Our Correspondant maduncle informs us of his rather spiffing computer mod:

Deep in the antipodean wilderness one man struggled to find the reason as to why he was constantly compelled to find new ways to join old brass and steel machine parts together to create spectacularly useless mechanical devices.

Then a good friend introduced the world of ‘steampunk’ to this man…

‘Eureka’ he cried (appropriately) I now not only have a reason for my eccentricity – but a global community to grow even more eccentric with.

Thus the journey began. But first communication methods had to be established – and this would require a suitably modified communicator device. Exploration of the field revealed several amazingly modified boxed devices, but he had something more in mind.

It all began with a plough disc. This innocent round metal plate was the inspiration for a multi armed, articulated, cabled device that would look entirely at home on the workbench in the laboratory of any self respecting steampunk tinkerer. The plough disc sat idle until the most successful hunting trip uncovered the jackhammer – a most beautiful item that became the hub of all things to come.

Upon this hub the build began, with the installation of a memory cylinder comprised of old pressure gauges and strainer mesh.

Soon a portal device to allow connection of accessories joined the build, and then began the major task of appropriately encapsulating the main brain (between two aluminium pizza trays).

The most formidable task of rehousing the power supply in an old speaker box gave the local community cause for concern – but fires and electrocution were happily avoided.

Finally – the portal that would be the window to this world of steampunk was devised and constructed. This challenge was met with copious amounts of copper pipe, in order to produce a framed portal worthy of the communicator.

With the communicator nearing completion – the addition of a suitable type capture and pointing accessories awaits. These items are in sketch form awaiting construction…

(For more information on the build – visit ‘Antipodean Steampunk Adventures’ at www.austeampunk.blogspot.com)

(The communicator is for sale, price dependant upon inclusion of accessories and freight – for more information contact maduncle at cliffo@three.com.au)

Mr. Gazongola writes to tell us:

Yes Ladies and Gents, the first mainline steam locomotive to have been built in over five decades has made her maiden voyage. 

On Saturday the 7th of February, the brand new loco, dubbed ‘Tornado’, set out from Darlington at 0745 GMT and arrived at King’s Cross Station at 1400 GMT

Image source: www.telegraph.co.uk

The Peppercorn class A1 Pacific was built over 18 years, and cost £ 3 million. Painted in apple green, this was the original colour of the first 30 peppercorn classes, made from original plans from 1948, the last original A1 being scrapped in 1966. She is fitted with extra water storage capacity, and all the latest railway electronics to make her safe to be run on the mainline.

Tornado pulled 13 carriages at speeds of up to 75 mph, at a total of about 500 tons. Try to get that out of a modern vehicle. If you don’t mind taking twice as long to get to your destination, then this is the train for you. Well, I shall certainly be waiting for my ticket, and hope that she will be running for years to come. Full steam ahead Tornado!

Although not strictly Steampunk, the Chap Magazine harks back to a time when men were men, and women were mysterious creatures that were to be worshipped and feared in equal measure.

This bi-monthly publication is always a joy to read, and features very strongly the sartorial qualities that  intersect with Steampunk- to wit: hats, tweeds, grooming and facial hair.

A forthcoming issue is to feature a feature on Steampunk, we will endeavour to keep you updated as and when this issue appears.

More details may be found at:

The Chap Magazine

Prof. Albrecht Von Taggërt tells us of his most marvellous monoggle project:

The PAVT Ind. IORA (Interchangeable Ocular Replacement Apparatus) monogoggle was developed for soldiers who had lost the use of their vision in one eye thus making them inefficient on the battle field. Upon further experimentation it was noted that the wearers began having faster than normal reflexes, thus it was further developed to accommodate more lenses. 

Each new lens had it’s own purpose, such as the tracking lens, personal defense lens, and precision lens. Powered by a micro pressure steam cylinder the unit can run for about 8 hours before a recharge is needed. A hookup to a larger power source is in the works. The full kit comes with 3 additional lenses, tool kit and cleaning /oiling solutions.

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p style=”text-align: center;”> In Presentation

I jumped in with both feet as this is my first ever Steampunk themed project, it was a great learning experience! Build thread here: http://brassgoggles.co.uk/bg-forum/index.php?topic=12619.0

As seen in the film of the same name, this high pressure steam vessel has been replicated by your very own Herr Döktor, a build diary of a sort can be found here.

May we wish you all a Happy New Year, and to celebrate, here’s an image of what Santa’s visit in 2007* looked like one hundred and one years ago:

*Shamelessly borrowed from ‘Girl Genius’