Comments on: HORSE OF STEEL RUNS ACROSS FIELDS http://blog.modernmechanix.com/2006/12/04/horse-of-steel-runs-across-fields/ Yesterday's tomorrow, today. Sat, 22 Nov 2008 02:01:16 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.2 By: jayessell http://blog.modernmechanix.com/2006/12/04/horse-of-steel-runs-across-fields/#comment-1062284 jayessell Fri, 31 Oct 2008 17:04:56 +0000 http://blog.modernmechanix.com/2006/12/04/horse-of-steel-runs-across-fields/#comment-1062284 Oops... Make that "Frank Reade". Series author EDWARD S. ELLIS I found "The Huge Hunter; OR, The Steam Man of the Prairies" at http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/etext05/steam10.txt (I would have preferred the Steam Horse, The Steam Team, or The Steam Tally-Ho) ((That's One horse, two horses and three horses respectively.)) PS: Charley, I don't know if it's due to your technical issues, but using the search term 'horse' did not find this article, despite the article BEGINNING with that word. I had to resort to 'manage your subscriptions'. Oops…
Make that “Frank Reade”.
Series author EDWARD S. ELLIS
I found “The Huge Hunter; OR, The Steam Man of the Prairies”
at http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/etext05/steam10.txt
(I would have preferred the Steam Horse, The Steam Team, or The Steam Tally-Ho)
((That’s One horse, two horses and three horses respectively.))

PS: Charley, I don’t know if it’s due to your technical issues, but using the search term
‘horse’ did not find this article, despite the article BEGINNING with that word.
I had to resort to ‘manage your subscriptions’.

]]> By: jayessell http://blog.modernmechanix.com/2006/12/04/horse-of-steel-runs-across-fields/#comment-1062196 jayessell Wed, 29 Oct 2008 20:54:09 +0000 http://blog.modernmechanix.com/2006/12/04/horse-of-steel-runs-across-fields/#comment-1062196 In the late 1800s there was a popular series of books that featured a steam powered horse. I'll see if any are downloadable. Google for "Franke Reade and his Steam (Man, Horse, Team,)" In the late 1800s there was a popular series of books that featured a steam powered horse.
I’ll see if any are downloadable.

Google for “Franke Reade and his Steam (Man, Horse, Team,)”

]]> By: Jennifer in Florida http://blog.modernmechanix.com/2006/12/04/horse-of-steel-runs-across-fields/#comment-1062183 Jennifer in Florida Wed, 29 Oct 2008 15:55:48 +0000 http://blog.modernmechanix.com/2006/12/04/horse-of-steel-runs-across-fields/#comment-1062183 Heh, gotta give a big kudos and A for effort. Thats certainly not an easy project by any stretch. I wonder how effective a project like that would be today with today's technology and materials. [I'm certain it wouldn't be viable, but would make a heck of a science project probably for someone.] Heh, gotta give a big kudos and A for effort. Thats certainly not an easy project by any stretch. I wonder how effective a project like that would be today with today’s technology and materials. [I'm certain it wouldn't be viable, but would make a heck of a science project probably for someone.]

]]> By: Tim Tracy http://blog.modernmechanix.com/2006/12/04/horse-of-steel-runs-across-fields/#comment-1058364 Tim Tracy Fri, 18 Jul 2008 09:04:16 +0000 http://blog.modernmechanix.com/2006/12/04/horse-of-steel-runs-across-fields/#comment-1058364 It was definately possible with the technology of that time as it is today to make a practical, ridable and steerable mechanical walking machine that would resemble this particular "horse" somewhat but would in effect be radically different. As a rule the horse would have a minimum of six legs to be steerable using 1930's technology. Search for the ridable 8-legged mechanical spider built for last year's burning man festival, it was built using technology that basically hasn't changed in some 75 years. This is obviously not a steerable walker or even one that could stand for very long without tipping over but it is one that could very well have walked in a straight line It was definately possible with the technology of that time as it is today to make a practical, ridable and steerable mechanical walking machine that would resemble this particular “horse” somewhat but would in effect be radically different. As a rule the horse would have a minimum of six legs to be steerable using 1930’s technology. Search for the ridable 8-legged mechanical spider built for last year’s burning man festival, it was built using technology that basically hasn’t changed in some 75 years. This is obviously not a steerable walker or even one that could stand for very long without tipping over but it is one that could very well have walked in a straight line

