Wings of Steam

This subject is a bit more dieselpunk than the normal content of this blog, but if that bothers you, just pretend it’s being powered by a steam engine.

The Armstead Snow-Motor was developed in the 1920s as a solution to the problem of hauling objects during the winter months. Sitting atop two screw-shaped cylinders which turned in unison, a Fordson tractor would be able to navigate over deep snow drifts without losing its grip. The silent film below demonstrates just how maneuverable it was and goes on to show the Snow-Motor design being used on a Chevrolet car.

This design became known as screw-powered vehicle technology and was even used by the Germans during World War II.

Thanks to Ezra Moreau for the video.

Following the tradition set by Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, A. E. Moorat has created his own historical/horror mash-up novel. On October 15th, London publisher Hodder & Stoughton will release Queen Victoria: Demon Hunter, an “alternative history of Britains feistiest queen, packed full of blood, guts, and flesh-eating zombies.”

`There were many staff at Kensington Palace, fulfilling many roles; a man who was employed to catch rats, another whose job it was to sweep the chimneys. That there was someone expected to hunt Demons did not shock the new Queen; that it was to be her was something of a surprise.`

As a promotion for the release of the novel, the publisher has created a web page (wearenotamused.net) where you can read the first chapter of the book and enter a YouTube film competition. A winning entry for the best Victorian zombie short film could win you £100 of Hodder books. The contest closes on September 20th and the best entries will be used to promote the novel.

On March 4th in New York, the pocket watch originally used by Indian leader Mahatma Gandhi will be up for auction by a group called Antiquorum Auctioneers.

Mahatma Gandhi’s silver Zenith pocket watch (circa 1910-1915) is expected to attract significant interest.  The pocket watch belonged to Gandhi, who later gave it to his grandniece, Abha Gandhi, his assistant of six years, and in whose arms he died.

Also offered as part of the same lot are Gandhi’s sandals, glasses, bowl, plate, and letters of authenticity. The bidding is expected to reach between $20,000 and $30,000.

Link.