DIY Train Project of the Day: The Norry

When life gives you a deserted train track, make a train. 

At least that's what these Cambodians appear to be doing. Check out their norry, a railcar built from bamboo, a small engine, and old tank wheels. The thing absolutely flies. Core77 has the technical analysis: 

By using a stick to increase or decrease tension on the belt, the "engineer" can induce belt slippage as a rudimentary form of throttle control. Braking is provided via a foot pedal that contacts one of the wheels through the platform, using raw friction. The motors caught on and the pole-drive has gone by the wayside.