]]> By: Charlie http://blog.modernmechanix.com/2006/12/04/horse-of-steel-runs-across-fields/#comment-1050600 Charlie Wed, 26 Mar 2008 16:03:15 +0000 http://blog.modernmechanix.com/2006/12/04/horse-of-steel-runs-across-fields/#comment-1050600 Hehe, very nice :) Hehe, very nice :)

]]> By: B22 http://blog.modernmechanix.com/2006/12/04/horse-of-steel-runs-across-fields/#comment-1050596 B22 Wed, 26 Mar 2008 15:28:30 +0000 http://blog.modernmechanix.com/2006/12/04/horse-of-steel-runs-across-fields/#comment-1050596 PS, do you like what I did with the dieresis there? PS, do you like what I did with the dieresis there?

]]> By: B22 http://blog.modernmechanix.com/2006/12/04/horse-of-steel-runs-across-fields/#comment-1050595 B22 Wed, 26 Mar 2008 15:27:16 +0000 http://blog.modernmechanix.com/2006/12/04/horse-of-steel-runs-across-fields/#comment-1050595 I think the picture has merely been retouched for better contrast, and that it is not a fake. However, I also think the horse didn't work; that is to say, it walked (it looks logical enough, mechanically), but it was pathetically clumsy and unstable, and probably very unreliable and fragile, and difficult or impossible to steer. I'm sure it was also uncomfortable enough to be no fun. I imagine it was test-ridden a couple of times, and then disappeared into a shed somewhere, never to reëmerge. It would be cool if someone made an updated version that actually worked. I think the picture has merely been retouched for better contrast, and that it is not a fake. However, I also think the horse didn’t work; that is to say, it walked (it looks logical enough, mechanically), but it was pathetically clumsy and unstable, and probably very unreliable and fragile, and difficult or impossible to steer. I’m sure it was also uncomfortable enough to be no fun. I imagine it was test-ridden a couple of times, and then disappeared into a shed somewhere, never to reëmerge.

It would be cool if someone made an updated version that actually worked.

]]> By: Kelly http://blog.modernmechanix.com/2006/12/04/horse-of-steel-runs-across-fields/#comment-1049841 Kelly Sat, 22 Mar 2008 16:20:08 +0000 http://blog.modernmechanix.com/2006/12/04/horse-of-steel-runs-across-fields/#comment-1049841 I agree with the shadow theory of #14 Lauren. Also, the right branch of the tree looks odd... light below the leg and dark above the leg... a botched doctoring job. And it still looks odd to me how the boys hands look like they are just in the air and not holding onto anything. Does anyone know how photos were doctored back in the 30's? I agree with the shadow theory of #14 Lauren. Also, the right branch of the tree looks odd… light below the leg and dark above the leg… a botched doctoring job. And it still looks odd to me how the boys hands look like they are just in the air and not holding onto anything. Does anyone know how photos were doctored back in the 30’s?

]]> By: Lauren http://blog.modernmechanix.com/2006/12/04/horse-of-steel-runs-across-fields/#comment-1049806 Lauren Sat, 22 Mar 2008 11:00:27 +0000 http://blog.modernmechanix.com/2006/12/04/horse-of-steel-runs-across-fields/#comment-1049806 Ok well after reading #13 Kelly's comment I took a second look at the photo, and it does look doctored. The shadow of the tree trunk is going towards the kids foot, but the machine's shadow is going off almost towards the tree. not possible. And if I am wrong about the tree's shadow, like if its actually going the same way as the machine's, then where is the shadow of the leftmost leg? It should have the same darkness as the other back leg's shadow. But hey I could be wrong! Ok well after reading #13 Kelly’s comment I took a second look at the photo, and it does look doctored. The shadow of the tree trunk is going towards the kids foot, but the machine’s shadow is going off almost towards the tree. not possible.
And if I am wrong about the tree’s shadow, like if its actually going the same way as the machine’s, then where is the shadow of the leftmost leg? It should have the same darkness as the other back leg’s shadow.

But hey I could be wrong!

