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New Indian Express
08-05-2025
- Automotive
- New Indian Express
Scrap art on wheels! Rakesh powering his vintage dreams
ALAPPUZHA: For Rakesh Babu, good things come in small packages. And, this seems to be driving Rakesh's passion for building miniature vintage vehicles from scrap. His scaled-down creations have been capturing the attention of automobile enthusiasts, social media users, and even entrepreneurs. Over the past four years, Rakesh, hailing Kalavamkodam, Cherthala and an employee with Autokast (a public-sector undertaking based in Cherthala), has built over 60 miniature models of vintage vehicles, including cars, jeeps, and vans, each a nostalgic tribute to a bygone era. They are fully functional, fitted with bike engines and auto-rickshaw tyres, and can run 25-30 km to a litre. Rakesh's journey began in 2020 with a deep-rooted passion for mechanics and vintage designs. His first major project was a replica of the iconic Volkswagen Beetle. Using an old Suzuki Samurai bike engine, rickshaw tyres, and a two-wheeler's steering system, he brought the model to life at a cost of just `40,000. The car, designed to seat two and even be used by children, quickly gained attention for its creativity and functionality. 'I sourced parts from scrap dealers who dismantle old vehicles. That made it easier and affordable,' he said. The popularity of his creations soon prompted Rakesh to take a bold step: he took extended leave from his job and set up his own workshop in Kalavamkodam about a year and a half ago. His most admired creation is a miniature replica of the Willys Jeep, a vintage military-style model. 'So far, I've made around 25 Willys. Each costs about `1.3 lakh, including labour and material,' he said. Keeping up with the times, the 32-year-old has started working on battery-powered versions. His electric jeep model, powered by four batteries, can run up to 35 km on a single charge and is designed with small-capacity engine, making it safe for children to operate. The body of the vehicles is made from aluminium sheets and painted professionally, giving them a sleek and polished finish. As his creations went viral on social media, many entrepreneurs approached him to set up joint ventures. However, Rakesh chose independence. 'If I start a joint venture, I'll lose my identity. That's why I decided to continue on my own,' he said. With a humble workshop, a passion for vintage engineering, and an innovative spirit, Rakesh is not just building miniature vehicles, he's crafting dreams on wheels, one masterpiece at a time.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
The vehicles that helped win the war
The light, off-road Willys Jeep was used in every theatre of the conflict - Alamy Blackout regulations, petrol rationing, tyre shortages – the Second World War brought 'pleasure motoring' to an emergency stop in Britain. Car manufacturing switched to military production and most of the country's two million cars were carefully mothballed until Victory in Europe Day – May 8 1945. Private motoring wasn't banned but once petrol coupons were issued in September 1939 few could contemplate long-distance travel by road. 'Stop or I'll shoot' checkpoints were common, as the Home Guard was put on high alert to protect the nation's carefully hidden fuel supplies from sabotage and theft. In July 1940 it became illegal to buy a new car without a special licence from the government, used vehicle prices soared and all forms of public transport were packed with travellers. Thumbing a lift was commonplace but the threat of invasion was a constant. So much so that the Ministry of Transport issued a warning leaflet to motorists entitled 'Immobilisation of vehicles in the event of an invasion'. The owners of petrol vehicles were urged to remove the distributor cap and leads, as well as empty the fuel tank – or even remove the carburettor. Today, most drivers would likely have to call out the AA to perform such simple tasks. While combustion engines were largely quiet on the home front, the British Army made use of a vast array of combat vehicles. Tanks, scout cars, ambulances, even mobile baths, swelled the automotive ranks from 40,000 to 1.5 million military vehicles during the war. As the country remembers the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe, we look back at some of the machines that helped win that war. Here's our list of mostly military vehicles – plus some wartime cars that became famous for other reasons. Willys Jeep Some 639,245 Willys were built between 1941-45, with no doors and rock-hard seats - Alamy A light, off-road vehicle built in huge numbers during the Second World War. Essential to the Allied war effort, the Jeep became an iconic vehicle, used in every