Steam-Powered Inspiration.

[Jive-Bomber]

I took a road trip with a few buddies over the weekend to the 'Roots of Motive Power' festival in northern logging country of Willits, California. The event is modestly touted as a major gathering of early steam-powered machinery, with the main attra...

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[hugh m]

First thing they used to do with a new helper was send him around the corner for a "bucket of steam"....Bigelow boilers were made just down the road.

[manyolcars]

I noticed a post a while back where one of the HAMB moderators said, "90% of the HAMB posts are not about traditional hotrods or customs."

[49ratfink]

sounds like a fun show. it's interesting to see the way they used to do things. at a car show over the weekend there was a bunch of the old hit-and miss powered pumps and whatnot, and there was also a vintage small engine club there with old gas powered engines doing different things.

[49ratfink]

Originally Posted by manyolcars

I noticed a post a while back where one of the HAMB moderators said, "90% of the HAMB posts are not about traditional hotrods or customs."

Traditional Hot Rods and Customs and interesting old junk is fine with me.

[Flat-N-Low]

The early inventors who came up with the principle of using steam as a power source were truly amazing. It is incredible to see the true power that steam can produce. The early steam automobiles were fast, pretty elaborate, and made incredible torque, but were very dangerous to an unskilled operator. The construction equipment is much the same, but on a much larger scale. I would have loved to see that big steam shovel in operation. I'm a big fan of seeing "old" things in operating condition.

I love the reference to the old children's book, "Mike Mulligan and Mary Ann the Steam Shovel". One of my favorite books when I was a kid.

[NoSurf]

Originally Posted by Flat-N-Low

I love the reference to the old children's book, "Mike Mulligan and Mary Ann the Steam Shovel". One of my favorite books when I was a kid.

Mine too.

Awesome video. Thanks for sharing.

[Model A John]

Very cool. I've never had the opportunity to see a steam shovel in action. Thanks for posting.

[Rolleiflex]

Originally Posted by 49ratfink

Traditional Hot Rods and Customs and interesting old junk is fine with me.

I wholeheartedly agree! Very cool stuff! Any time I've experienced watching things like this in motion it seems so surreal. These sorts of things always mesmerize me!

[Jive-Bomber]

Originally Posted by manyolcars

I noticed a post a while back where one of the HAMB moderators said, "90% of the HAMB posts are not about traditional hotrods or customs."

Just figured you guys were tired of hearing about Ryan's 65 Buick Riviera obsession...

Seriously though, I try to find unique inspiration to post about sometimes, just to break up 365 posts a year on cars.

[NoSurf]

You know, collectively, I think we are the group that will become the caretakers of all that older machinery that a isn't a "hotrod" or "custom". Who else understands how they work, can make parts, fix them and operate them?

[Cubby]

We have a big steam engine and tractor show outside Springfield, MO every September. Awesome to see the ingenuity and "technology" of that time!

[tjmercury]

There is a really cool show this fall in Fredinia, Ks called "Old Iron Days" that cas a whole line of giant hit and miss engines running various equip. They also have several small ones as well as a bunch of flat belt driven farm machinery that they actually use to show how they operate. Its really cool if you ask me.

[Jkustom]

Originally Posted by 49ratfink

Traditional Hot Rods and Customs and interesting old junk is fine with me.

Yep!! If you can't appreciate cool old machinery, and even more important, the HISTORY of stuff like this, Then I question your passion for anything traditional, even hotrods and customs.

I love this old stuff. Thanks for the vids Jive Bomber!

[Tman]

Originally Posted by NoSurf

You know, collectively, I think we are the group that will become the caretakers of all that older machinery that a isn't a "hotrod" or "custom". Who else understands how they work, can make parts, fix them and operate them?

How true Jay! Now, how do I justify a steam shovel to Carla?!?!?!

[NoSurf]

Originally Posted by Tman

Now, how do I justify a steam shovel to Carla?!?!?!

Easy! Just tell her it was on SALE!!!

[Jkustom]

Originally Posted by NoSurf

You know, collectively, I think we are the group that will become the caretakers of all that older machinery that a isn't a "hotrod" or "custom". Who else understands how they work, can make parts, fix them and operate them?

100% agree. I think this is what I was trying to say, you just did it a lot better

Who's up for steam shovel races??

[jcmarz]

What does steam shoveling have to do with the H.A.M.B? Nothing! I assume the H.A.M.B rules don't apply to certain H.A.M.B members.

[NoSurf]

Originally Posted by jcmarz

What does steam shoveling have to do with the H.A.M.B? Nothing! I assume the H.A.M.B rules don't apply to certain H.A.M.B members.

Lighten up Francis.


Maybe we can paint some skulls on the wood cab and call it a RATROD.

[Tman]

Originally Posted by NoSurf

Easy! Just tell her it was on SALE!!!

I did pass on the 62 Ford and the 70 Chevy PU last week so in effect I saved up $5400!!!!!!!