]]> By: Kelly http://blog.modernmechanix.com/2006/12/04/horse-of-steel-runs-across-fields/#comment-1047920 Kelly Wed, 05 Mar 2008 13:45:26 +0000 http://blog.modernmechanix.com/2006/12/04/horse-of-steel-runs-across-fields/#comment-1047920 There is just something about the tree, it looks as though part is an old photo and some of it has been "doctored". I think there are several photos put together here. 1933, I dont know what type of photo cheating capabilities they had, but I would suspicion some type of "photoshop" work done here. The iron horse, possibly something that was built as a model for movies? And I dont see what the boys hand is on... almost like the boy was on a bike of some sort and then pasted onto this pic. Just my two cents... but I find the pic rather fascinating! There is just something about the tree, it looks as though part is an old photo and some of it has been “doctored”. I think there are several photos put together here. 1933, I dont know what type of photo cheating capabilities they had, but I would suspicion some type of “photoshop” work done here. The iron horse, possibly something that was built as a model for movies? And I dont see what the boys hand is on… almost like the boy was on a bike of some sort and then pasted onto this pic. Just my two cents… but I find the pic rather fascinating!

]]> By: Paolo http://blog.modernmechanix.com/2006/12/04/horse-of-steel-runs-across-fields/#comment-1045263 Paolo Thu, 31 Jan 2008 16:43:26 +0000 http://blog.modernmechanix.com/2006/12/04/horse-of-steel-runs-across-fields/#comment-1045263 " and yet why is this lad wearing a fez? " becouse in Italy in that period there was the Fascism and kids wore in this way ” and yet why is this lad wearing a fez? ”

becouse in Italy in that period there was the Fascism and kids wore in this way

]]> By: marco http://blog.modernmechanix.com/2006/12/04/horse-of-steel-runs-across-fields/#comment-1044991 marco Tue, 29 Jan 2008 09:54:06 +0000 http://blog.modernmechanix.com/2006/12/04/horse-of-steel-runs-across-fields/#comment-1044991 Hy, another italian here. Never seen anything like this. Can only confirm that the boy looks like dressed with a balilla uniform (can't see well the details), and that during fascist years there was a strong seek of new technological stuffs. But there is something weird in the picture, not fascist era-like style. And the device looks like a fake. But who knows, a lot of documents have been destroyed, and a lot are still hideen. So, who knows? Interesting, anyway, really. Thanks :) Hy, another italian here.

Never seen anything like this. Can only confirm that the boy looks like dressed with a balilla uniform (can’t see well the details), and that during fascist years there was a strong seek of new technological stuffs.

But there is something weird in the picture, not fascist era-like style. And the device looks like a fake. But who knows, a lot of documents have been destroyed, and a lot are still hideen. So, who knows?

Interesting, anyway, really.
Thanks :)

]]> By: ItalianJob http://blog.modernmechanix.com/2006/12/04/horse-of-steel-runs-across-fields/#comment-1016088 ItalianJob Sat, 12 Jan 2008 14:43:40 +0000 http://blog.modernmechanix.com/2006/12/04/horse-of-steel-runs-across-fields/#comment-1016088 Hi, I'm italian and I was really surprised seeing this photo. I've spent hours searching on the web and asking on the Italian community of Yahoo Answers, but noboby knows this legendary steel horse! So I decided to send the piture and the article to Focus, a famous italian magazine about science, mechanics, people and culture, read by loads of curious people in Italy. I hope I'll find some answers to what I think, by now, to be a big fascist regimen propaganda fake! Greetings! Laura from Rome Hi, I’m italian and I was really surprised seeing this photo. I’ve spent hours searching on the web and asking on the Italian community of Yahoo Answers, but noboby knows this legendary steel horse! So I decided to send the piture and the article to Focus, a famous italian magazine about science, mechanics, people and culture, read by loads of curious people in Italy. I hope I’ll find some answers to what I think, by now, to be a big fascist regimen propaganda fake!

Greetings! Laura from Rome

]]> By: Adam http://blog.modernmechanix.com/2006/12/04/horse-of-steel-runs-across-fields/#comment-1000482 Adam Tue, 08 Jan 2008 16:16:19 +0000 http://blog.modernmechanix.com/2006/12/04/horse-of-steel-runs-across-fields/#comment-1000482 Kidnapper's great grandpa? Kidnapper’s great grandpa?

]]> By: gobi http://blog.modernmechanix.com/2006/12/04/horse-of-steel-runs-across-fields/#comment-769194 gobi Mon, 19 Nov 2007 20:01:53 +0000 http://blog.modernmechanix.com/2006/12/04/horse-of-steel-runs-across-fields/#comment-769194 This is a fake... com on.... and the boy is wearing a cap of the Italian Faschists real strange.... This is a fake… com on….

and the boy is wearing a cap of the Italian Faschists
real strange….