theatre of the conflict. American firm Bantam created the prototype but with limited production capacity to meet the military demand, manufacture was split between Willys-Overland and Ford. Some 639,245 were built between 1941-45, despite rock hard seats and no doors. View at the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu Royal Enfield WD/RE 'Flying Flea' The Royal Enfield WD/RE 'Flying Flea' was a lightweight motorbike dropped behind enemy lines from a glider - Alamy British paratroopers would sometimes strap bicycles to their backpack before leaping from an aircraft. Moving quickly behind enemy lines was vital, so the War Office investigated dropping lightweight motorbikes, too. Just how you parachute a 59kg machine from a glider without catastrophic consequences was finally overcome by Royal Enfield. Its design included a metal frame around the Flying Flea itself – a bike that subsequently crash-landed into the history books. A new, all-electric Flea is due on the market early next year. View at the Imperial War Museum, Duxford M4 Sherman Firefly The US-designed M4 Sherman Firefly tank was a potent force for the Allies during the war - Alamy Even knowledgeable staff at The Tank Museum, Bovington, couldn't agree on the most important tracked vehicle of the war. As an all-rounder, the Sherman was one of the best. In 1941, the government tried to persuade America to manufacture a British tank design but instead US President Roosevelt stuck to the US-developed Sherman. By 1943 the Sherman itself was becoming dated, so a more potent, British 17-pounder anti-tank gun was installed to create the Sherman Firefly. The longer barrel was often disguised to look like a regular Sherman. View at The Tank Museum, Dorset King George VI's Daimler DE36 Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh wave to the crowds as they drive a Daimler DE36 convertible during a tour of Sydney in 1954 - Alamy The Royal family enjoyed an obsession with British-built Daimlers. Back then, a Rolls-Royce was for businessmen – a Daimler was for a gentleman. A limousine with a straight-eight-cylinder engine, the Landaulette featured a folding hood that made it easier for the public to see their monarch in transit. Luxuries included electric windows and heated glove warmers for regal passengers. The ash-framed body was built by Westminster-based coachbuilder Hooper and used both aluminium and steel, trimming weight to a respectable 2.5 tons. A similar Royal car delivered in 1947 is occasionally on show in Scotland. View at the Grampian Transport Museum, Aberdeen Monty's Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith Field Marshal Montgomery's staff Rolls-Royce was restored by Richard Hammond for the 2024 VE Day commemorations - Alamy Field Marshal Montgomery's staff car was the first civilian vehicle to disembark in Normandy, three days after D-Day. The landing on Juno Beach was ordered by Churchill, to reassure the French that the Allies would not retreat. Monty used the limousine in Europe right up to the German surrender, despite it being highly conspicuous to the enemy. The Silver Wraith was overhauled by Richard Hammond's restoration company last year in time for the 80th anniversary of D-Day. View at The Royal Logistic Corps Museum, Winchester Austin 7 Nicknamed the 'peoples' car, thousands of Austin 7s were stored away during the war and dusted down for VE Day - Getty A car that helped win the war? The ubiquitous 7 was first produced in 1922 and remained popular until 1939, when production at factories such as Longbridge on the southern outskirts of Birmingham switched to munitions. Simple and affordable, many privately-owned Austin's were stored away during the war, being dusted down on VE Day in preparation for civilian duties once more. A true 'peoples' car', the diminutive 7 offered hope of happier days ahead for those on the home front. View at the Haynes Museum, Somerset And one loser… Hitler's Mercedes-Benz G4 Hitler's Mercedes G4 was fitted with a folding front passenger seat so he could stand and greet waiting crowds - Alamy Fitted with a bulletproof windscreen and side windows, this 1939 G4 was delivered to the Fuhrer himself and survived the entire war. The imposing three-axle vehicle was used by Hitler in Berlin and Poland before eventually seized by the French Army. Less than 100 G4 touring wagons were built by Mercedes-Benz; Hitler's was fitted with a folding front passenger seat, so he could stand and greet waiting crowds. A number of discreet pistol holders and gun compartments were included. View at the Lyon Air Museum, California Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
India Today
05-05-2025
- Automotive
- India Today
Jeep Wrangler Willys '41 Special Edition launched at Rs 67.75 lakh
