qatari Diplomats Street Race in Beverly Hills


     




  16. Stalliongrad
    The epitome of the word Taxi, The Checker Marathon has long been solidified in the hall of the Transit greats.


     



     

    Checker Marathon Brochure


     



     

    Manufacturer Quick Facts:


     

    Founded: 1922



    Main Office: Kalamazoo, Michigan



    Industry: Large Family Sedans, Livery Vehicles, Ambulances



    Notable Product: Marathon, Supurba, Aerobus


     



     

    Privately Owned, Partially Restored Checker Marathon


     

    Model Quick Facts:


     

    Body: 4 Door Sedan or 5 Door Wagon



    Wheelbase: 120 Inches



    Engine Options: Chevy and Oldsmobile Small Block V6 or V8 Engines



    Transmission Options: "Drive-Er-Matic" Borg-Warner Automatic Transmissions



    Drivetrain Layout: RWD



    Assembly: Kalamazoo, Michigan


     



     

    A Checker Marathon in New York City


     

    Overview: Founded, quite by chance by a union of a small car company and a body manufacturer, Checker had been building cars since the early 1920's. Checker introduced the Marathon in 1960 and a few years later released a larger more upscale version called the Superba. Eventually many of the creature comforts of the Supurba were made available in the Marathon in a special version called the Marathon Custom. There are many reasons why the Checker Marathon was so popular as a livery vehicle with taxi companies. The first of which being its size and high roof. The Checker Marathon was large enough to comfortably seat 5 adults in the back and 3 up front. This made it perfect for Taxi duties where carrying more people and their luggage means more money and profits. Second, Despite Checker Motors and GM being separate companies, the Marathon shared many components with similar Chevy models. This meant it was easy and cheap to repair and maintain. The third and most interesting reason why the Marathon was so loved by Taxi companies is that throughout its 21 year production run, the Marathon did not change very much. The formula of Large Car, Large Trunk, Large Engine worked for 21 years until the last Checker Marathon was built in 1982. Having so many cars on the road that are interchangeable with one another is a huge bonus.
     
    It could be argued the Checker Marathon is the spiritual grandfather to later large sedans which took over the Taxicab market such as the Chevrolet Caprice and the Ford Crown Victoria.
     



     

    The Marathon had a very large rear compartment for lots of legroom. It also featured 2 pop up seats which could be folded from the back of the front seat or the floor to accommodate 2 more passengers.


     

    Driving Experience: Because of the similarities with GM under the hood, many didn't find them difficult to drive. The Marathon was slightly wider because of the extra space but veteran Taxi drivers were easily able to compensate.
     



     

    The Marathon also saw Police service as well, notably in its home City of Kalamazoo


     
    The Checker Marathon appeared in many movies and TV shows for decades, it was a major focus point in the 1983 movie D.C. Cab where a young man helps save a cab company owned by his fathers army buddy. (Good movie, Rated R for brief nude scene)
     

    One of the last Checker Cabs in NYC


     




     

    Private Collector restoring the last Checker's on the Road


     




  17. Stalliongrad
    Air Alliances are formed by public and private Airlines and act as a sort of Union acting as the voice of its members in the public arena. These alliances also agree on common fare practices as well as other aviation related matters.
     
    These Alliances also dominate specific sections of air travel in certain parts of the world. An example of this would be American Airlines and British Airways (both OneWorld members) dominance of the Atlantic Ocean Air Travel.
     

    The Largest 3 Are As Follows:


     



     

    Star Alliance


     

    Founded: May 14,1997



    Full Members with Voting Rights: 27



    Affiliate Airlines with no Voting Rights: 40



    Airports Served: 1,321



    Annual Passengers Moved: 600 Million



    Combined Fleet Size of all Members: 4,456 Aircraft



    Headquarters: Frankfurt am Main, Germany


     

    Founding Members: Air Canada, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Thai Airways International, United Airlines


     

    Star Alliance Members as of 2015


     



     
    Livery and Tail Flash: Star Alliance Livery consists of a white backdrop with the Star Alliance Logo and Insignia on the Tail Flash with themes of Dark Blue. The Member Airline's logo is prominently displayed at the front toward the bottom.
     