]]> By: Vlad http://blog.modernmechanix.com/2006/12/04/horse-of-steel-runs-across-fields/#comment-528374 Vlad Fri, 21 Sep 2007 17:56:53 +0000 http://blog.modernmechanix.com/2006/12/04/horse-of-steel-runs-across-fields/#comment-528374 I want one of these! I want one of these!

]]> By: Damn Data http://blog.modernmechanix.com/2006/12/04/horse-of-steel-runs-across-fields/#comment-44461 Damn Data Thu, 04 Jan 2007 19:06:21 +0000 http://blog.modernmechanix.com/2006/12/04/horse-of-steel-runs-across-fields/#comment-44461 <strong>He rides an iron horse...</strong> We salute the pioneers of early transportation (no matter how unlikely, uncomfortable and unwieldy - reminds me a little of Shiva, although Shiva is nicer on the eye) and their young fez-wearing riders: Hat tip (via) ... He rides an iron horse…

We salute the pioneers of early transportation (no matter how unlikely, uncomfortable and unwieldy - reminds me a little of Shiva, although Shiva is nicer on the eye) and their young fez-wearing riders:

Hat tip (via)
…

]]> By: Florida Sun Company » Blog Archive » Horses of Steel http://blog.modernmechanix.com/2006/12/04/horse-of-steel-runs-across-fields/#comment-30753 Florida Sun Company » Blog Archive » Horses of Steel Wed, 06 Dec 2006 00:23:21 +0000 http://blog.modernmechanix.com/2006/12/04/horse-of-steel-runs-across-fields/#comment-30753 [...] Manchmal denkt man bei obskuren Ideen, “Verdammt, warum hat sich das nicht mal durchgesetzt?” Das Horse of Steel ist sowas. Überhaupt ist die Seite sehr zu empfehlen, relativ alte wissenschaftliche Artikel werden gezeigt. Manch lustige Erfindungen, manch interessante Einblicke. [...] [...] Manchmal denkt man bei obskuren Ideen, “Verdammt, warum hat sich das nicht mal durchgesetzt?” Das Horse of Steel ist sowas. Überhaupt ist die Seite sehr zu empfehlen, relativ alte wissenschaftliche Artikel werden gezeigt. Manch lustige Erfindungen, manch interessante Einblicke. [...]

]]> By: latente http://blog.modernmechanix.com/2006/12/04/horse-of-steel-runs-across-fields/#comment-30577 latente Tue, 05 Dec 2006 12:45:56 +0000 http://blog.modernmechanix.com/2006/12/04/horse-of-steel-runs-across-fields/#comment-30577 @jinxdefenestrated it' a "balilla" cap http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opera_Nazionale_Balilla http://botaacima.blogs.sapo.pt/arquivo/Duce-Balilla-1.jpg @jinxdefenestrated
it’ a “balilla” cap
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/O.....le_Balilla
http://botaacima.blogs.sapo.pt.....illa-1.jpg

]]> By: Stannous http://blog.modernmechanix.com/2006/12/04/horse-of-steel-runs-across-fields/#comment-30497 Stannous Tue, 05 Dec 2006 05:20:44 +0000 http://blog.modernmechanix.com/2006/12/04/horse-of-steel-runs-across-fields/#comment-30497 must be a Shriner from before they got those little cars: http://www.sesostrisshrine.org/html/little_cars.html must be a Shriner from before they got those little cars:
http://www.sesostrisshrine.org....._cars.html

]]> By: Charlie http://blog.modernmechanix.com/2006/12/04/horse-of-steel-runs-across-fields/#comment-30349 Charlie Mon, 04 Dec 2006 19:42:40 +0000 http://blog.modernmechanix.com/2006/12/04/horse-of-steel-runs-across-fields/#comment-30349 I was wondering that myself.. I was wondering that myself..

]]> By: jinxdefenestrated http://blog.modernmechanix.com/2006/12/04/horse-of-steel-runs-across-fields/#comment-30344 jinxdefenestrated Mon, 04 Dec 2006 19:19:31 +0000 http://blog.modernmechanix.com/2006/12/04/horse-of-steel-runs-across-fields/#comment-30344 and yet why is this lad wearing a fez? and yet why is this lad wearing a fez?

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