Netopyr aka Tsar Tank

Check out this link for an image of one of the largest and most insane armored devices ever – the Netopyr (Vampire Bat) akd Tsar Tank built in Russia during WWI.

http://gadgets.boingboing.net/2008/08/12/lebedenkos-massive-l.html

Steam Powered Internet Machine

This is a link to a cool story about a guy who uses a steam driven generator to power a Mac as part of an art project called the Steam Powered Internet Machine …  http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2006/jul/11/topstories3.arts

Gallifrey (Verne, The Nautilus, and Winans Ironclads)

If you have an interest in Jules Verne’s 20,000 Leagues Under Sea you need to check out Michael Crisafulli’s website – Gallifrey.  Michael has a wealth of information on his site regarding various approaches to the designs of the Nautilus.  As a sidelight to his thoughts and 3d images of various Nautilus designs, Michael also has a detailed section on the Winans Cigar Ships, and for those interested in devices to populate war games, a unique class of massive steam driven cigar-shaped ironclads that the Winanses tried to convince the Russian Navy to build in the 1860s. Michael has done a great job of digging up images of the Winans Ships as well as many references – perhaps he and I will combine forces and information at some point to write a book on the ships! http://home.att.net/~karen.crisafulli/

Steal Clad Steam Chariots of War (1861)

Besides finding a detailed account of the McCarty Centrifugal Gun, (to be featured in a later post) readers of the July 6, 1861 Scientific American were treated to an editorial that mused on the use of chain mail and armored battle chariots, before suggesting a more modern adaptation. “An entirely new feature may also yet be introduced into warfare in the character of steel clad steam chariots. Each should consist of a light but strong road locomotive, covered with steel plates, and mounting a pivot rifled cannon on a shielded platform. The locomotive which was fired on by a masked battery at Vienna, Va., last week, would have been able to dislodge the enemy had it carried an 18 pounder, and been protected by an iron shield an inch thick. Steam locomotive batteries require special adaptations to secure new results, but there are inventors who can supply all the details. ” The writer also suggested an adaptation of yet another ancient weapon. “Mail clad towers may also be drawn or pushed up by steam engines close to batteries or forts. From these, soldiers may be able to send down showers of iron hail.”