Jeep India has launched the Wrangler Willys '41 Special Edition at a starting price of Rs 67.75 lakh (ex-showroom), a limited-edition SUV that pays homage to the brand's legendary 1941 military roots. Available in just 30 units across India, the exclusive model is targeted at off-road enthusiasts and Jeep purists who value a strong connection to heritage, performance, and by the original Willys Jeep that served in World War II, the Willys '41 stands out with a new '1941 Military Green' colour and an exclusive 1941 hood decal. The colour is debuting for the first time in India and will be reserved solely for this special edition, further underlining its uniqueness. Built on the Rubicon variant, the Willys '41 Special Edition is loaded with practical and premium upgrades, including power-operated side steps, all-weather floor mats, grab handles for front and rear passengers, and front and rear digital video recorders. Jeep is also offering an optional adventure pack comprising a roof carrier with integrated side steps and a Sunrider roof. Priced at Rs 1.51 lakh over the standard Rubicon variant, with the adventure package available for an additional Rs 4.56 special edition is more than just a vehicle—it's a tribute to Jeep's timeless legacy of freedom, adventure, and authenticity,' said Kumar Priyesh, Brand Director, Jeep India. 'The Willys '41 Edition blends rugged heritage with modern flair, offering an unmatched experience for passionate Jeepers.'The Wrangler Willys '41 Special Edition is now available at Jeep dealerships across India for a limited time. Subscribe to Auto Today Magazine
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
'The world is going to miss a talent like that'
Apr. 8—WORTHINGTON — In an August 2022 interview with The Globe, Luverne native and world renowned wildlife photographer Jim Brandenburg said it was his introduction to Globe newsman Jim Vance that forged his place behind the camera lens. His budding career began at the local newspaper, but it was Brandenburg's childhood — spent near Blue Mounds State Park and what is now the Brandenburg Prairie Foundation's Touch The Sky Prairie north of Luverne — that nurtured his skill as a photographer who captured nature in its purest form. Brandenburg died on Friday in his Medina home, surrounded by family, according to a post on his Facebook page and shared by his wife, Judy. He was being treated for anaplastic thyroid carcinoma for the past seven months, with complications from pneumonia this year. He was 79. Though his work took him around the world, documenting nature and wildlife for National Geographic for nearly 40 years, his heart never strayed far from his Rock County roots. In 2000, at the urging of then-Luverne Chamber of Commerce Director Dave Smith and local businessman Randy Creeger, the community celebrated the opening of the Brandenburg Gallery — the second of two galleries still open today. The original gallery is located in Ely, where the Brandenburgs still have their Ravenwood home. Jane Lanphere, who became the Chamber's director in 2007, said the community approached Brandenburg with the gallery idea as a way to provide tourists with another option in the community of 5,000 when they were in town to visit Blue Mounds State Park. The gallery was initially a standalone entity, owned and operated by the Brandenburg Prairie Foundation, and then joined efforts with the Chamber to share both space and staff. Today, the gallery is located in Luverne's historic courthouse square, sharing space with the Herreid Military Museum and Luverne Chamber. Lanphere said she, along with Warren Herreid, Rock County Administrator Kyle Oldre, and Smith traveled to Ely to talk about the potential partnership in the new location. "Jim asked, 'Do you think it would be good for Luverne?'" Lanphere recalled. "Then he said if it's good for Luverne and good for Rock County, it was good for the foundation. "That's the kind of person he was," she added. "Supporting others to make things work." Lanphere's last visit with Brandenburg was sometime around February 2024, she said. He came to Luverne with a film crew from France, working on a documentary about Brandenburg's life and scouting scenes at Touch the Sky Prairie. The film crew had three days to spend in Minnesota, and in that time they traveled to Luverne, Rochester and Ely. "(Brandenburg) was here for about an hour and he was so excited," Lanphere shared. He had planned to return to Luverne in September to present the town with a 1942 Willys Jeep rescued from France and restored to drivable condition. The Jeep was the featured entry in a Sept. 7 parade down Main Street, but Brandenburg was unable to make the trip upon the advice of his doctors. It was then that Lanphere learned of his cancer diagnosis. In 1999, Jim and Judy