Pheobsky writes:

 

The Science museum (London) is running a poll to decide which out of “10 scientific objects that changed the world” is most favoured in the world- All of the things have a little spiel on them, and inventions include items such as Stevenson’s Rocket, the model T ford and the electric telegraph. It also includes some more recent inventions/discoveries such as penicillin, but compared to the steamy goodness of a clanking engine belching fire and steam, what chance do a couple of microbes have ? See the poll here: http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/Centenary/Home/Icons.aspx

“9”, A sneak Peek

Posted by on June 6th,2009

The nice people producing the motion picture “9” have graciously allowed us to see some images from the film:

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A new era in animated storytelling begins on 9.9.09. Visionary filmmakers Tim Burton (The Corpse Bride, Charlie and The Chocolate Factory) and Timur Bekmambetov (Wanted, Nightwatch) join forces to produce wunderkind director Shane Acker’s distinctively original and thrilling tale. 9 stars Elijah Wood, John C. Reilly, Jennifer Connelly, Martin Landau, Christopher Plummer and Crispin Glover and features the music of Danny Elfman.

When 9 (The Lord of the Ring’s Elijah Wood) first comes to life, he finds himself in a post-apocalyptic world. All humans are gone, and it is only by chance that he discovers a small community of others like him taking refuge from fearsome machines that roam the earth intent on their extinction. Despite being the neophyte of the group, 9 convinces the others that hiding will do them no good. They must take the offensive if they are to survive, and they must discover why the machines want to destroy them in the first place.

As they’ll soon come to learn, the very future of civilization may depend on them.

www.9themovie.com

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Also, check out the “9” Scientist’s page on Facebook where the online prequel story has begun unfolding through his page. Through the “9 Scientist” Facebook page, readers will be begin their journey into the back-story of the “9” film, while actively participating in the development of the prequel story.  Read his inner most thoughts, ideas and inventions here:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/9-Scientist/68320649914?ref=ts

Be sure to look out for more exclusives as the film’s release nears us!

1884: Yesterday’s Future

Posted by on May 25th,2009

 

A film by Peculiar Pictures, from their website:

 

A story of outstanding heroism in the face of deception, subterfuge and treachery. Conjuring up the belief that it was made forty years before film was even invented, 1884: Yesterday’s Future tells of a future that might have been but never was. Directed by Tim Ollive, the film is a mix of animation, puppetry and two dimensional and three dimensional computer generated imagery (CGI) set against backgrounds created using stunning artwork, model sets and period photographs from the Hulton Picture Library division of Getty Images.

 

Combine these idiosyncratic production techniques with a script of mind boggling ingenuity and you have a hilarious comedy film the like of which you will not have seen before.

 

So, put your tongue firmly in your cheek, stiffen your upper lip and prepare to be shaken and stirred by 1884: Yesterday’s Future.

-o0O0o-

More information here, and a truly marvellous trailer may be found, but I can’t tell you where or how.

 

The Telecalculograph Mark 2

Posted by on May 25th,2009

Mr Gazongola writes:

Yes, Jake of all Trades is at it again. With the release of the computer game Damnation, he was commissioned to create a computer to be given away to a winner of the competition held by Destructoid. It weighs nearly a metric tonne, and is full of wood and brassy goodness. It sports an Intel Core i7 965, 12 gigs DDR3 RAM, an X57 chipset motherboard, a Dual Radeon 4870X2 card, and 1 Terabyte of hard drive.

 

 

You too can enter the competition to win this fantastic device. Just post a picture of you in your best steamy outfit, with the destructoid.com logo. Unfortunately, due to its weight, the competition is only open to US and Canadian residents (spifflication!).

Show Us Your Loive Of Steam Punk And Win This Custom PC

Rowan’s eBay Treasure Hunt

Posted by on May 23rd,2009

Welcome one and all to the first instalment of Rowan’s eBay Treasure Hunt, where I trawl the Æther Bay (commonly know as eBay) for the steamiest items it has to offer!

