Steam Nerds

Photo: Daniel Terdiman/CNET

Steampunk is child's play for people who actually run steam-powered locomotives over at Railtown 1897 State Historic Park in California. Daniel Terdiman of CNET explores the brave old world of "steam nerds":

The inside of No. 3's cab is a steampunk's dream. It's a motley collection of old gauges, valves, knobs, and beautiful contraptions with names like "hydrostatic lubricator," or "fireman's manifold." To a newbie, trying to figure it all out might well result in a pressure-packed explosion [...], but to the experienced hostler who knows how to read the various dials and hold her light up in the right places to ensure there's enough water where there's supposed to be, or recognizing the right color fire or smoke "stack," it's all part of the passion that comes with getting "bit by the steam bug."

Read more over at CNET: Link