The Dork-O-Motive Podcast

• War Boost: An Introductory Lesson In WWII Aircraft Engine Supercharging

  There's nothing like upping the horsepower of an engine with boost. Multiple methods of supercharging exist today and have been brought to an incredible level of efficiency.   While these methods were not invented in WWII, their use was vastly studied, tweaked, and tested to their limits back then. This video is the next in a series about the history of centrifugal superchargers and their use on piston engines.   Consider this your 101 level course in WWII supercharging. Here we go over the various methods and systems used on aircraft from the USA, Germany, and Great Britain. Which countries did it best? Which country made a mistake in their method? Who ruled the horsepower roost and why? It was a war of horsepower and boost was a huge factor in making more of it than the other guys   

  --------  

  21:34

  --------

  21:34
• Powerama 1955: When GM Ruled The Earth They Put On The Greatest Horsepower Show of All Time

  In 1955 General Motors decided to put on a show, not just any show, a gathering of vehicles, horsepower, and entertainment the likes of which the world had never seen before and never saw again.   Powerama was a one million square foot fantasyland of every off-highway division of General Motors on display. Dubbed the "World's Fair of Power" it had locomotives, bulldozers, elephants, aircraft, tanks, a submarine, pleasure craft, a shrimp boat, the Motorama dream cars, an 85-ton cannon known as Atomic Annie, and more and more and more.   In this history we investigate the genesis of the event, the execution of the event, and the machines that made it one of the most unique gatherings in the gearhead history of Earth.   Seriously, this is wild.

  --------  

  38:04

  --------

  38:04
• The Birth of American Muscle: The Story of The Liberty V-12 Engine

  This is the story of an engine. Not just any engine, but the engine that created the idea of "American Muscle". It was the lightest, most powerful airplane engine in the world during WWI and it was designed by two guys in a hotel room during a five day marathon in Washington D.C.in 1917. Making 450hp and being produced by multiple American car companies, this engine was a master class in simplicity, integration of existing ideas, and mass production. While it can't really be said that it solved the war for the allies, what it did do was to introduce the idea of an America that stood as a colossus of industry among its peers in the world. The Liberty V-12 has an awesome story and the engine itself is worthy of your admiration.

  --------  

  43:03

  --------

  43:03
• The History of Hydrazine In Drag Racing: The Liquid Boogey Man Explored

  This is the in-depth history of Hydrazine in the sport of Drag Racing. It is one of the most mythic, misunderstood, and undocumented stories of the sport's past.   In this video we'll explore the origins of hydrazine, how it found its way into cars, how it enhances nitromethane and all of its associated dangers.   Hydrazine was by far the most dangerous chemical ever handled regularly by drag racers and perhaps the most destructive as well. In this exploration, we bust myths, dive deep into the players who ran "The H" successfully, and document the cars, people, and events that were effected by it most.   Using loads of period books, magazines, interviews, and history, the story is told in depth. Enjoy!

  --------  

  57:26

  --------

  57:26
• A History Of Nitromethane The Greatest Race Fuel On Earth: Part 1 - 1872-1960

  Nitromethane is the world's most powerful racing fuel but it's history and how it came to be may actually be more fascinating than its chemistry.   Nitromethane was first made in a laboratory in Germany back in 1872 and as you'll find out, it's history goes far beyond the race track. In this multiple part series we'll explore the origins of nitromethane, why is it a miraculous chemical compound, how it found its way into race cars, its major uses around the world, and it's history that ranges from awesome to terrifying.   We'll explore the myths, confirm some, disprove others, and take you inside this truly unique substance. Where did it come from? How is it used? Why does it work in engines? Who banned it? Who failed it ban it and why it scared people very badly in 1958.   It's all here!   A history of nitromethane...part one!

  --------  

  1:09:25

  --------

  1:09:25

More History podcasts

Trending History podcasts

About The Dork-O-Motive Podcast

The Dork-O-Motive Podcast: Podcasts in Family