     

    A United Airlines Boeing 767 in Star Alliance Livery


     
     
     
     
     



     

    SkyTeam


     

    Founded: June 22, 2000



    Full Members with Voting Rights: 20



    Affiliate Airlines with no Voting Rights: 8



    Airports Served: 1,052



    Annual Passengers Moved: 612 Million



    Combined Fleet Size of all Members: 3,054 Aircraft



    Headquarters: Haarlemmermeer, Netherlands


     

    Founding Members: Areomexico, Air France, Delta Air Lines, Korean Air


     

    SkyTeam Members as of 2015


     



     

    Livery and Tail Flash: SkyTeam's Livery is typically Brushed Silver or White Backdrop along with the SkyTeam Insignia and Logo on a blue tail flash. The Member Airline's logo is displayed at the bottom.
     



     

    Delta Air Lines Boeing 777-300ER in SkyTeam Livery


     
     
     
     
     




     

    OneWorld


     

    Founded: February 1, 1999



    Full Members with Voting Rights: 15



    Affiliate Airlines with no Voting Rights: 21



    Airports Served: 1,010



    Annual Passengers Moved: 512 Million



    Combined Fleet Size of all Members: 3,428 Aircraft



    Headquarters: New York City, United States


     

    Founding Members: American Airlines, British Airways, Canadian Airlines (Left the Alliance after merger with Air Canada), Cathay Pacific, Qantas


     

    OneWorld Members as of 2015


     




     
    Livery and Tail Flash: Uniquely, OneWorld allows the Member Airline to keep its standard livery, but the alliance livery adds the "Member of OneWorld" logo as well as themes of purple.
     




     

    Qantas Airbus A330 with OneWorld Livery


  18. Stalliongrad
    The National Flag Carrier airline of Ethiopia and one of the most successful of all airlines in Africa, Ethiopian Airlines provides service to destinations other international carriers do not.


     



     

    Artists Depiction of an Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737-800


     
    Type: Public, Owned by the Government of Ethiopia
     
    Fleet Size: 76 Aircraft
     
    Routes: 101 Passenger Destinations, 23 Cargo Routes
     
    Air Operators Certificate Number: ETIF876F
     
    Call Sign: Ethiopian
     
    IATA Designator: ET
     
    Hubs: Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD)
     
    Alliance: Star Alliance, Joined in December 2011
     




     

    Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 787 Dreamliner preparing to leave Frankfurt, Germany


     
    Manufacturer and Powerplant: Ethiopian Airlines is a long timer customer of Boeing and has hosted aircraft from Airbus and McDonnell-Douglas in the past. Ethiopian was one of the first airlines to purchase the Boeing 787 during its initial development in 2005. After the worldwide grounding of all Boeing 787s, Ethiopian was the first to resume normal service with its 787s and it is the only African carrier to operate them.
     



     

    Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 767-300 arriving in The Netherlands


     
    Fare Collection: Tickets are purchased at Airports where Ethiopian has a presence and at non permanent locations via travel agents/brokers.
     



     


    An Ethiopian Airlines Boarding Pass for a flight from Bangkok, Thailand to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia


     
    Frequent Flyer Program and First Class Arrangements: Ethiopian Airlines Loyalty Program is known as ShebaMiles (Named after the Queen of Sheba). First class passengers enjoy on demand movie and TV show programs on a 8 or 9 inch screen and a selection of hot meals from the on board food menu not available to passengers in coach.
     



     
     
     
    Livery and Tail Flash: Ethiopian Airlines host the carriers call sign painted in red on a white backdrop. Like all members of Star Alliance, logos of the Star Alliance appear next to the main door. The tail flash hosts the colors of the Ethiopian flag and Sub-Saharan Africa in an arranged "Wing" pattern.
     
