Working Steam Contraptions of Old: Kinetic Steamworks

Zachary Rukstela considers himself the steward of the pieces of vintage steam technology he owns. He operates a steam powered vehicle at Maker Faire Bay Area 2011, and explains his background in steam, from growing up on a farm, to working on a WWII era steam powered destroyer.
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[@BigAdam2050]

I'm with this guy. I mean, I could make something to make electricity, but enough to power a drill, a sander, a welder? I don't think so.

[@smpstech]

Its true that many farms will use 80+ year old equipment. I grew up and live in a rural area and know many farmers that still use 60+ year old Farmall, John Deere, Minneapolis Moline tractors and implements. What I was pointing out was that they are all GAS powered. Steam power has been phased out since the early 1900's. Its expensive to fuel, has substantial downtime (large steam traction engines take upwards of 2-3 hours to get full steam,) and is less efficient.

[@smpstech]

"I was around steam alot when I was younger, lived on a farm..."
Ok, you look at most 30 years old, and I don't know many farms that have used anything steam powered in the last 80 or so years. Also, not really a steam contraption, actually a super simple, common road roller. I don't see the "maker" in restoring a old piece of construction equipment, as cool as it is.

[@Hopsinner]

None of those things you suggested would exist in the case that all the electric things stopped working as implied in the post I replied to, nor do they have anything to do with bakers or tasty food. So I honestly have to ask: what are you talking about?

[@fightmeimirish]

Clearly you don't know what you're talking about.
LOTS of farms and factories still use 80 year old equipment. Equipment like that has been running for 80 years and with simple maintenance will run for 80 more. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

[@TheRealBoof]

Except the machinery used to make bullets and guns... You know what, nevermind, I read the rest of that guys' post about "creations becoming self-aware." I'm not even gonna try to make an argument lol...

[@fightmeimirish]

Steam tech may be rare now, but it's not completely out of use. There's certainly no reason to "call bulls#it" on Mr. Rukstela.
Is it really inconceivable that he had access to steam engines as a kid?

[@83244genesis]

This is really cool, though I'm disappointed that they didn't explain more about the actual workings of the machine. Sepia tone for added flavour was neat.

[@Nalesh]

Most likely, archers will come out on top, because we can replenish our ammo, people can't replenish ammo :P

[@Hopsinner]

Wood stoves, made with forest wood. And to transport the wood, evolution's friendly gift of feet.

[@AnimeStudioMotion]

Is this a system of smaller system to create larger system:)

[@FreeThink1984]

Awesome....but is it just me, or did this feel like a portlandia sketch?

[@Hopsinner]

No man, It'd be the bakers. You cant live without tasty food.

[@Thoran666]

I haven't met an AI that I cant beat yet, so do your worst :D

[@gibbo1112]

never! I swear to use my creations for nothing but good!!

[@vistigioful]

You own your vehicle.

[@lawnmowerdude]

Steam power is so cool.

[@drakeonyou]

Basically steam punk

[@codaman127]

to anyone.

[@JTshoot]

Potatoes.

[@TheJoeMan327]

Second