Miss Enfield, Signing In.

Hi all, I've recently joined the site and have started to post replies to other peoples posts and threads so I thought I'd better write an introduction for myself. So here I am. *waves*

I've only recently found out about the Dieselpunk "collective idea" having been a fan of the aesthetic of the 20s to 50s for a long, long time and also an staunch promoter of all things inventive, imaginative and fantasy. Like a lot of people I came to Dieselpunk through references in the current Steampunk bloom. Steampunk is brilliant but I'm a big fan of the internal combustion engine and motorcycles in particular and always felt Steam didn't quite hit the mark for me (I like my engines to thump and roar rather than whistle and whine). As far as I can tell the 1920s was a pivotal time for society and with the changing of societal restrictions by the populace as a whole, the gorgeous aesthetic and technological advances of that era Dieselpunk has hit the nail right on the head as far as I'm concerned.

As for me as a person, I love music, art, science, engieering and nature and dabble in as much of each as I can. But, my most favourite thing is motorcycles. New ones and classics from the 60s to 70s are lovely but my passion is for vintage motorcycles from the 20s to the 50s. At the moment there are three motorcycles in my garage all of which I love to take to pieces and tinker with and I'm currently trying to make my 20 year old yamaha a bit more "vintage" looking. One day I hope to own an Ariel Red Hunter VH and a Panther M100, both are the epitome of what a motorcycle should be, in my opinion, both technologically and aesthetically. Not so much clear-cut distinction about types of motorcycle back then, you bought one and adapted it for your use. Perfect.

Some of the people that inspire me the most were alive back in that time period too. People like Amelia Earhart, Theresa Wallach and Florence Blenkiron all exemplified the breaking away from established, restricting rules to follow your ideals, which can only be a good thing.

That's all for now, don't want to ramble on too much here, I'll post some more information about myself on my page.

See you around the forum! Take care!

Tags: Ariel, Hunter, M100, Panther, Red, dieselpunk, motorbike, motorcycle, vintage

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Cap'n Tony on February 8, 2012 at 10:23am

Welcome aboard, Miss Enfield! There are plenty of gearheads that can talk motorcycles with you for hours, a few of whom modify their own (check out the Groups and the Projects Topic).

No doubt the Diesel Era changed everything in profound ways, technologically, politically, economically, and socially. The sound and aestetic hold up well when most periods' culture always come off a little odd and campy. It sings to me like no other time period. I could dress up in a top hat, cravat, and waistcoat for an evening with friends, but I wear my fedoras and vests every day.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Henri Maginot on February 8, 2012 at 4:12pm

Bonjour, Miss Enfield! A woman after my own heart, at least as far as motorcycles go. I had a 1956 BSA Bantam Major once, but it was stolen about 12 years ago. Shame, too, as it had proper legshields and the original buff book with it. I'd love a pre-war or WD M20 one day, but other things must come first.

I look forward to reading your contributions!
H.M.