    Innovations: Ethiopian has one of the best safety records of all African airlines and this is mostly attributed to newer aircraft and better trained pilots. Ethiopian suffered a few accidents due to hijackings but has since maintained the international standard of cockpit security.
     


    Ethiopian Airlines Landing and Takeoff at Dublin, Ireland


     




     

    Ethiopian Airlines at Stockholm, Sweden


     




  19. Stalliongrad
    Servicing the entire fleet of transit buses serving London, old buses became new ones at Aldenham Works


     



     

    Transport For London AEC Routemaster # VLT10 at the main gates of Aldenham Bus Works


     
    Type: Public, funded as the maintenance arm of Transport For London
     
    Specialty: Bus Refurbishment
     
    Dates of Operation: Opened in 1956, Closed in 1986
     
    Location: Elstree, Hertfordshire, England
     
    Overview: Aldenham Bus Works is legendary in its revolutionary approach to bus maintenance and repairs. Stationed at a factory constructed during WWII, Aldenham Works specialized in taking buses after years of service and making overhaul repairs to make older buses run like new and improving safety.
     



     

    Routemaster Body Frame being moved into position for repairs


     
    Technique: When buses from the London Fleet arrived at Aldenham Works they were lined up on an inspection row. A team of up to 4 or 5 Mechanics lead by a Foreman would meticulously inspect a bus on arrival identifying every single part and its condition, if it needed to be replaced it would be marked as such, if repairs needed to be made to specific components the Foreman would note these findings in his logs so the next team would be aware of them.
     
    After the bus has had all of its major defects identified, the buses were towed with a special mechanical dolly to the second inspection area. Here a second team of mechanics begin the process of separating the body frame from the chassis. The mechanics repaired the frame and chassis independently of one another. The frame and chassis were given serial numbers so that they were rejoined correctly at the end of the assembly line.
     



     

    Aldenham Bus Works Main Gate


     
    Body Repairs: The Body generally had its Windows, Advertisements, Seats and it some circumstances the Floor removed before heavier work was completed. Next, Interior and Exterior body panels were removed so mechanics could take a better look at the frame. If the frame was corroded or rusting away, repairs were made and the frame was strengthened. Body panels were recycled for new ones. Headlights were replaced and new destination signs were fitted.
     



     

    Body Panels were removed and replaced and frames were inspected at the second station


     
    After the new body panels were fitted the frame was repainted in standard bright red London Transport Livery and new windows and hand rails were secured on the inside.
     
    Chassis Repairs: Engine Mechanics would tow the chassis into the Engine Repair Bay and completely overhaul the engine block with new components. The Transmission/Gearbox would receive a similar treatment. The steering wheel and column was replaced for safety as well as repairs to the axles. Mechanics would fit brand new braking systems as they are one of the most used components and one that wears out quickly. New Tires and rims were installed and then a mechanic would drive the chassis onto a test track to check everything works as it should before the body was mounted back on. A second test drive would take place to insure the body and chassis were rejoined securely. This practice however fell out of favor because the Body sometimes took longer to repair than the chassis. Because of the interchangeability of the Routemaster, the bodies and chassis could be joined to any set.
     
    Final Inspection: After the Chassis and Body are joined and final preparations were made. A Lead Mechanic and the Foreman would take the bus on one final run to ensure every repair was made. Sometimes a second coat of paint was applied. License Plates were put back on and the final paperwork was completed. After the bus is reborn at Aldenham Works, it is taken back to its assigned garage in London where it resumes its normal duties a brand new bus.
     
    Additional Services: Aldenham Bus Works also repaired buses involved in accidents and served as proving ground for new bus designs before they were put on the streets of London. In some circumstances, New bus drivers reported here to gain additional experience driving the buses in a controlled environment first before training on the streets of London.
     