Brandenburg established the Brandenburg Prairie Foundation , its mission to promote, preserve and expand the native prairie in southwest Minnesota. Through a partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the foundation has restored approximately 1,200 contiguous acres of Rock County land into prairie. It's part of the greater Northern Tallgrass Prairie National Wildlife Refuge. Lanphere said one of her best memories of Brandenburg dates back to July 2010, when the University of Minnesota arranged an educator forum for science teachers to attend a nature and photography class with Brandenburg at Touch the Sky. Brandenburg had been out on the property before the group arrived, and had a scheduled meeting with Lanphere at the Chamber office. "He came in, he was so excited," she shared. "He was never on time — he always found one more thing to do — (but) he took this photo with his cell phone of the ( western fringed prairie) orchid and we talked about the impact of saving the prairie. When the land was acquired in 1999, a botanist counted 237 species of native plants. By 2013, more than 1,200 native species were counted. "He talked about nature regenerating itself; that nature can survive anything," Lanphere said. "That was just a precious conversation." Lanphere said Brandenburg was always willing to take people for a walk at Touch the Sky Prairie and talk about nature. He shared those stories orally with the people he met, and through his photographs for the rest of the world. "The world is going to miss a talent like that," Lanphere said. "Thank heavens we have the images that will live forever. You could see his passion for nature in every picture he took. He sincerely loved nature and he sincerely loved people. He treated nature with respect and he treated people with respect." Globe Publisher Joni Harms missed the opportunity to work with Brandenburg by mere months. He was a photojournalist and newspaper delivery driver for the Worthington newspaper from 1971 — while he was a student at then-Worthington Community College — until the spring of 1978, when he became a contract photographer for National Geographic. "While I never actually got to work with Jim at the Daily Globe, I felt his presence every day and heard bigger-than-life tales of him and his tremendous talents," Harms shared. "I remember thinking it was so exciting that he left to work for National Geographic." At the time Brandenburg left the newspaper, his wife worked in the front office, where she remained for the first few years of his job with NatGeo. Harms said Judy would keep them abreast of Jim's happenings and their family, which included son, Anthony, and daughter, Heidi. Anthony died on Feb. 24 — a mere 39 days before his father's death. When Harms served as president of the Minnesota Newspaper Association, she invited Brandenburg to speak at a general session of the conference. He shared stories and photographs that spanned his career and spoke passionately about saving the prairie and stopping the open hunts on wolves. "I was told later by several attendees that the Brandenburg presentation was one of the best they had heard over the years," Harms shared. "One of my treasured memories is the note I received from Jim, thanking me for having him speak at our convention, along with a couple of his signed prints that I had framed and hung in my office at The Globe. I get to look at them every day." In January 2023, Brandenburg was honored with National Geographic's Lifetime Achievement Award . He was unable to accept the award in person due to his immersion in two movie projects in Europe — a feature film about his life in nature in Paris, and another film he created, wrote and is producing in Italy. In a press release, Brandenburg said the award was unique because he was chosen for the award from among his peers. Only five other National Geographic photographers had received the award, he noted. Brandenburg last contributed to the magazine in 2016 with his photo essay "93 Days of Spring." He also published 10 books during his lifetime, including "Chased by the Light: A 90-Day Journey," "Brother Wolf: A Forgotten Promise," "Looking for Summer," and "White Wolf." Among the collection is "Minnesota: Images of Home," a collaboration between Brandenburg and former Globe newsman Paul Gruchow. He had planned to produce at least one more book based on his 365-day challenge to take a single photo each day during each season. Chased by the Light (taken from the autumnal equinox to the winter solstice) and Looking for Summer were the first two installments. While the spring images appeared in NatGeo, they never made their way into book form, and Brandenburg completed the winter season images in 2020. His goal was to bring all 365 images together in one book.
