Time Travellers: A Dangerous Voyage through History

Born in 1847, the German-born scientist, Nikolaus Otto had an eye for mechanics. At the age of 15, he designed his first device, a bicycle with a self-generating power generator using solar power. His efforts were rewarded when the King of Prussia embraced him at court and announced that Otto will be granted a scholarship to study at the prestigious Berlin University.

At Berlin University, Otto met another gifted young man by the name of Jacob Henkel who had earned his degree in chemistry and physics at the young age of 14. Together, they embarked on an ambitious project to build the world's first gasoline-powered engine.

In 1869, they were successful and showcased their invention during the industrial exhibition in Paris where it attracted thousands of visitors. They were richly rewarded by affluent investors who saw potential in their idea. Together, they formed The Otto-Henkel Engineering Works and began mass production of their engines which soon became famous as "Otto Engines". By 1875, more than 90% of all engines used in locomotives across Europe were manufactured by Otto-Henkel Engineering Works. The rest 10% was held by another company called Daimler Motor Works which was also founded by another German engineer Gottlieb Daimler. Together, these two companies dominated Europe's railway industry.

The success of Otto Engines led to more innovations from both companies such as internal combustion engines for cars and heavy duty trucks; airships with vertical take off capabilities; aircrafts that can fly at hundreds of feet above ground; diesel engines for ships and submarines; automatic rifles for infantry; etcetera. Thus began the golden age of German engineering which extended not just to Germany but to other European nations as well.