Herr Döktor

"STEAM PISTOL" Revisited

2011-09-23T23:23:00.006+01:00

Just over two years ago, I finished my Steam Pistol (see here for more details), since then, the metallic finish had become tarnished, the markings had begun to peel, and the wood effect plastic handle had begun to get on my nerves.

So, over a quiet weekend, I found the time to re-finish the old girl:

Close-up of the new markings:

These have been etched on brass using salt-water electrolysis, a simple but very effective method:

The new handle has been hand turned on a lathe from a piece of cedar, or possibly mahogany (the joy of off-cuts!):
The metallic finish is a chrome-effect over gloss black, giving a very bright, highly metallic finish.

The "COMMODORE" Plasma Ray Pistol

2011-09-15T18:53:00.009+01:00

Back from the ASYLUM (Europe's largest Steampunk Convivial), where I was able to deliver this little item to it's new owner:

It comes in a velvet lined box, and has a pair of tools and a flask of liquid plasma:

You might just be able to make out the label, and that it is "My Favourite!", according to one N. Tesla:

Delivered by hand to it's new owner, one Mr. Robert Rankin, the well known wit, raconteur and writer of far-fetched-fiction, this now completes a pair of rayguns, the other belonging to his good lady wife, Lady Raygun, which may be seen here.

The Commodore was most gratified to receive his raygun, and I shall hopefully soon have a picture of the presentation to share with you.

Workshop Day at Kew Bridge Steam Museum

2011-06-27T22:20:00.002+01:00

A splendid time was had by all at Kew Bridge this past weekend, many frocks were modified, much tea was duelled with, and the Pax Britannica author Mr Jonathan Green came along and did a fine reading from his latest opus, as well as a finer report than anyone else could imagine:

Mr Green flatters me deeply with his words, and I am blushing!

Do come along to the next themed weekend, a Fashion event over the weekend of the 16th and 17th of July.

The Art Of Steampunk

2011-06-13T23:37:00.010+01:00

As you may know, I exhibited at Oxford's Museum of the History Of Science last year, an exhibition that was curated by Art Donovan, further to this, the contributors to this show are to be featured in a book edited by Mr. Donovan.

Although this book isn't available until August, I thought it worth mentioning if only to publicly thank Mr. Donovan for all his hard work.

Available for purchase here, and here.

Kew Bridge Steam Museum Steampunk Exhibition

2011-06-13T23:00:00.007+01:00

Those nice people at Kew Bridge Steam Museum are graciously hosting a display of Steampunk art from the four corners of the world, including a few items of my own construction:

My completed Rocket back pack, with Protective helmet,

completed especially for this Exhibition.

Every weekend afternoon, you can partake in the Ancient and Noble* art of Tea Duelling:

A dueller is caught mid nom.

The Exhibition runs until the end of August, and will host special events on most weekends, some of which I've been threatened to appear at.

More information on both the Exhibition and Kew Bridge Steam Museum may be found here.

The rules of Tea Duelling may be found here.

*Recent and Silly, not Ancient and Noble.

I am HUMBLED

2011-02-07T22:47:00.002+01:00

Mr. Greg Broadmore, he of WETA Workshop's Dr. Grordbort rayguns fame, has expressed an admiration for my work, and I am truly humbled.

This was on WETA's own forum, in the section devoted to Grodbortania:

Dr. Grordbort's Infallible Forum

In the thread titled 'Sometimes, I make things...'

Go on and have a look, there are some very good artisans at work there, as well as many folk appreciating the work of WETA.

Tales from the ASYLUM

2010-12-23T17:53:00.002+01:00

Please allow me to direct you to this fine publication: Tales from the ASYLUM, a linked collection of short stories by a number of authors, set in a mental Asylum, that may or may not have it's own secrets...

It is a fine read, and I'm not just saying that because I wrote one or two of the tales!

It is available from the above link, and also from Amazon.

Princess Alice- Property of a Lady

2010-11-01T13:34:00.008+01:00

A weapon for a Lady, constructed from the finest hardwood, silver plated steel, aluminium, and chromed brass, this pistol features a red power indicator at the back, and a spring loaded trigger, the hardwood has been varnished and polished to a high degree.

You can clearly see the red power indicator in the above picture.

Here is the aluminium butt plate and lanyard ring

This pistol is named after Princess Alice, and all her good works.