     

    Artists Depiction of a Transport for London AEC Routemaster


     


    Aldenham Bus Overhaul Works


     




     




  20. Stalliongrad
    Transport by bus is one of the safest methods of transport, but the field is always testing out newer technologies and theories to help make Bus Travel even safer.
     
     
     
    Reflective Chevrons: These are a familiar sight to anyone who is a rail fan or has worked in construction. These markings were developed after years of study found that chevrons in alternating colors as well as battenburg markings catch the attention of motorists fairly quickly. As such many transit agencies are beginning to paint the rear of their vehicles with these markings to better alert other drivers and pedestrians to the presence of a transit bus.
     

    The Rear of this WMATA New Flyer Xcelsior is painted with Reflective Chevrons


     




     

    Side Skirts and Curb Guards: One of the many causes for pedestrians being injured around transit buses is being dragged under the wheels. People texting or having a conversation on the phone are unlikely to see that an alighting bus is preparing to leave the curb. Curb guards are reinforced barriers which rest in front of the rear wheels to prevent objects from coming in contact with the wheels.
     



     

    This LAMTA NABI LFW is equipped with Curb Guards, Note them in front of the rear wheels


     

    Side Skirts prevent Pedestrians, Animals and large debris from being dragged under the wheels by covering them almost entirely.
     



     

    This LAMTA NABI BRT60 is equipped with Side Skirts


     

    Talking Buses: A newer technology involves a voicebox fitted to an external PA system which is activated whenever the driver turns the wheel to a certain degree or activates the turn signals. This voicebox will shout "Caution The Bus Is Turning" or something similar to gain the attention of pedestrians and cyclists. Some versions of this practice also involve strobe lights to further alert people of the turning vehicle.
     



     

    King County Orion VII equipped with a Talking Bus feature as well as Strobe Lights


     
    Daytime Running Lights: Are not a new feature but newer LED and HID headlight designs now mean that the use of DRLs is much more effective.
     
    Bus Rapid Transit Platforms: In a Bus Rapid Transit system, buses are entirely separated from traffic and run in Bus Only lanes and never have contact with other road users. This makes buses faster and almost as efficient as a train. Many newer development projects use this method because it means that buses can load and unload passengers away from traffic making it safer for pedestrians to get on and off of the bus.
     



     

    In this example the buses are organized in a true BRT system by having dedicated bus lanes


     
    Uniformed and Plainclothes Transit Police Officers: Most large transit agencies have a small dedicated force of police officers whose sole purpose is to police the transit system. Increasing amounts of attacks on bus drivers and fights on buses has led to many transit police agencies to put police officers on buses disguised as passengers to better combat this issue.
     



     

    Maryland Transit Administration Police Officer Shanell Johnson inspects a bus in Baltimore


     
    School Bus Red Light Cameras: Traditionally, when School Buses activate Amber then Red Warning lights and Stop Signs, traffic is required by law to come to a complete stop to allow students to exit the bus and get onto the sidewalk safely. It is a common occurrence that many people ignore this law and to counter this school buses are being fitted with red light camera technology. The same cameras which take pictures of license plates when people run red lights at intersections have been miniaturized and fitted to school buses. These cameras activate when the school bus stop sign is turned on. Any vehicle passing a school bus with the stop sign activated will have their license plate recorded and will be fined.
     



     

    Red Light Cameras mounted to a school bus


     

    BAE Systems Hybri-drive Propulsion: BAE Systems is a British multinational defense contractor specializing in heavy vehicle technology. BAE Systems developed a transmission system which uses the braking power of large vehicles to charge batteries on a diesel electric hybrid powerplant. This is most commonly found on the New Flyer Xcelsior model range. When Regenerative Braking is turned on, when the driver takes his/her foot off of the accelerator the bus begins to automatically slow its self down and that energy is converted into stored electric power.
     



