Dieselpunk + Steampunk Culture

April 2010 Articles (57)

Lord K's Garage - #35. Claveau

The Streamline Story is often missing a couple of important links between the Teardrop Cars of the early 1920's and the mid-30's Airflows and Zephyrs.

One of these links is the concept of Emile Claveau - a streamlined mid-engine car, first displayed in 1926 at the Paris Automobile…

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Added by lord_k on April 30, 2010 at 7:30am — 2 Comments

The Great Steampunk Debate

For those of you who haven’t yet seen the latest issue of SteamPunk Magazine or today's Gatehouse, just a quick reminder that big things are happening in the steampunk community this spring.

We have got together with some of the people behind a myriad of other steampunk magazines, communities, websites and groups to bring you the Great Steampunk Debate, which is running… Continue

Added by Tome Wilson on April 29, 2010 at 2:00pm — 2 Comments

Bite of the Belgian Rattlesnake

The Lewis Gun, dubbed the ‘Belgian Rattlesnake’ by the Kaiser’s forces, was a revolutionary gas-operated light machine gun fielded during the Great War. Notably, the Lewis was credited with being the first weapon to shoot down a Zeppelin during the War to End All Wars.

Oh and if you’ve ever seen Star Wars, then you’ve seen the Lewis Gun. Totted around Mos Eisley by…

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Added by Jake Holman Jr. on April 28, 2010 at 2:00pm — 2 Comments

Happy Event

Today, the mystery giant egg Professor Meriwether J. Witherington Syms-Pott discovered in the ices of East Pole during the 1892 Polar Expedition, after being stored for two years in the warmth of the Imperial Botanical Garden green house, finally gave sign of imminent development of its condition. Surprise.

Thank you very much for your kind words,…

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Added by Stefan on April 28, 2010 at 1:57pm — 1 Comment

Black Widow Steampunk Chopper

This Steampunk chopper tagged “Black Widow” from Solifague Design adorns a classic look, and though the technical details aren’t out as of now, I am sure all the geeky bike lovers would really be eager for the launch of this bike that will set the roads on fire! As this bike is just a concept by the designer, there are chances it might not hit the market, but as we can check out the pictures of this hot concept, I am sure all steampunk lovers would want to see this design to go into production… Continue

Added by Tome Wilson on April 28, 2010 at 1:53pm — 5 Comments

Sherlock Holmes: The Case of the Thistle Killer

Sherlock Holmes: The Case of the Thistle Killer

Originally broadcast on February 14, 1955

The adventures of master detective Sherlock Holmes as he and his assistant, Dr. Watson, (and somewhat reluctantly, the bumbling Inspector Lestrade) battle criminals in London.

In this episode: Sherlock Holmes helps Scotland Yard to track down a killer who has been leaving three thistles next to each of… Continue

Added by Tome Wilson on April 28, 2010 at 11:00am — 2 Comments

Two Fisted Tuesdays presents The Roaring Twenties (1939)

Welcome back to Two Fisted Tuesdays, Dieselpunks'' stroll down the mean back alleys of noir. This week, we're taking a look at James Cagney's quintessential mobster flick, The Roaring Twenties.

I can't say with a straight face that this movie is 100% noir, but it's certainly black and white and red all over thanks to a few Chicago Typewriters.

The story… Continue

Added by Tome Wilson on April 27, 2010 at 12:00pm — 2 Comments

Power Truck

This one has a "Great Depression" feeling, no ? It can be the faded colours, but I guess it is mostly because that kind of trucks always makes me think of the 1939 John Ford's film "The Grapes of Wrath". Or Dorothea Lange's photographic work. Anyway, that is how ideas and feelings are linked in the mind of the Frenchie the most fond of American pop culture you will ever come across...

Again, thank you so much,…

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Added by Stefan on April 26, 2010 at 2:54pm — 3 Comments

Fritz Lang's Metropolis is out in theaters!

Kino International has finished its restoration of the damaged/missing 25 minutes of footage in Fritz Lang's Metropolis. To celebrate, Kino is releasing Metropolis in theaters and soon on DVD.

