Alt Transportation
From Wolfekipedia
We're pretty comfortable with our automobiles and road systems right now, despite the governmental involvement in all levels of our mobility. Given any sort of disruption in this area, those who are well prepared will remain mobile while others are left afoot. Note: Many of the links provided may contain politically loaded rubbish. Useful information may still be gleaned, however.
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LAND
- In order to provide the most versatile means of transportation, the vehicle should have a good offroad capability, and it should be field-repairable. Fuel availability can be an issue, as well as spare parts.
- Power
- Internal Combustion
- While gasoline is predominantly used, a diesel engine has a few advantages in fuel efficiency and stable storage. These engines feature more torque in the lower rpm ranges and tend to last much longer than a comparable gasoline engine. Gasoline engines can be modified to burn alcohol, while a diesel engine can digest vegetable oil or biodiesel, allowing both types the ability to run even given a disruption in the oil supply. While there is some debate between proponents of newer vs. oldervehicles, there are positive aspects to both. The newer vehicles will show less wear, and will likely last longer without major repairs needed, given proper maintenance. The older vehicles will generally be easier to repair, and will enjoy (to an extent) greater parts availability. These vehicles tend to be quite versatile and some can also serve as a home away from home. Also very useful is a whole class of two and three wheeled vehicles, which can be used to travel in conditions which may well be impossible for their larger cousins.
- Internal Combustion
- Power
Links
- Electric/Hybrid
- Electric vehicles hold a lot of promise, being quiet, clean, and relatively simple. They provide good torque throughout their rpm range, and have fewer moving parts than a comparable internal combustion vehicle. Provided a reliable source of electricity, it can be operated independently of the grid and can be easily repaired. The biggest Achille's Heel of these vehicles is the current state of battery technology, though for shorter trips the ubiquitous lead-acid battery does suffice. There is no rule that the vehicle must be the full equivalent of the more common vehicles in use, and could easily be made smaller and lighter.
- Hybrids are an interesting technology, though it seems the currently produced factory hybrids end up being more complex than either of the 'pure' types. There seems to be an improvement in fuel economy, however, and it is a technology which should be watched with interest as it matures.
- Electric/Hybrid
Links
- Human Powered/Hybrid
- Surprisingly enough, bicycle technology did not predate automotive technology by more than a few decades. There was a period, however, during which the bicycle was the predominant form or personal transportation, and cyclists began the drive for better roads over a century ago. Bicycle builders and mechanics were a large part of the development and production of automobiles and aircraft. The bicycle is a versatile form of transportation within its limits, and frequently far beyond. It is also easily repaired with limited resources.
- The human powered conveyance is well suited to short, lightly laden trips, though the actual limits can far exceed what may be indicated in any user manual. Riders frequently make trans-continental journeys, and several folks have completed circumnavigations of the land portion of the earth, on these humble machines. A few decades ago, the North Vietnamese put French bicycles to effective use, and they were instumental in the ejection of the French from that land.
- Human powered vehicles aren't limited to two wheels, either, having been the focus of many projects with various goals, from personal transportation to cargo to carrying larger numbers of passengers. Electric power is frequently used as an aid, and some even mount small gas engines to their cycles.
- For Gulch use, a stout frame and components are a must, and the vehicle should be capable of at least mild offroad travel. These serve admirably in lieu of motorized transport when used locally, are quiet, and leave the rider's senses unmasked, which increases connection to the world around.
- It beats the holy hell out of walking. Just remember to bypass the department store and get thee to a real bike shop!
- Accessories and parts abound for these things. Regardless of your primary mode of transportation, a good bicycle should always be part of your stable. Not mentioned so far is the tremendous health benefit, the endurance and strength gained from regular riding will benefit you greatly elsewhere.
- Human Powered/Hybrid
Links
- Sheldon Brown
- Ken Kifer's site. He's gone now, but his site has some good info.
- wisil HPV projects page
- Nashbar
- The obligatory MISC
- There are other forms of motive power for land transportation, though the above will likely cover nearly anything you will commonly encounter. One of the most interesting, though of limited use in most regions, is wind power. And, don't forget the infamous Assault Wheelbarrow.
- The obligatory MISC
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AIR
- Just as with land transport, the ability to operate outside the typical infrastructure is highly valuable. Aircraft with STOL capabilities are best suited for Gulch use.
- Power
- As with the automobile, a lack of infrastructure can severely limit operations. While larger aircraft possess great utility, remember that they will require considerably more upkeep and fuel to keep in service. Most aircraft suited for gulch use will generally burn 100LL, with many capable of also using automotive gasoline. The high-compression engines used in many aircraft are only approved for Avgas, however.