     
    Loose Lug Nut Indicators: These are devices mounted onto lug nuts with a torque gun or air gun. When mechanics are installing wheels these indicators are arranged in a pattern where all of the indicators are facing in the same direction. If during a pre trip inspection a bus driver notices one of the indicators is not facing in the same direction, it is apparent a lug nut is coming loose and needs to be replaced.
     



     

    Note The Green Indicators are all facing the same direction, this bus is safe to drive.


     
    Backup Cameras: Special back up cameras are being made with wide angle lenses to aid bus drivers reversing their vehicles. Larger screens also assist with reversing.
     




     

    School Bus fitted with a Backup camera


  21. Stalliongrad
    Providing Transportation services for the City of Edmonton, the Edmonton Transit System incorporates both bus and light rail networks to form an integrated transit network transporting around 400,000 people a day.


     



     

    Edmonton Transit System New Flyer Xcelsior XD40


     
    Type: Public, Owned and Operated by the City of Edmonton
     
    Fleet Size: 969 Low Floor Buses, 94 Light Rail Vehicles
     
    Routes: 209 Regular Bus Routes, 5 Night Bus Routes, 2 Light Rail Lines
     
    Manufacturer and Powerplant: The Edmonton Transit System is unique in that its fleet is predominantly Diesel powered and plans to switch to alternative fuels have been shelved as a cost cutting measure. The System previously hosted a trolleybus network but it was dismantled in 2009 to reduce the $35 Million deficit facing the city. The Edmonton Transit System procures domestically from Canada's heavy vehicle manufacturers New Flyer and Orion. Only a few CNGs and Diesel Electric Hybrids are in service. Several BYD K9 Electric Buses are in service as a pilot to see if the public would be receptive to them.
     



     

    Edmonton Transit System New Flyer D40LFR


     
    Fare Collection: Currently there is no Contactless Card Payment System in the City of Edmonton. The City Council approved to create one called SmartFare expected to be ready by 2019.
     
    Livery: Edmonton Transit System buses host a Cerulean and Gray paint scheme shared with its light rail vehicles which also host a white backdrop. The System does sell the sides of its vehicles for advertising space.
     



     

    Edmonton Transit System New Flyer Xcelsior XD40


     
    Innovations: Like many transit networks in Canada the Edmonton Transit System is renowned for its emphasis on safe driving in adverse weather conditions. Extensive training for snow driving and safe vehicle control are hallmarks of its service.
     


    Edmonton Transit System New Flyer Xcelsior


     




     

    Edmonton Transit System D40LF


     




  22. Stalliongrad
    Winning its debut race at the 12 Hours of Sebring and the 2006 24 Hours of Le Mans the Audi R10 is an engineering marvel, forcing many of its competitors to rethink their strategies entirely.


     



     

    Audi Sport Audi R10 TDI


     




     


    Manufacturer Quick Facts:


     

    Founded: June 29, 1932



    Main Office: Ingolstadt, Bavaria, Germany



    Industry: Executive Luxury Cars, Automotive Technology, Advanced 4WD Systems



    Notable Products: Quattro S1, A3, A4, A5, A8, R8, TT, Q5, Q7, S4


     



     

    Audi Sport Audi R10 TDI at the 2007 24 Hours of Le Mans


     

    Model Quick Facts:


     

    Engine: Audi V12 Diesel Twin Turbo



    Transmission: Audi S-Tronic Pneumatic Semi Automatic Sequential 5-Speed



    Wheelbase: 117 in



    Weight: 2,039 lbs



    Assembly: Ingolstadt, Bavaria, Germany


     



     

    Audi Sport Audi R10 TDI at the 12 Hours of Sebring


     
    Overview and Development: The Audi R10 is one of the most expensive racing projects in history costing Audi $15 Million a year to run. Built on the lessons learned from the older Audi R8 LMP and looking much like the older model, the R10 is much more aerodynamic and had to conform to new rules which required newer cars to be slightly heavier. The chassis was lengthened to make room for the larger V12 engine as well. Audi Sport's descision to use a Diesel Engine was allowed as it wasn't the first diesel engine car to enter the 24 Hours of Le Mans but it was the first Diesel to win. Audi decided to use a Diesel engine because of their better power ratio as well as much better fuel economy but faced challenges in design. The diesel engine was heavy and the rotational speed of diesels is much lower causing Audi to develop a brand new specialty transmission. The R10 is one of the most successful endurance racers ever built winning every championship since its inception, rules were changed to force Audi Sport to field another car and level the playing field. It was replaced by the R15 and the R15 has been succeeded by the R18 for 2015. All of the newer designs incorporate main features of the R10 base.
     

