Was watching the parade this morning, and a float broke down (We saw a float break down when we were there 8 years ago - it's not uncommon). It struck me that gosh, a short route at low speeds and a need for reliability for moving big heavy floats - why the heck are these things still engine driven? It seems like an incredible mis-application of that technology. A quick google search turned up:
http://articles.latimes.com/2010/dec/31/local/la-me-parade-green-20101231
My favorite 'idiot by ignorance' quote from the article:
Psst, buddy, go all electric and you don't need most of that stuff.
http://articles.latimes.com/2010/dec/31/local/la-me-parade-green-20101231
My favorite 'idiot by ignorance' quote from the article:
Seated on a workbench with his right foot resting on one of his trusty V-8 engines, Tim Estes, president of Fiesta floats, said: "I think it's great to use this new Honda technology. And if Honda wants to donate hybrid engines to us, fine. But in order to make them fit our chassis, we'll also need new transmissions, drive shafts, radiators, motor mounts, spare parts and technological expertise."
Psst, buddy, go all electric and you don't need most of that stuff.