Airship (or Zeppelin) Commander's Equipment

2010-11-01T11:41:00.005+01:00

If one is a commander of an Hydrogen-filled airship, one needs to have the confidence inspired by protection from fire and explosion; to this end, I present the fire extinguishing helmet, equipped with a brass water sprinkler that will activate via the breaking of a fluid filled vial, keeping the flames at bay.

Also shown is the non-explosive pistol, a device that allows one to defend oneself without fear of spark or heat causing combustion of explosive gas. This pistol is named "Help the Aged", after the emporium that supplied many of the components.

Not shown are the earthing spurs: boot spurs that have a chain and a weight, allowing the wearer to be earthed to the aluminium deck of the airship at all times, thus minimising the possibility of static sparks.

The uniform includes small extinguishers on a Sam Brown belt, and larger brass extinguisher mounted on a holster on the left hip.

Recommended for timid or cowardly aerial mariners.

Miss Emily Ladybird's Absinthe Fairy Wings

2010-10-11T19:36:00.008+01:00

Here you can see the lovely Miss Emily Ladybird sporting her truly wonderful Absinthe Fairy Ball Gown, with the equally wonderful working fairy wings!

Miss Ladybird commissioned the construction of said wings some months before the Asylum Steampunk Convivial in Lincoln, for delivery at said event, the lady was overjoyed with them, and has graciously allowed me to share some images of the device and herself with you:

As you can see, the fluorescent green acrylic wings are illuminated with Ultra-Violet Light-Emitting-Diodes- the plastic itself converts the invisible rays into visible light, giving a most pleasing effect.

The other outstanding feature of these wings is thus revealed- they FLAP! A switch on the small cylindrical device on the end on the coiled wire actuates a geared motor, which in turn operates the flapping of the wings, at a frequency of approximately 50 beats per minute.

Miss Ladybird keeps the switch in her garter.

For more information on the lovely work of the lovely Miss Emily Ladybird, please allow me to direct the inquisitive reader here:

www.bridal-originals.co.uk

And Miss Ladybirds blog may be viewed here:

sparklyjem.blogspot.com

Many thanks to Captain Ulysses Hack for the use of the photograph of Miss Ladybird, his truly wonderful pictures of the Inmates of the Asylum may be found here, and his blog here.

Lady Raygun's 'Lady Raygun'

2010-09-26T14:48:00.012+01:00

A special commission from the fabled father of Far Fetched Fiction, Commodore Robert Rankin, FVSS, for his good lady wife, Lady Raygun:

Here she is with the flash arrestor (or the metal bit on the front) screwed into place, and powered up- the purple ball glows blue, and the insets on the body flicker yellow, the trigger is spring loaded, but doesn't do anything- if there's one thing I've learnt about making rayguns, it's that if there is a trigger, people will pull it...

A close up of the label, with bad jokes.

It's made from odds and ends culled from charity shops, and placed within a slightly foxed (or more likely badgered) burr walnut veneer box- which required new hinges, which I had to modify into the sort that hold the lid open at 90° to the base, which was an interesting experience.

The Lady Raygun was presented to Lady Raygun during a very fine Indian meal at the Asylum Steampunk Convivial in Lincoln, and I'm very pleased to say the lady in question was overjoyed with her gift.

Quiet, Isn't It?

2010-08-16T20:34:00.004+01:00

By 'It' I mean 'me', and by 'Quiet' I mean 'I don't seem to have been very busy, do I?'- Rest assured, Gentle Reader, I have been very busy, but as much of that which I have been busy with is Top Secret until after the 'Asylum', you will have to be patient

Stay tuned.

Meanwhile, here's a picture of the one and only Rolls-Royce Phantom I Joncheere Coupe:

The Great Exhibition Reporting

2010-03-31T01:00:00.002+01:00

The BBC has called on my talents again, this time at White Mischief's 'The Great Exhibition':

Steampunks gather for Great Exhibition

I heartily recommend any future White Mischief parties, as a confirmed non-clubgoer, I found this event to be a very open, friendly and not-at-all run of the mill event!

Click here for more information.

Cruentus Ervum Stella Martis Vulgaris

2010-03-18T14:29:00.005+01:00

Or, the Common Martian Red Weed:

Found nestling in the rotting hulk of an ancient oak over on the local common, not far from where one of the Martian Cylinders landed just over a century ago.