Yahoo
06-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Joe Harris, oldest WWII paratrooper who paved way for Black soldiers, dies at 108
Sgt. Joe Harris lived a beautiful life. He sailed to earth on numerous missions as a member of the U.S. Army's first all-Black paratrooper battalion during World War II, the 555th, aptly nicknamed the "Triple Nickles." At his funeral service on Saturday, friends, families and uniformed members of the military danced and sang to honor Harris, believed to be oldest paratrooper veteran when he died March 15. He was 108. "He was a kind, caring, compassionate man," his daughter La Tanya Pittman told The Times. "He didn't let the fact that he was fighting for freedom during segregated times stop him from living his life." Read more: Black L.A. social spaces flourished after George Floyd. 5 years later, will they survive? Harris, who was born in Westdale, La., on June 19, 1916, died in a Los Angeles hospital surrounded by family. He lay in repose Saturday at Lewis Metropolitan CME Church. Many cried, but they also laughed, as the service felt like a homecoming — one last leap for Harris into the unknown. His grandson, Ashton Pittman, thanked his grandfather for all that he sacrificed. "He was our rock, the foundation among which generations have been built," he said. Harris received full military honors and was interred at Inglewood Park Cemetery. His funeral procession included a World War II Willys Jeep escort and a military aircraft flew over the Harris home in Compton, where he lived for more than 60 years. Compton Mayor Emma Sharif announced the city was exploring plans to rename a street after Harris. Members of the U.S. National Forest Service and veterans from different branches of the military dressed in World War II-era uniforms. They included retired U.S. Army Sgt. Donald Garrison, who first met Harris several years ago and has participated in commemorative events and parachute jumps honoring the Triple Nickles. "Holy smokes, man, he paved the way for people like myself," Garrison said, as his voice broke. "I get a little emotional because I feel it in my heart. He sacrificed so much, because he wasn't supposed to be anything other than a steward, a cook or valet. He was a paratrooper — a hero." La Tanya Pittman said her father was skilled as a paratrooper, but wanted to become a pilot while he was in the military. "They wouldn't let him even try," she said. "But he still went on to serve his country." Read more: Toddler just learning to speak knew just the word to save his family As a member of the "Triple Nickles" Harris was part of a combat-ready unit, but the paratroopers were not sent overseas. Instead, they trained as some of America's first "smokejumpers." They were tasked with parachuting into Pacific Northwest forests to fight wildfires ignited by Japanese balloon bombs launched into North America from across the Pacific Ocean. Operation Firefly, a highly secretive mission, saw the smokejumpers put out wildfires and disarm any downed explosives. They were stationed in Pendleton, Ore., and Chico, Calif., where they responded to 36 fires and made 1,200 jumps, according to the U.S. Forest Service. A key reason the operation was kept secret was to limit news from reaching Japan about the the balloon bombs that arrived in North America, said chief historian Matt Seelinger with the Army Historical Foundation. Although six people were killed near Bly, Ore., when they discovered a downed balloon in May 1945, the overall damage caused by the weapons was limited. "The balloons did not work as the Japanese intended," Seelinger said. Harris made 72 successful jumps while he was with the Army, according to the organization Beyond the Call, which documents veterans' stories. The smokejumpers were equipped with wildland firefighting gear, including a football-style leather helmet with a grill in front and other tools. After his honorable discharge, Harris purchased a home in Compton and had three children with his high school sweetheart, Louise Singleton Harris. He went on to work for the U.S. Border Patrol for nearly 40 years. Read more: What we lost in the fires Former Compton Mayor Omar Bradley, who grew up next door to the Harris family, danced in Harris' living room next to a large radio console when he was 3 or 4. "His favorite thing was to invite me over and have me dance in front of his buddies," said Bradley, who later learned the other men were veteran paratroopers with the 555th. "But if he really wanted me to turn it on, he'd throw $1 down, and I would have the whole house — his wife, his kids, everybody — laughing, because I'd start doing the splits." Harris was a father figure and a constant fixture in the Compton community. "He was stalwart, committed and unwavering," Bradley said. "A true American." U.S. Marine Corps veteran and former wildland firefighter Neil Gallagher felt honored to visit Harris at his home in January. He and two other veterans presented Harris with a Pulaski, a wildfire tool used for building firebreaks, and a paratrooper patch. "They fought fascism and then fought racism," said Gallagher, who is the founder of the oral history nonprofit Preserving Their Stories. "Our country has a duty to ensure heroes like Mr. Harris are never forgotten, and that starts with providing units such as the 555th the recognition they deserve," he said. Harris was preceded in death by his wife in 1981 and one grandson. Harris is survived by two daughters, one son, four grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and 20 great-great-grandchildren. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
