After nearly 50 years and over 100,000 miles traversing the harsh Antarctic terrain, "Ivan the Terra Bus," a specially modified Ford Econoline, has been retired. Originally designed for a trans-Antarctic expedition in the 1970s, Ivan became a vital transport link for scientists at McMurdo Station, capable of carrying both passengers and cargo across the ice and snow. Now replaced by more modern vehicles, Ivan will return to the United States to be displayed at the U.S. Antarctic Program's headquarters, preserving its legacy as an iconic symbol of Antarctic exploration.
BMW Group Classic's "Historic Models" page provides a comprehensive overview of BMW's automotive history, showcasing the evolution of its vehicles from the pre-war era to the present day. Organized chronologically, the site features detailed profiles of each model series, highlighting key design features, technical innovations, and historical context. Users can explore the heritage of iconic models like the 328, Isetta, and M1, as well as lesser-known vehicles that contributed to BMW's legacy. The catalog allows enthusiasts and researchers to delve into the rich history of the brand, tracing its progression from aircraft engine manufacturer to a global leader in premium automobiles.
HN users generally expressed appreciation for the comprehensive and well-organized nature of BMW's historical model catalog. Several pointed out the usefulness of the chassis code search functionality. Some commenters reminisced about their personal experiences with specific BMW models, while others discussed the evolution of BMW design and engineering over time. A few users highlighted interesting details found within the catalog, such as the inclusion of motorcycles and aircraft engines. There was also discussion about BMW's branding and marketing, with some questioning the company's current direction.
Tesla is recalling nearly 380,000 vehicles in the US due to a power steering assist fault. The recall affects Model S and X vehicles from 2017-2023, specifically those equipped with full self-driving (FSD) Beta software or pending installation. The issue can cause the power steering to intermittently fail, especially at low speeds or after hitting a bump, requiring increased steering effort and potentially increasing the risk of a crash. An over-the-air software update will address the problem.
HN commenters discuss the vagueness of the recall notice, questioning whether it's a software or hardware issue, and how a software update could resolve a "loss of power steering assist." Some express skepticism about Tesla's reliance on over-the-air updates for safety-critical systems, noting the potential for unforeseen software bugs. Others point out the increasing frequency of Tesla recalls and question the robustness of their initial quality control. A few commenters share personal anecdotes of similar issues with their Teslas, highlighting concerns about safety and the inconvenience of these recurring problems. Some also mention the potential impact on Tesla's reputation and the broader implications for the autonomous driving industry.
Summary of Comments ( 11 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43513301
HN commenters generally expressed sadness at Ivan's retirement, viewing it as the end of an era. Several recalled fond memories of the vehicle from their time in Antarctica, emphasizing its reliability and iconic status. Some questioned the practicality and cost-effectiveness of the newer vehicles replacing Ivan, speculating they might not be as well-suited to the harsh Antarctic environment. There was also discussion of the logistics of transporting Ivan back to the US, and the potential for it to end up in a museum. A few commenters pointed out the apparent discrepancy between the article's claim of Ivan being retired and the linked Antarctic Sun article mentioning its continued use for cargo.
The Hacker News post "One Last Ride for Antarctica's 'Ivan the Terra Bus'" generated several comments discussing the linked Atlas Obscura article about the retirement of a specialized Antarctic vehicle.
Several commenters expressed fascination with the vehicle itself. One user highlighted the impressive mileage of over 20,000 miles, considering the extreme conditions in which the bus operated. This sparked a short discussion about the difficulties of maintaining machinery in Antarctica, with another user mentioning the challenges posed by low temperatures on lubricants and batteries.
Another commenter reminisced about their personal experience seeing Ivan the Terra Bus in Antarctica, adding a touch of personal connection to the story. They described the experience as "surreal," further emphasizing the unique nature of the vehicle and its environment.
There was also a thread discussing the specific model of the bus, a LMC-1. This prompted a comparison with similar vehicles and some speculation about the potential future use or preservation of Ivan, considering its historical and scientific significance. One user even suggested museums or private collectors might be interested in acquiring it.
Some commenters focused on the practical aspects of operating in Antarctica, pointing out the logistical challenges of transporting and maintaining such a vehicle. They also highlighted the importance of specialized equipment like Ivan in supporting scientific research in such a harsh environment.
A few users questioned the decision to retire Ivan, suggesting it could still be useful, while others acknowledged the inevitable need for replacement with newer technology. This led to a brief discussion about the balance between preserving historical artifacts and embracing technological advancements.
Finally, a couple of commenters shared links to related information, such as other Antarctic vehicles and historical accounts of expeditions, further enriching the conversation and providing additional context. Overall, the comments reflect a mixture of admiration for the vehicle, curiosity about its history and operation, and appreciation for the challenges of working in Antarctica.