Videos on steam-powered road vehicles just seem to be quite rare to come across these days, especially in good quality. They are, however, a window for us to see how things were done without utilizing either the Otto or Diesel cycle, relying on pieces of old plumbing, fairly rudimentary gear and pulley systems, as well as hydraulic actuators to get ensure there is forward movement, steering and some stopping power.
Jay Leno is really the only one to make detailed and enjoyable videos about these steam-puffing vehicles, and in the latest clip, he features a 1914 Christie fire engine, which had been restored by the City of Burbank fire department and was kept on display, until they decided to also get it running so they took it to his shop.
The restoration job ended up making it flashier than it originally was, with chrome- instead of nickel-plated parts and a few other modern touches, but it works.
Most of the footage is shot when the vehicle is stationary, however, the most surprising bit is the speed it can reach with its level of technology. It’s probably a bumpy ride as its suspension is rudimentary at best, so any kind of two-digit speed you achieve is just that – an achievement.
By Andrei Nedelea
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