The Way Things Work

[bjudd]

I just finished putting my boys to bed after reading a few pages of "the Way Things Work" by David MacAulay.  We happend to be reading from the chapter on "the Mechanics of Movement" - The Gearbox - and I was delighted that their hand drawn diagrams looked like they could have been our manual transmissions.  This "childrens" book is a tremendous resourse for me - who is not mechanically trained- in understanding all kinds of things related to our cars.  (differential, cams, cranks, electrical, seat belts, auto transmissions,etc.)  

Wikepedia says:  the book is intended to serve as an entertaining introduction to everyday machines. It covers machines as simple as levers and gears and as complicated as radio telescopes and automatic transmissions. Its most notable feature is its illustrations: every page consists primarily of one or more large diagrams describing the operation of the relevant machine. These diagrams are informative but playful...



bjudd
1969 280 SL 5 sp

[Jonny B]

Just as an adder - there is a new version of this out "The New Way Things Work" which includes additional items regarding the digital age (this is from Amazon) I do not have this book..... yet! It will be on my order list shortly. The reviews were consistently good.

Jonny B
1967 250SL Auto

[Bob G ✝︎]

An avid reader of automotive repair  and terminology I also collect many books on my cars to enlighten me on their working order. My wife and I have our own librarys and I enjoy picking up a good book or manual that I can understand no matter who it was writen for.
I also collect several periodicals (classic auto restorer) (Car Collector ) Skin Knuckles) all very good sources of informarion. I also collect any books that are on my cars that I might need encluding workshop manuals, electrical, parts manuals, CDs, micro fishe.
It is no wonder my wife restricks my hobbie to the garage. I have been told the young childern of today are smarter by fare than I was growing up. So being a not so computer savy person I reserve my self to asking a five year old  how to work a computer fuction.
My point is not matter the information, if you can learn and gain some insite it is always a useful tool.
Bob Geco
1968 280SL
Long Beach CA

[Raymond]

Good for you on two counts!  First, reading to your boys.  Far too many parents seem too busy or lazy to help their kids appreciate reading.  Second, because you are teaching them basic mechanics.  I am still appalled by the number of people I meet who couldn't tell you that their engines have cylinders, much less how the rear wheels turn.

I have always blessed the memory of my father for having been a mechanic who taught my brothers and me through example.  When your boys are older and are stunned that their friends can't change a faucet washer or install a ceiling fan, they'll be glad you taught them to read and how things work.

Ray
'68 280SL 4-spd Coupe