    Audi Sport Audi R10 TDI


     




     

    Kolles Audi R10 TDI Le Mans Pit Stop


     




  23. Stalliongrad
    The product of a long, tense and expensive battle with Italian race car legend Ferrari, The GT40 introduced the United States to international championship racing and forced European veteran constructors to take American teams more seriously.


     



     

    Gulf Oil Race Team Ford GT40 at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans


     




     

    Manufacturer Quick Facts:


     

    Founded: June,16 1903



    Main Office: Dearborn, Michigan, United States



    Industry: Cars, Trucks, Commercial Vehicles, Engines and Automotive Parts



    Notable Products: Model T, Model A, Mustang, F Series Pickup Trucks, E Series Vans, GT, Focus, Taurus, Ranger, Transit, Escort, RS100


     



     

    Gulf Oil Race Team Ford GT40 in 1968


     

    Model Quick Facts:


     

    Engine: Ford V8 Engines of 4.2 and 4.7 liters of displacement



    Transmission: 4 Speed Manual



    Wheelbase: 95 inches



    Weight: 2,002 lbs



    Assembly: Slough, England, United Kingdom (Mk I, II and III)



    Wixom, Michigan, United States (Mk IV)


     



     

    Gulf Oil Race Team Ford GT40's at the 24 Hours of Le Mans


     
    Overview and Development: In the early 1960s, the leader of Ford, Henry Ford II was very keen to enter the 24 Hours of Le Mans race. In 1963 Ford learned from a European company that Enzo Ferrari was interested in selling to the Ford Motor Company. After learning about this, Ford spent millions of dollars Auditing assets at Ferrari. This long process would determine how much Ferrari would cost to Ford to own and maintain. Just as Henry Ford II was interested in competing at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Enzo Ferrari wished to compete in the United States at the Indianapolis 500. Enzo Ferrari was willing to sell Ferrari to Ford but he wanted to remain the leader of Scuderia Ferrari, the racing division which won many championships. Ford did not see much viability in Ferrari's interest in open wheel racing. Ford was the sole supplier for cars and engines to the Indianapolis 500 (much like Honda is today) and did not want any competition from Ferrari. Ford actually did field some cars using Ferrari engines. This angered Enzo Ferrari and at the last round of talks cut out of the deal.
     
    Frustrated, Henry Ford II called on the European division of his company to build a "Ferrari Killer" and would pay for any costs related to its development. Ford Europe, based in the UK began assembling a team of British companies with experience in endurance racing. British manufacturer Lotus, had already partnered with Ford to develop better cars for the Indy 500 and Ford assisted Lotus with engine technologies for what would eventually become the Lotus Europa. To manage this project Ford hired the former team manager for Aston Martin. After several prototypes the European branch of Ford had developed a body and chassis while Ford at Michigan and consultants at Shelby supplied powerful V8 Engines.
     
    Their work was immortalized as the cars fielded by Ford finished in 1st, 2nd and 3rd place.
     



     

    The Ferrari 330P4 was the main rival of the Ford GT40 at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans


     
    Successor: Since discontinuing the Ford GT in 2006, Ford has been working on a new GT and it has been a long rumor Ford is interested in returning to Le Mans. After unveiling the 2015 Prototype Ford GT, Ford announced it will return to Le Mans for the 2016 race and will field a new Ford GT and possibly the Shelby Mustang to compete in the lower class.
     



