Spurwechsel
 
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Spurwechsel

"Spurwechsel" or "lane change" is an exhibition at the Vienna Science Museum portraying the introduction of the automobile to Vienna.

2006-10-18 14:32

Technisches Museum

This pretty much sums up the first couple of decades with cars. As always, it took quite some time to work out the kinks in the system. For example:

  • How do you mark pedestrian crossings? (First attempt to do so was in 1926, when cars had been in Vienna for at least twenty years. In 1910 Vienna had about 4000 cars.)

  • How many traffic signs should there be? (Drivers thought sixteen were far too many.)

  • ...and so on...

2006-10-17 16:31

Technisches Museum

The advertisement for the exhibition.

2006-10-18 14:37

Technisches Museum

A "transformer chain". The chain is charged by turning the crank at the far left, and then proceeds to pump water to the top tank, which drives a generator, which powers the two spotlights on the little car, which illuminates the solar cell, which drives the car up the slope...

2006-10-18 15:19

Technisches Museum

Government poster. "The anti-social has no consideration in street traffic." Fun fact: The word "anti-social" is the same word used by the Nazis to denote "enemies of the people"[a].

2006-10-18 15:19

Technisches Museum

Government poster. "Even without him, show discipline!"

2006-10-18 15:03

Technisches Museum

Railroad car. I don't think you'd even be allowed to let condemned men ride in a car like this anymore.

2006-11-18, updated 2007-03-12