# Railroad-Exploring Vehicles The SEFT-1 Travelled Along Abandoned Railways in Mexico and Ecuador By Alyson Wyers | Published 2014-06-26 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/abandoned-railways References: [designtaxi](http://designtaxi.com/news/366720/Fantastic-Handmade-Car-Explores-Thousands-Of-Miles-Of-Abandoned-Railways/) & [furtherfield.org](http://furtherfield.org/programmes/exhibition/seft-1-abandoned-railways-exploration-probe-modern-ruins-1220) In an ambitious project to explore Mexico's abandoned railways, artists Ivan Puig and Andrés Padilla Domene created a homemade car. The SEFT-1 exploration probe travelled thousands of miles along old rail lines throughout Mexico and Ecuador over the course of two years. The [customized car](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/offroad-vehicle-concept) was equipped with modern navigation features and sensors, and drove like a regular car on the abandoned railways. The versatile vehicle also allowed the artists to document their journey through [found objects, photographs and video](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rewilding-the-future). They interviewed the people living in the communities along the forgotten railroads who were affected by the closures back in 1995 as well. The stories they collected in addition to the data gathered will be on display from June 21 to July 27, 2014 at Furtherfield Gallery in London. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.5/10 - Popularity: 8% | Activity: 29% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, South America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Exploration Vehicles:** Opportunity to develop vehicles specifically designed for exploring remote and abandoned areas, utilizing modern navigation features and sensors. - **Railway Rehabilitation:** Opportunity to revive abandoned railways by repurposing them for exploration, tourism, or transportation purposes. - **Community Engagement:** Opportunity to connect with communities affected by railway closures and document their stories and experiences. ### Who This Affects Most - **Automotive:** Automotive industry can innovate by creating specialized vehicles for exploring remote and abandoned areas, equipped with modern navigation features and sensors. - **Tourism:** Tourism industry can capitalize on repurposing abandoned railways for unique exploration experiences and attract travelers. - **Art and Culture:** Art and culture industry can utilize exploration projects to engage with communities and document their stories and experiences. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Shapeshifting Railway Inspection Motorbikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/railway-motorcycle.md) - [Electric Exoskeleton Off-Road Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/offroad-electric-vehicle.md) - [Escapism Electric Vehicle Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/trekker-concept-vehicle.md) - [Off-Grid Exploration Trucks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bedrock-xt2.md) - [Integrated Engine Off-Roading Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rubishack.md) - [Hotel Room Vehicle Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mercedes-x-belmond-vision-pullman-express.md) - [Panoramic Open-Air Roof Trains](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/electric-train.md) - [Modular Planetary Exploration Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/astrolab-flex-rover.md) - [Oversized Overlanding Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/earthroamer-sx.md)