     

    Ford Racing Ford GT Prototype debuted at Le Mans to announce Ford's return to the race.


     


    Ford Teaser Trailer Announcing Ford's Return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans


     




     

    2016 Ford GTLM Stealth Testing at Sebring


     




  24. Stalliongrad
    A fierce competitor in the now extinct FIA Group C Racing Category, The Mazda 787 solidified Japan's place in France at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.


     



     

    The 1991 Winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the only Japanese Car to ever win, the Mazda 787B


     


    Manufacturer Quick Facts:

     

    Founded: ​1920​



    Main Office: Fuchu, Hiroshima, Japan



    Industry: Cars and Light Trucks, Rotary Engines



    Notable Products: 787, Furai, 626, Protégé, Mazda3


     
     
     



     


    Artists Depiction of the Mazda 787B during the 1991 24 Hours of Le Mans


     


    Model Quick Facts:


     

    Engine: Mazda R26B Rotary Wankel Engine



    Transmission: Porsche 5 Speed Transmission



    Body: Carbon Fiber and Kevlar Construction



    Chassis: Kevlar Reinforced Carbon Composites



    Suspension: Double Wishbone



    Wheelbase: 2460 mm (787 Variants) 2662 mm (787B)



    Weight: 1832 lbs (830 kg)


     




    Artists Depiction of the Mazda 787B


     
    Overview and Development: Mazda built the 787 as a successor to the older 767 cars it raced improving the older model in almost every single way. The 767 used the older 13J Wankel Engine which produced almost 600 horsepower. The 787 was given the brand new R26B which produced 900 Horsepower but was limited to 700 due to wear and tear concerns. During the 1991 24 Hours of Le Mans, other competitors were somewhat faster than the 787 on the Sarthe Circuit but all other teams suffered mechanical difficulties much more frequently. The Wankel Engine in Mazda's 787 proved to be the most reliable suffering only minor issues, allowing the car to stay out in the field longer instead of in the garage. For 1991 race Mazda entered 2 racecars and a spare car. One standard 787 and two newer 787B's. Two of the cars were painted in the Traditional blue and white Mazda Race livery. The last car #55 was painted in flamboyant green and orange and featured branding from Renown, a Japanese clothing company that has sponsored Mazdaspeed since the early 80's. This would be the car that won, facing tough competition from Sauber Mercedes and Jaguar, Toyota and Nissan.
     

    ​Mazda 787B at Mine Circuit



    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ah93_nSG6iQ

     

    The "Beehive" Idle sound of a Rotary Engine is one of the many things that make this car iconic



    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40CXVrMf8bs

  25. Stalliongrad
    (Thanks For Your Support it has been a fun 100 posts into the world of Transportation! Here's to a 100 More!)


     



     

    A fuel Road Train Passes under a rainbow in the Australian Outback


     

    Type: Private, Sometimes Public if Chartered by Government Councils
     
    Fleet Size: Undisclosed
     
    Routes: All Highways and Unpaved Trails of the Australian Outback
     
    Manufacturer and Powerplant: Trucks in Australia primarily come from American Manufacturers who have set up factories in Australia. The two largest are Kenworth and Mack Trucks. European Volvo and Scania models are fairly common but most Aussie truckers prefer Kenworth and Mack. To compensate Mack Trucks Australia began to offer both American Style Conventional trucks as well as European Cabovers, Kenworth soon followed suit. Western Star recently began offering trucks "Down Under" as well.
     



     

    Privateer Kenworth T909 Built to Aussie Specificatiions


     
    Purpose: The Outback (and some other regions of Australia) host very remote villages and settlements which are often too far away from normal distribution networks to adequately receive normal shipments and supplies. These areas are not connected by Rail and do not have runways big enough to house large planes. The only way for people who live in these regions to receive supplies is by road. The Highway network in some areas is not paved and sometimes unmarked making truckers in the outback a different kind of breed. They must also be adept in repairing their trucks because the long voyages to remote villages mean they are very far away from any type of support system as well. A trucker must know how to change tires (difficult task to do by yourself on a truck) make mechanical repairs and be knowledgeable about road surfaces and the weather which all impact driving. Because the highways do not have much traffic Road Trains are allowed to move more materials at once.
     



