Steampunk

Hmmm. I've kind of assumed that Steampunk involves an alternative history where the infernal combustion engine hasn't been invented...

Rod

As a New Zealander, I am not sure that coming from here is necessarily likely to confer any special knowledge of steampunk.

I would second the suggestion of reading William Gibsons "The Difference Engine"

Another suggestion would be "A Transatlantic Tunnel, Hurrah!" by Harry Harrison.

The genre grew of of science fiction alternative history but has taken on a life of its own, including artwork and cosplay.

There is another genre called diesel punk which does similar things with early internal combustion technology and fashions.

John

So was Heath Robinson our first steampunk?

There are some fabulous model steampunk stirling engines about. Check out any of the videos on Youtube by mdevink. Here's a good intro

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KAaUTLQJPk

And some more, on display as art at Oxford, along with a few interesting steampunks in the crowd

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5i9ZX10iM64

(Tried to embed videos, too hard.)

Edited By Hopper on 01/09/2016 06:56:45

No (a) it's in the Tea Room and (b) steampunk is a creative movement where engineering meets art - see the 'mechanomorphic art' featured in ME some years ago.

Neil

When are you starting it, Geoff?

I began to realize that Steampunk was a philosophy but, as Neil says, I did put it in the Tea Room. As for New Zealand, I recent read in a newspaper that a small town on the South Island has an annual steampunk festival so assumed it originated there.

JA

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Admittedly the bike is not Steam-powered, but surely your 'alternative history' could accommodate the possibility of innovation ... Or do you just see it as a moment frozen in time

MichaelG.

I don't think steam-punk has got to have a steam connection. My (UK) jewellers tools etc catalogue includes collections of assorted watch and clock parts intended for those making stuff for the 'steam punk market'. And this goes back at least five years.

As to what is appropriate for this forum, be careful about setting rules. It won't be long before it is suggested that nothing which includes any part or substance made entirely by anyone else but the poster in person and on his own and without mechanical assistance should not be contemplated.

Cheers, Tim

PS doesn't Heath Robinson count as one of the Steam-punk pioneers?

Edited By Tim Stevens on 01/09/2016 09:40:58

Oamaru in the South Island does have a steampunk festival but they did not invent the idea. Actually Jules Verne probably started it all. The town is a good setting for it since it has quite a nice collection of Victorian stone buildings in the local stone. Stone buildings are of course a rarity in NZ, and are even rarer since the Christchurch earthquakes.

Some steam enthusiasts seem to be uncomfortable with the steam punk concept. The steam punk people tend to be artisticly inclined rather than practically inclined, whereas I think most steam enthusiasts prefer things that actually work rather than hypothetical steam powered ray guns. I think it is all good fun either way, provided the steam punk folks don't decide to start making boilers!

Here is a photo of some steam punk enthusiasts posing with my steam launch at a steam rally near Auckland a couple of years back.

John

Steam-punk is a way of life for some people, they even have their own dress code (I only know this as I used to work with someone who was into it).

Neil,

I'm not sure I would live long enough! Look up studio-octavio for more examples.

I suggested to Cherry Hill that it would make a good model, but she isn't making any more.

Geoff

What a shame. She showed me some fascinating drawings for a steam powered ice-car (I haven't got a better name!) I would have liked to see it complete.

Neil

I'm sure it could, though that might be the end of STEAMpunk Perhaps the i.c. engine could be invented by a baddie and the idea die with him after a suitably lively chase at the end of the novel. Blimey, are we writing a novel here Michael?

Cheers,

Rod

Edited By Roderick Jenkins on 01/09/2016 11:25:04

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True Confession time, Rod

... I don't even read novels

My wife reads enough of them for both of us.

I prefer reading about the history of the technology that our 'reality' has developed.

MichaelG.

Neil she has the "Nathaniel Grew Ice Locomotive" well beyond the drawing stage but not sure if she has anything planned after that.

Nathaniel Grew Ice Locomotive / steam powered ice-car...

Sounds intriguing. Can anyone elucidate or is it going to be left hanging there? I'm in suspenders...

This looks to be a later one of theirs but will give you an idea. You could always buy her book

I think I'd rather not be standing on the foot-plate of a few tons of hot steam engine travelling across ice. I wonder what purpose the buffers on that ice locomtive would serve?

Same as on a railway loco stops all the carrages/waggons bumping into each other when you slow down. I assume it was made for hauling of some sort though I suppose rigid drawbars could be used.

Just found an image of the one she has based her model on. Not sure what would happen if you went over any undulations as there is a serious risk of loosing traction!

Edited By JasonB on 01/09/2016 13:18:39