In a previous post I stated that I am not going to do a build series on the SteamPunk Protostar, but I have since changed my mind.
"Why, BlastFromThePast?", you might ask.
After doing an extensive search of the Wonderful World Wide Web for all things Steampunk, I realized what a cool project this might turn out to be.
So, what exactly is this 'Steampunk' of which I speak?
Here is a brief definition from Wikipedia - "Steampunk is a subgenre of science fiction or science fantasy that incorporates technology and aesthetic designs inspired by 19th-century industrial steam-powered machinery."
Therefore, any machine or contrivance designed in the realm of Steampunk will, of course, be powered by some form of steam engine. The associated machinery attached to and powered by this steam engine is characterized by a lot of gears, cams, pistons, pipes, vanes, valves, dials, gauges, etc.
The primary materials of construction are steel, copper, and brass.
Human interface controls are all in the form of hand-wheels, valve handles, levers, and pull-chains.
On top of all this is thrown in a good measure of Victorian-era decorative elements.
Steampunk.
For the conversion of an Estes Protostar kit into Steampunk, I intend to construct the basic model much as the kit was intended, while at the same time, designing and adding the embellishments as I go along.
Naturally, the kit recommended paint scheme and decals will go straight out the window.
In many respects, this will be very much akin to building a regular historical scale model from scratch, as all of the external detailing will need to be custom fabricated from various materials.
The way I want to approach this build is to imagine what a spaceship dreamed up and designed by a group of 19th century steam power / mechanical engineers and tinkerers would look like.
Sort of the product of a Victorian-era version of Space-X.
Of course, we all know that a steam powered engine could never build up enough pressure to produce the thrust necessary to lift anything in the air. Even if it could, operation would cease once high enough in Earth's atmosphere. Insufficient air for combustion.
Making it to the moon to see if it really is made of green cheese would be out of the question.
But it is fun to think about.
Gotta love science fiction.
Anyway, what would the Queen herself (Victoria, that is) say if she could see all of this Steampunk business?
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| "We are NOT amused !" |
