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.”

We presume that “Nautica” is the name of the mysterious lady depicted here against the backdrop of a dirigible inspired by the airship from the 2005 animated short film, The Mysterious Geographic Explorations of Japser Morello. While the dirigible is positively steampunk, the lady herself appears like she would be better in place in some noir jazz bar or nightclub; indeed, the whole picture evokes the promise of some astounding pulp-inspired dieselpunk story!

This fine depiction was created by a German artist who goes by the handle of “Sulphar-Fire,” and she maintains a collection of further artwork on display at her Profile.

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.

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/

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

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;”> Steam Cylinder

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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