The Steamboating Forum

I wasn't implying that the engines were unkempt, rather that the slinging oil or water might make spots on one's blazer.

I've always thought of watching the engine as being what truly makes steamboating so wonderful, and everything else came second. To have an enclosed engine (Pinnace 199), or one with a "house" over it makes it difficult for all but the engineer to see and takes away some of the charm. The extra polishing and dirt that may result from the engine being uncovered is a small price to pay for the whole world to see the glorious mechanical wonder that is the marine steam engine. That is only my humble opinion though.

"to see the glorious mechanical wonder that is the marine steam engine"

Yes Wesley, clearly you are fully attached to steam, as are many of us who marvel at the machines turning fire into propulsion. Your videos show how you were hooked long ago.