Reconnoitring

In reconnoitring the 'Nottingham & Leicestershire Steam & Country Show' at Stanford Hall near Loughborough, way back in July on the 3rd. 2008, I was able to see a steam wagon, two traction engines, and a plethora of working scale steam engines. The gears, pistons, regulators, and steam whistles are all different in some way, whether its the scaled replicas, or the restored steam engines, it seems that every Victorian town had a workshop that made them their own way!

The other aspect of a show like this one, is that you can become a hunter (not a scavenger) of SteamPunk paraphernalia, a lot of stalls have what other people call junk, but we know better “what !”; cogs, gears, gagdes, brass doorknobs, and the like, and even Victorian lamps can be found. I myself bought a solid brass shoe-horn, very helpful when your servant is not to hand!

On the whole well worth the reconnoitre.

In the interim

To you the reader, please forgive this tardy addition to my public journal, my absence has been unintentional, but my enthusiasm has kept me going when my occupation took president.

In the interim I have relaxed with many a good book, and had time to search for, and view motion pictures depicting the wonderus industrial marvels of the age, and those splendid adventurous chaps of the Empire.

Others have rallied to my banner, notably the enigmatic artist 'SteamTrooper', who's skill in portraying visions of riveted armour protecting the steam engines of the Empire's landships, has yet to be surpassed.

Steampunk Review: The Peshawar Lancers

Some books pop out at you from the shelf, but other ones seem to find you when you are not looking. This book was loaned to a friend, who then loaned it to a friend, who then loaned it to an other friend, who then loaned it to me, each one of them gave it a first-rate recommendation (far better than any marketing), so you know you will not be disappointed.

The Peshawar Lancers by S.M. Stirling Published by RoC 2002/2003. ISBN 0451458737

Blast this writing contraption, will type more soon....

Steampunk Reviews: Shikari in Galveston.

For those of you who are familiar with, and crave more of, the adventures of the dashing young cavalry officer Athelstane King and his man Ranjit of the Peshawar Lancers, - look no farther than the novella Shikari in Galveston by S.M. Stirling, featured in Worlds That Weren't (Published by RoC 2002. ISBN 0451458869).

The coal smoke of the Empire's industrialized towns and cities, with their heaving throngs of people, is left far behind for the swamps and dense woodlands and jungles of Texas. A place full of diverting possibilities for our young hero's derring-do.

The locals are good clean folk, etching out a fledgeling civilization from this frontier land in the aftermath of their ancestors. They are noting the use of vulcanized rubber, binoculars, the latest rifles, Steamships and other modern marvels of the Empire.

On leave from his duties in India, King is free to hunt for big game, Man-eaters have been reported and he hopes to bag some trophies. Athelstane's character is one which suffers no fools, believes in fair play and sportsmanship and, as a representative of the British Empire, comports himself impeccably, - winning-over the natives with his innate confidence and charm.

The novella is set in the post Steampunk world and does not disappoint with its turn of events. The author's confessional at the end serves to re-enforce one's fervour for this genre, and the love of adventure.

A darn good yarn of the highest order !

A little jaunt to a Steampunk chapel. Pt. 1 of 3

You've heard the saying “Half the fun is getting there!” - so it was loads of fun finding this little island of Victorian craftsmanship! Hidden from the main road and shrouded by farm and woodland, it is not far from the village of Papplewick which lies somewhere between Mansfield and the city of Nottingham. To find it you need your wits about you and a good navigator like my 14-year-old son Thomas who also thoroughly enjoyed our visit.

The main wrought-iron gates and path beyond give one the impression of a formal landscaped English garden. Entering the grounds through the Gate House, on your left is an ornamental pond of some length with a centre fountain, - not simply for show this was the Cooling Pond. For the young engineers among us, the cold water was sucked into the Engine House, condensed the steam, warm water then fed back into the pond. The fountain also had a more practical function, used to replenish the pond's water, maintaining the correct level.

A little jaunt to a Steampunk chapel. Pt. 2 of 3

The Engine House, which I refer to as a 'Steampunk Chapel' stands out from the countryside panorama with its terracotta brickwork and slate roof, - you can even make out its many arched windows.

A little jaunt to a Steampunk chapel. Pt. 3 of 3

Once inside, your gaze is first drawn to the large steel flywheels and then to the ornately decorated columns. The latter's job is to support the see-saw motion of the beam engines. One is struck by the brightness of the interior and look up at the stained glass windows, each depicting some form of nature emphasizing that water is the life blood for all.

I could only marvel at the Engineering and the Architecture with the loving thought that this place of such toil and labour was, and still is, of such beauty.

Papplewick Pumping Station is well worth finding and visiting as my few words can hardly do it justice.

Welcome to Papplewick Pumping Station

http://www.papplewickpumpingstation.co.uk/index.htm

Welcome to the Learning Zone for Papplewick Pumping Station

http://www.papplewickpumpingstation.org.uk/