looking at the rolling stock I would say somewhere in the Americas - Mexico or Brazil?

if the track is shiny, then it is not a place to hang around: shine = wear = use

Agree, but I guess it is not so much distance so much as where you are driving. If I am heading into a desert then I would fancy doing a lot more prep than normal. Personally, in the past I have driven almost non-stop for 1500 miles across Europe with just checking tires, lights, fluids and a no problems.

MAN trucks are becoming European NATO standard trucks, but are also available for sale privately. They come in 4x4, 6x6 and 8x8. Great bits of kit.

Respect to the firemen, like their brothers round the world they are worthy of all respect and gratitude.