- Diesel engines, use a high grade kerosene known as Jet A. These powerplants are gaining popularity and are increasingly seen in certificated aircraft. While a comparatively expensive conversion, the advantages are notable, including: reduced fuel burn, possibly increased lifespan, greater torque in the lower rpm ranges, and many manufacturers are offering simplified engine controls. Pilots and crew must be careful to avoid fuel contamination, however, as many line crew may mistakenly add 100LL to the tanks.
- Turbine power has its charms, though it's a wealthy gulch which can operate one regularly.
- Power
- Helicopters are fabulously useful and versatile machines. However, they remain maintenance intensive and are seen as being more difficult to operate than their fixed wing cousins. With the availability of some impressive STOL aircraft, a helicopter may not be practical.
- Homebuilt aircraft tend to fill price/performance gaps in the fleet, offering a level of versatility and servicability not generally seen in certificated aircraft, though there are exceptions. The advantages lie in a builder's ability to service the aircraft without having to pay a mechanic/inspector, and the freedom to modify and repair the aircraft with relatively few restrictions.
- Ultralight aircraft reside in the open end of the spectrum, with few regulations beyond those which define the class: empty weight less than 254lbs, no more than one seat, cruise speed of 55 knots or less, and a fuel capacity of no more than 5 gallons. These aircraft are flown primarily for recreation, but can be useful. They are frequently used for aerial photography, and can provide an eye in the sky for a gulch. As transportation, they are better suited for short range hops in good weather. These aircraft tend to feature two-stroke engines burning automotive gasoline, and have more frequent engine failures than their larger counterparts. Fortunately, at the low stall speeds and light weight of these craft, forced landings tend to be a nonevent so long as the pilot remembers the first rule of aviation: "Fly the plane". Fortunately, these failures are becoming more rare, and proper care of your engine will reduce the odds of it happening.
- Lighter than air craft, from hot air balloons to blimps, have their uses, but aren't currently practical as gulch transportation. The hot air balloon is a slave to air currents, and the blimps require large and expensive ground support. An alternative is being developed, and a small/medium scale Dynalifter craft holds much promise, and a fully developed model will be able to greatly reduce pressure on ground traffic to move large quantities of freight at a relatively high speed.
Links
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SEA
Many folks have already taken it upon themselves to make their escape, and have done it by leaving their national borders entirely. Those who live upon the sea must be self-reliant and resourceful in order to maintain their lifestyle for any length of time. Homesteading at sea is extremely difficult and most cruisers actually live in a harbor for longer periods than they spend at sea.
- Vessel types
- The type of boat used depends largely on the desired area of operation. Shallow draft hulls are well suited to coastal, river and lake use, able to float in shallow water and well inland up a river. Oceangoing vessels are deeper draft and usually have a deep keel which increases directional stability and contributes to the self-righting ability (form stability) of a monohull sailboat. There are a whole class of oceangoing sailboats that make use of both form stability and shallow draft.
- Vessel types
Generally, a floating gulch for one person, or a couple, will be between 30-50 feet in length and can hold provisions for a considerable time afloat, and is more likely to be sail powered, given the expense of operating any power driven boat for extended periods.
- Sailboats
- seem to be more popular, as no government has figured out how to tax the wind, and it's flying about, free for the using, sort of.
- Sailboats
A suit of sails can cost more than a good used car. From $200 for a used sail to over $20,000 each for racing sails. Sail plans can be as simple as in a catboat or they can be very complicated and require huge crews like the old time full rigged ships. The smaller sailboats often sport a small diesel engine (gasoline is also available) for maneuvering in harbor or onto and off of a dock or pier. It is rare these days but a few captains can take justifiable pride in their ability to maneuver their craft under sail power alone. After all, it has been done in that manner for millennia prior to the advent of the steam engine and the subsequent emergence of the internal combustion engine.
- As with aircraft, there exists a large community dedicated to the construction and restoration of watercraft, many of which are large enough for aquatic gulching purposes. Many of these boats are constructed of wood, as it is easy to work, relatively easily repaired and can be relatively inexpensive. Some are even built using plywood or metal. Titanium, Steel and Aluminum are all expensive but common boat building materials. The most common these days is fiberglas by far.
- Various technologies and methods are used to extend the long term livability of watercraft, including electrical generation by wind power, solar panels, and onboard generators. Some food can be grown aboard, and sea critters can be a tasty addition to the menu.
- One of the biggest issues with sea life is psychological. Some people are better suited to a life of solitude than others, and some have been known to encounter difficulties when alone at sea. Meanwhile others seem to have no problem at all adapting to life at sea or if they do they turn those problems into entertaining reading.
Links
