Stuff I have recently learned:
I can run a steam boiler.
I can build a fire, and expand it into a blazing inferno several feet wide, deep, and thick. I can transfer about a wagonload of chopped wood from wagon to ground and from ground to firebox. I could, if needed, do more.
I can operate a steam-powered water pump, and a Pemberthy injector (which is honestly the most kickass mechanical device I have ever seen). I can start up various machines that are over a hundred years old, powered by the afore-mentioned boiler. I can fix a particular bearing problem that makes the machine knock and ping when the cylinder crosses dead-center. I can tighten loose valves.
I can use a pipe-cutter, and a pipe-threader. I can replace a section of pipe that has developed a leak.
I can blow that boiler's whistle, which is deep and resonant and can be felt as much as heard when you're standing underneath it. You get a little bit of a shower, when you do that, because it lets steam out and sometimes that sort of condenses and falls on you.
I can carry and set up wrought-iron fencing, and I can swing a sledgehammer for a good long while.
I can feel the muscles in my arms and in my back. I am covered in sweat, dust, various types of oil and grease, and probably some metal shavings from the pipe-threader. I am exhausted.
It is glorious.
I can build a fire, and expand it into a blazing inferno several feet wide, deep, and thick. I can transfer about a wagonload of chopped wood from wagon to ground and from ground to firebox. I could, if needed, do more.
I can operate a steam-powered water pump, and a Pemberthy injector (which is honestly the most kickass mechanical device I have ever seen). I can start up various machines that are over a hundred years old, powered by the afore-mentioned boiler. I can fix a particular bearing problem that makes the machine knock and ping when the cylinder crosses dead-center. I can tighten loose valves.
I can use a pipe-cutter, and a pipe-threader. I can replace a section of pipe that has developed a leak.
I can blow that boiler's whistle, which is deep and resonant and can be felt as much as heard when you're standing underneath it. You get a little bit of a shower, when you do that, because it lets steam out and sometimes that sort of condenses and falls on you.
I can carry and set up wrought-iron fencing, and I can swing a sledgehammer for a good long while.
I can feel the muscles in my arms and in my back. I am covered in sweat, dust, various types of oil and grease, and probably some metal shavings from the pipe-threader. I am exhausted.
It is glorious.