Thursday, April 30, 2026

American steam era digital art

From History's Mirror: "In the heart of a bustling American rail yard, steam giants rest momentarily at a historic roundhouse, their massive iron bodies aligned like loyal soldiers awaiting orders. Classic locomotives stand shoulder to shoulder on radiating tracks, their heavy boilers still warm from long hauls across the continent. At the center, the mighty turntable slowly rotates one proud engine, positioning it for its next journey while maintenance crews scramble below, oiling rods, checking valves, and shoveling coal into hungry fireboxes. 

"Thick plumes of white and dark smoke curl upward from tall stacks, blending with the industrial haze that hangs over the yard, carrying the unmistakable scent of hot metal, burning coal, and grease. These powerful machines, once the backbone of freight transport, represent an era of raw American ambition, hauling everything from grain to steel across vast landscapes. The scene pulses with energy as workers move with practiced efficiency, knowing that soon these iron horses will thunder down the mainline once again, pulling long strings of boxcars into the horizon. It is a timeless snapshot of railroading heritage, where mechanical majesty meets human determination."

Chinese Pirate Junk model

Presumably what distinguishes it from a standard junk are the cannons.

European holiday by Sunbeam Rapier (1957 promo film)

 


'It's a lot easier to discuss what's in a real book than on a little screen'


Wednesday, April 29, 2026

ships at Wellington NZ wharves, 1920s

The dude sitting on the edge beam may be fishing. For photos in color from the 1950s and 1960s, get the book New Zealand Maritime Images: the Golden Years

1979 Buick Regal 3.8 V6

 

More pics and info

circa 1939 De Soto cars


The sign for importer and assembler Todd Motors makes clear exactly where this was -- part of the NZ Centennial Exhibition held in Wellington from November 1939 to May 1940. NZ was technically at war with Germany then, but not with Japan at that stage and the USA wasn't in the war then either.

For lots more get the book Wellington: a Capital century

Tuesday, April 28, 2026

Cahuenga Pass traffic, L.A. circa 1950

A Pacific Electric interurban returning from the San Fernando Valley travels along the median of the future Hollywood Freeway. Buses replaced the Red Cars in 1952 and more freeway lanes took over the PE right-of-way space.

new Moscow metro station design

It's rather more impressive than what you see in L.A.  This is the recently built terminus of the Moscow Red Line.  The ring looking structures have wooden seats in them.

Video by the Scottish Guy in Moscow

El Paso, Texas, gasoline station from 1919


This was restored by antiques business owner Rod Davenport. The pump globes are 1940s style, though.