Hello All!
My name is Kevin, and though I am not exactly a Steampunk in terms of what I wear or say, I certainly may be classified as one in what I do.
I am an employee for the Independence Seaport Museum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (USA), and in college, I studied industrial and military history as it developed from the 19th to mid-20th Century. That being said, I am a living history member and preservation worker aboard the Ex-USS Olympia - possibly the most "steampunk" ship here in the United States. I can certainly say I've had my fair share of dreams about steam engines, brass gauges, and rivets.
The Olympia was built in 1892, served from 1895 until 1922 as a dedicated Flagship of several squadrons, and is considered the Oldest steel warship afloat today. She was built in the very beginning of the US Navy's development of the "New Steel Navy," the first ship of that Navy being built in 1883. The Olympia, then, contains technology dating back to the 1880s and early 1890s (with the exception of some upgrades for World War 1) and certainly does not lack in Victorian influence.
The amount of bronze, brass, and wood used in this ship is pretty astonishing. Our officers quarters, captain's stateroom, and admiral's stateroom are all clad in wood and brass. The decks are all wood (on top of steel).
Probably best of all, we are a coal ship which ran two massive triple-expansion steam engines for her main propulsion. These engines provided the ship with 26 knots, max speed (the fastest cruiser speed in the world, at the time). I've spent a decent amount of time researching our steam plant and working on the various steam engines throughout the ship. All-in-all, we have almost 60 steam engines of different types, uses, and sizes that operated this vessel when she was live-steam. I am also the lead engine room tour guide, and as I've stated, I interpret a US Navy steam engineer for living history.
However, as with many museums these days, we are very low on funding and the ship has taken quite a beating. The hull, in several places, has been getting thin from erosion and we are in definite need of drydocking very soon. Our last drydocking was in 1945, so we hold the unfortunate world-record for the longest period a ship, floating, hasn't been drydocked. But, for being 121 years old, she is holding up unexpectedly well for now!
Fundraisers are the way to go, and we need a great variety of them to achieve the goal of preserving this ship for years to come. I felt a Steampunk convention of some sort, aimed at fundraising for this historic vessel, may be appropriate. If anyone has any ideas or contacts, I would appreciate the help.
Thank you!
In the 1890s
Today
Myself, at the main steam throttle of the Starboard engine
Climbing our main smokestack
One of our Triple-Expansion Steam engines before installation in 1891
Main Steam Gauge for Starboard Side Engine
Walnut lagging, with brass retaining brands, protects our engine insulation
I would include more pictures, but I've realized that most of my photos are of maintenance and engine stuff. A search of the ship on google will explain more!
Also we have a facebook site with more info:
https://www.facebook.com/CruiserOlympia