It's very rare to find a specimen, as our microbes tend to attack them as much as their spores attack our flora, so I've had to build a filtration system and bellows to keep it going:

Dials:

Filters:

And the mechanism in action:

(it's a bit noisy, but I've got a replacement motor and gearbox on the way)

"Auntie" takes an interest...

2009-12-06T16:23:00.002+01:00

At the end of last month, the BBC News Website's Technology section produced a very nice article and video about Steampunk, although modesty forbids me to mention what made it so superlative:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/8376028.stm

And then, THE WORLD!

the STEAM PISTOL

2009-09-23T19:52:00.006+01:00

Finally completed in time for the ASYLUM Steam Convivial:

in it's black velvet lined case

maker's label in lid

assembled on display stand

ammunition boxes

ready for use

don't forget to adjust the h20/h2so4 mix!

More information on the construction of this device may be found here.

Electro Iconograph

2009-08-28T21:03:00.008+01:00

When one feels the need to record a moment for posterity, one needs a device that can render the fleeting eternal- thusly, I present the Electro Iconograph:

Oh, all right: it's a case for a compact digital camera:

Just so I can take pictures at Steampunk events without leaving character; all the functions of the camera are still available for use, but with a much more Steam-friendly interface!

More details here .

Steampunk Exhibition

2009-07-13T19:25:00.003+01:00

Well, the cat has exited the bag, so it's now officially announceable:

So, if you wish to see my Space Helmet in the flesh, as well as the work of several other very clever and talented people (and me), and you're in Oxford betwixt October and February of next year, do pop along!

A constantly updated blog is available here:

http://www.steampunkmuseumexhibition.blogspot.com/

The Celestial Sphere

2009-06-14T10:39:00.003+01:00

Once one has a Space Helmet to gad about on the surface of a distant world, how does one actually get there?

Why, by steam-powered CELESTIAL SPHERE, of course!

The ship on it's launch platform

Bird's-eye view

The view you would get as you approach the Ship

The cargo door and crane

Launch platform and shunter

This project took place over several months, and a detailed account of it's construction may be found here:

Brassgoggles- From Planet To Planet in My Celestial Sphere!

Per Ardua, Ad Astra!

An Outing

2009-05-13T18:53:00.006+01:00

My good Lady and I in the beautiful environs of Painshill Park.

I'm on the left.

MADNESS!

2009-04-27T22:22:00.002+01:00

It's all been a bit busy in the Castle D'arrogance recently, trying to finish a couple of my own projects and a small commission: a modified gauntlet for a Zeppelin crew member:

It has been tinted with a brass finish, and has an altitude gauge, with a bright, variably flashing warning lamp.

-oO0Oo-

My own projects are a slug-throwing steam powered pistol, here in it's constituant parts:

And all together in it's primer coat:

I'll give it it's own write up when it's completely finished.

And my my second project is a Steampunk Sonic Screwdriver, variously called a 'Sonic Steamdriver', 'Steamdriver', or 'Ætheric Screwdriver':

It, of course, has the requisite lights and sound (liberated from a 'toy' Sonic), and switches from red to blue:

'Overload' warning lamp on the back:

And with it's 'descendants':

(you can 'click' on the above photos to see them in a larger size, I'm getting the hang of this now...)

The "THUNDERBUSS"

2009-02-19T20:08:00.000+01:00

Ladies and Gentle men, presenting my latest invention, the THUNDERBUSS, a Gentleman's Sonic Hunting Rifle:

Note the Intensity and Range dial:
The range settings do, indeed, go from 'QUIET' to 'PARDON?'

The twin accumulator valves, which glow with power:

The business end:

A detailed account of this device's construction may be viewed here:

http://brassgoggles.co.uk/bg-forum/index.php?topic=12576.0

Steamboy's STEAMBALL

2008-11-22T20:26:00.000+01:00

I only got around to seeing the rather excellent anime film Steamboy a few weeks ago, and I was rather taken with the key device, the Steamball.

So I made one:

Steampunk Space Helmet

2008-10-25T18:14:00.001+01:00

While we're all waiting for the next big thing, here's some photographs of a Steampunk Space Helmet:

And finally, on a brief visit to Mars:

(Photograph manipulated by Smaggers)

Introduction

2008-10-25T17:45:00.000+01:00

Welcome, welcome! I wondered how long it would take me to start one of these things, and, after only five years, here it is!

I'll be rambling about the state of the universe, and about the things I make , and anything else that takes my fancy.

Regards,

Herr Döktor