Check out the new trailer here: http://www.kino.com/metropolis/scenes.html…

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Added by Tome Wilson on April 26, 2010 at 2:00pm — 6 Comments

A Guide to US Army Insignia and Decorations (1941)

Ann's grandfather gave us a pocket-sized book from 1941 that illustrates the different Army patches and uniform decorations. It was in pretty rough shape, but I was able to scan it and restore it a bit in Photoshop over the weekend.

If you don't know a chevron from a medal, or if you're looking to find out the meaning behind an old army patch, this quick read is your perfect resource. It has some interesting information, including a small section on the Army insignias designed by Walt… Continue

Added by Tome Wilson on April 26, 2010 at 1:28pm — 8 Comments

Monday Camera #18: Mercury

This Monday I'd like to present one of the most unusual 35mm cameras: the Univex Mercury.

It appeared at the market almost simultaneously with its much more famous automotive namesake.

The Mercury came from the most unexpected source.

The Universal Camera Corporation didn't get much respect from the established photo industry*. Everything they did was… Continue

Added by lord_k on April 26, 2010 at 7:30am — No Comments

Photos from the Swing Time Ball 2010

Megan Swing, a lovely young woman and proponant of everything dieselpunk, has recently posted her photographs of the 2010 Swing Time Ball on her LiveJournal page.

Megan's native language is Russian, but the photos speak for themselves. Here are two, but there are many more at… Continue

Added by Tome Wilson on April 25, 2010 at 1:00pm — 4 Comments

Time Magazine: Visions of Victory

Time magazine is out with a special issue titled: "Visions of Victory: America's Triumph in World War II." I bought it today and it's just full of amazing photos and articles about the war. I highly recommend it for anyone interested in WWII,

Added by Larry on April 24, 2010 at 10:12pm — No Comments

A Better Life

For Larry, and maybe some others, who are kind enough to pay attention to "the little hints of an alternative universe" and, more broadly speaking, the details in my pictures, the line on the propaganda poster (lower left corner of the picture) "A Richer, Better Life Awaits You Here" is a real advertisement slogan from the 20's. As for the poster ...…

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Added by Stefan on April 23, 2010 at 7:29pm — 3 Comments

Lord K's Garage - #34. Indian Brochures

Today is the Indian Day!

British Triumphs, German BMWs and Zundapps, immortal Harleys - they all have been featured in this column.

Here is the first of three posts dedicated to the Indian legacy. Vintage Motorcycle Library has got a real treasure chest… Continue

Added by lord_k on April 23, 2010 at 7:30am — 4 Comments

INTERVIEW - Emmett & Klaude Davenport of The Clockwork Cabaret

Emmett & Klaude Davenport of The Clockwork Cabaret

Sky-Pirate Radio: www.clockworkcabaret.com

The dear Davenport sisters have been entertaining our airwaves since we started here at Dieselpunks. But now that… Continue

Added by Tome Wilson on April 22, 2010 at 10:30pm — 3 Comments

Zephyr

New geography and soft colours for this travel poster, as a change from the brutal iconography of my Third Reich-inspired latest picture !

Added by Stefan on April 21, 2010 at 3:08pm — 4 Comments

Sherlock Holmes: The Case of the Laughing Mummy

Sherlock Holmes: The Case of the Laughing Mummy

Originally broadcast on February 7, 1955

The adventures of master detective Sherlock Holmes as he and his assistant, Dr. Watson, (and somewhat reluctantly, the bumbling Inspector Lestrade) battle criminals in London.

In this episode: Sherlock Holmes helps one of Dr. Watson's old friends by explaining the source of an odd noise in the man's home,… Continue

Added by Tome Wilson on April 21, 2010 at 11:00am — No Comments

Two Fisted Tuesdays - Out of the Past (1947)

A MAN - Trying to run away from his past... A WOMAN - Trying to escape her future!

Welcome to Two Fisted Tuesdays, Dieselpunks' stroll down the mean back alleys of noir.

This week, I'm sharing my personal favorite from the '40s. It's a little flick named… Continue

Added by Tome Wilson on April 20, 2010 at 12:00pm — No Comments