Below every item, you can find out more info, see more photographs, or even put in your own bid if you feel like it by clicking on the picture!

 

Steam-boiler Automaton Clock

Well, it seems the 19th Century had Steampunks as well! This retrofitted clock/barometer combo lends some of the mainspring power to run the steam-governor on the top of the boiler. Steam, clockwork, brass, copper and rivets. How much more Steampunk can you get?

 

Steampunk Webcam

This lab lamp (most probably for use with a dissecting microscope) looks like a ready made webcam! The pop up chimney is a nice touch.

 

 

 

Antique Brass Adjustable Dental Lamp

This is possibly my favourite of the lot, a variable hight dental lamp that would look perfect in any workshop! The high can angle can be adjusted via a set of pulleys and a swinging arm, and each of the four bulbs can be individually switched on or off.

 

 

 Well, that is it for this week, check back next week! If you happen to find anything particularly good on eBay, send me a PM on the forums or post it in the comments below, and I shall include it!

The Spark Museum

Posted by on April 20th,2009

Joseph Priestley's Static Electricity Machine 1769 (Reproduction)

 My we direct your attention to Mr. John Jenkins marvellous collection of vintage radio and scientific apparatus, also known as The Spark Museum.

To quote from the introduction to the site:

 “Welcome to my “virtual” radio and scientific instruments museum where I display the radios and other items I have collected over the past 35+ years. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.”

With thanks to Rowan of Rin

Courtesy of Mr. Marrock on the forum, this marvellous piece of field equipment has been brought to our attention, more information from earlytech.com:

“The Swiss Mikiphone, circa 1930, is probably the best of all the miniature gramophones produced in the first half of the twentieth century. The folding pocket gramophone when closed resembles a large pocket watch. All the parts apart from the winding handle are stored inside the case which when closed has a diameter of just 4.5″ (11.5 cm) by under 2″ thick (4.7 cm). The turntable is only just over 4″ in diameter (10.4 cm) and the records are held in place with a push on clamp. The celluloid ‘horn’ is in two parts and is also stored within the case.”

 

[Steam engine.] Digital ID: 107593. New York Public Library

A Modern Steam Engine. Digital ID: 95107. New York Public Library

The New York Public Library has very kindly allowed we Intra-web users to view their collection of over 300 illustrations and photogravures of a Scientific nature. Above are shown just two of their most steamy examples!

More information about this resource may be found here.

While a direct ‘link’ to the Scientifc Drawing gallery may be found here.

 -o0O0o-

Also, the renowned computational engine company, the International Business Machines Corporation (IBM), are having an exhibition of historic ‘machines’, such as this:

The Hahn Calculator of 1774- many other images are of interest, please follow the link here.

 

With grateful thanks to Renquist Von Reik and Jingle Joe, for bringing these exhibitions to my notice.

Bruce the Lesser- Artiste

Posted by on March 8th,2009

Mr. Gazongola Writes:

Yes, I have another device to report upon from the aether! On my travels among the inter-computational highways, I have come across an anachronaut of amazing armature. I give you The Hawkman:

 

http://brucethelesser.deviantart.com/art/Steampunk-Hawkman-profile-114571944 

From the workshops of Bruce The Lesser, comes this astounding creation. One can just picture such a fellow sailing across the skies, battling with the foes of the air.

The crown of feathers are done in such a way so that they look like shards of glass. The beak, made from thermo form plastic, painted brass, a formidable yet wise looking mask. And of course, the goggles to top it all off.

Take a look at Bruce’s gallery, and marvel at his other creations.

Source: www.deviantart.com http://brucethelesser.deviantart.com/

Steampunk LEGO

Posted by on February 26th,2009

Over on The Web Urbanist, there is a rather fine selection of twenty Steampunk LEGO creations: 

 

 Please follow the below link for a plethora of Steamed LEGO and related links:

Brass and Bricks