     

    Royal Dutch Shell Mack R600 Fuel Road Train (Note the 6X2 Configuration on the Cab)


     
    American/Aussie Configuration: Mack, Kenworth and Western Star are American manufacturers which have altered some of their truck offerings to better suit the needs of Australian customers. They each have a separate division to develop and build trucks domestically in Australia to lower costs. Trucks spending any amount of time in the Outback must be fitted with Bull Bars. These devices protect against animals which often stray onto the roadway. Hitting large wildlife can severely damage the engine manifold and repairs cannot be done alone. To avoid this risk they are fitted to the front bumper and sometimes the sides. The second most notable difference in Aussie Configuration involves the air intakes. Many roads in the Outback are unpaved and trucks travel through dust for long periods of time. Trucks must also sometimes navigate through shallow water and cross rivers. To compensate for this Aussie Trucks often have their air intakes mounted high than normal and sometimes have more than 2. Roads in the Outback are not lit with overhead lighting and as such when darkness falls at nighttime truckers find themselves in pitch black darkness. Truck Manufacturers put more powerful headlights as a standard feature (hence why they are bigger on Aussie trucks) but most companies who make trips into the Outback will also fit larger spot lights as a secondary feature to provide more light and in case one of the regular headlamps fail or is broken. Driving off road, debris is a major concern, one rock in the wrong place could mean disaster for an Outback trucker. Aussie trucks are fitted with bigger skid plates underneath the engine bay and front mounted mudflaps to keep as much debris from being kicked up by the wheels. Per Australian Law, Road Trains must be marked as such to warn other motorists of the large vehicle approaching them. Road Trains are fitted with signs which either say "Oversize" or "Road Train" and have yellow emergency lighting to better alert the public to the size of their trucks. Inside city limits Road Trains sometimes require police escorts to negotiate city centers.
     



     

    Privateer Kenworth T909 Pulling a Livestock Road Train to a Farm




     

    Road Sign on the Tanami Road warning drivers to get Fuel at the next town which is 270 Km (167 Miles) away, Beyond that town the next fuel stop is 742 Km (461 Miles) away


     
    Unique Outback Driving Challenges: It is almost a universal understanding that when driving in the Outback all motorists travel with spare fuel. The nearest towns are often hundreds of miles away from each other and this means it is easy to become stranded. Truckers always do extensive checks of their rigs before venturing into the Outback. It is also understood that despite the risks associated with hitchhikers, "Outbackers.... have each others back". Truckers will always stop to help one another on the road because they are their own support system. People will sometimes keep CB Radios in their car to contact truckers when they break down. Calling the police isn't the first option when stranded in the outback as you are more likely to encounter a trucker. Signs are often posted on how to contact truckers if you become stranded. Driving trucks on unpaved roads present challenges in of itself, loose road surfaces mean trucks must be on high alert at all times. The extreme heat of the Outback causes unusual changes in the pavement on normal roads. The heat can cause the pavement to buckle and cause "natural speed bumps". The heat can also lower and raise paved roads naturally.
     



     
    Dollies: Road Trains are essentially various trailers connected to one another with the use of devices known as dollies. Dolles are unpowered axles fitted with a fifth wheel connector to pull the trailer behind it. Drivers of Road Trains must know how these devices work and how driving with them can affect handling. The most difficult part of driving with dollies is backing as drivers must sometimes reverse with more than one trailer.
     




    Various Road Train Configurations allowed in Australia


     
     
     


    Privateer Livestock Road Trains


     




     


    Outback Truckers were featured in a reality show (Some Rude Language)


     

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiu7138w6o8

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