Abandoned Steam Engine Brought Back to Life! - 1908 Industrial Time Capsule

День тому

Thanks to MANSCAPED for sponsoring today’s video! Get 20% OFF + Free International Shipping with our promo code “PROPERPEOPLE” at manscaped.com/properpeople
Watch as a steam engine installed in 1908 comes back to life after sitting abandoned for 85 years! Our friend Alex Karnes will be our guide to the workings of this beautiful machine, as well as to many of the other mechanical antiquities that can be found within the walls of the water works.
We and Alex would like to thank everyone at the city of Woburn who made this possible, including Mayor Scott Galvin, City Engineer Jay Corey, DPW Deputy Superintendent Leonard Burnham, Plant Operators Scott Johnson and Jon Morales, and the Woburn Fire Department. Additional thanks to John Roderick and Frank Killoren.
Find Alex on UKposts @AEKarnes and Facebook / alexander.karnes
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0:00 Introduction
1:02 Sponsored Message
2:06 History of the Waterworks
8:13 The Logbooks
13:02 Building Overview
20:46 Starting the Boiler
23:22 Waiting for Steam
30:38 Signs of Life
33:40 Warming Up
44:37 The Engine Runs
1:01:38 It's Like a Friend
1:06:14 The Whistle
1:08:07 Golden Evening
1:16:02 Alex Signs Off
MB01ID5JJXGISDL

КОМЕНТАРІ: 5 500

@TheProperPeople 7 місяців тому

Hope everyone enjoyed this episode and big thanks to Alex and Phil, their associates, and everyone at the city of Woburn who made this possible! For now there are no official tours available, but for updates about when they may be and any potential future open house steaming dates follow their facebook page here: facebook.com/WoburnWaterworksEngine

@Bomhilsnotcountries 7 місяців тому

Yesssir! I'm always super excited for a TPP episode.

@AnotherOtherMan-alive 7 місяців тому

Have they considered having it ready to plug into the main system in a grid down situation or connecting to a generator so that it is generating electricity? Granted it'd be more for the hospitals and what have you but still.

@rjborremans4033 7 місяців тому

Just simply WOW.

@vladrodrig 7 місяців тому

This episode was quite good, loved to see and hear the explanation how all it works and the love he have and shows for his work is amazing, what a guy ❤

@jimbronson4506 7 місяців тому

Outstanding! Thank you for sharing this with us.

@cthriftfl 7 місяців тому

I think Alex is a bigger find than an old steam engine. Brian and Michael help this guy find a platform with youtube. We need more of him.

@silencerstudent9381 7 місяців тому

right?

@Jacobsparks 7 місяців тому

We need more history preservation, not another podcast

@Michael-gh1tj 7 місяців тому

His Yt channel is named aekarnes

@Mck6 7 місяців тому

@@Michael-gh1tj Thanks for that! Kinda strange he didn't get a shoutout, either in the video, the description, or at least in the pinned comment.

@darkcognitive 7 місяців тому

@@JacobsparksNobody mentioned a podcast? Pretty sure he could do a channel on steam engines, restoration, building small ones…..loads of topics he could choose from that don’t involve podcasting or anything like it, just watching him talk about steam engines and how they work is entertaining enough as it is, we need more of this kind of thing on youtube.

@DEADPEDAL 7 місяців тому

Alex has a sharp intelligence and an absolute dedication to detail. A very proper person.

@gc4644 7 місяців тому

Alex is the Sheldon Cooper of steam engines! An absolute genius!

@rebeccabrink723 7 місяців тому

Couldn't agree more! His expertise is amazing

@salland12 7 місяців тому

His drawings are awesome to.

@zxggwrt 7 місяців тому

A proper person indeed!

@aaron_nichols 7 місяців тому

Indeed :)

@vazk-thret 5 місяців тому

I feel like if Society were to collapse, Alex would be one of the first dudes to start rebuilding it, his almost religious respect for engineering and machinery is something I share, and I feel like there're some things we've forgotten as a society that he's helping us remember.

@genevieve.annabelle3296 3 місяці тому

If you enjoy reading fiction. 1 second after is about a nuclear attack. The emp effect knocks out everything. The author has taken liberties in overstating the effects, but it talks about the logistics of maintaining a semblance of civilization after electronics taken out. It's a trilogy. Bunch of university kids engineer steam engines and such to get some sort of technology back. It's...heart felt for sure. And I really enjoyed it. Figured I'd make a recommendation 🤷‍♀️

@cardboardboification 3 місяці тому

way too many people don't want to get their finger nails dirty changing their oil

@zacharykoplin6543 Місяць тому

Don’t worry, us steam enthusiasts will get society running again in a jiffy. All you need is burnable material and water to power a locomotive or stationary engine.

@superdave8248 Місяць тому

Assuming guys like him even survive the initial level of craziness. And to be honest, that is a crap shoot. Imagine trying to tell a small town worth of people that the only skill they need to have is to swing a hoe. Because once technology crashes, the vast majority of labor goes to food production only. And that is assuming you have the tools, the land, and the seeds to grow your own food. And you have enough food to keep everyone alive until the plants start producing. If technology collapses for some reason, you are talking tens of millions of human deaths in the first month alone just in the US where we still produce a large amount of food. Just wouldn't have a easy way to transport it from where it is produced to where it would be needed. And the places it is produced tends to require a lot of irrigation which should be point out also wouldn't work any more.

@DG-kr8pt 25 днів тому

They are causing it to collapse by running this for no reason and contrubuting to the climate crisis.

@member57 2 місяці тому

Alex should be protected at all costs, his knowledge and passion is unmatched.

@DG-kr8pt 25 днів тому

He stole the steam whistle! Will find out where he took that from, shouldnt be hard since he gave enough clues.

@member57 25 днів тому

@@DG-kr8pt If you actually watched the video, the site he took it from was bring tore down and everything scrapped. If he hadn't taken the whistle, it would have been destroyed. Just wondering why you have a Karen attitude about it. 😂 Does it impact you personally?

@ISometimesAgree 18 днів тому

@@DG-kr8pt you say steal, I say tactically acquired.

@kentslocum 7 місяців тому

This is quite possibly the very best advertisement for a city I've ever seen. Any city looking to improve their public image should take major pointers from the way this restoration was handled.

@redsquirrelftw 7 місяців тому

For sure. Too many cities are so encrusted in bureaucracy and BS and would have never allowed for something like this to happen.

@lesliespeaker668 7 місяців тому

Exactly, if you have a story to tell people will come and want to hear it. What's better than preserving your town's history and its stories and make it all come alive at will? You have to see and experience to truly understand. And I think it's especially important to keep it in working and potentially useful order, unlike a museum exhibit. It's not about knowledge, it's about realizing it works and it made people's life better and that it's important how we use technology today.

@VitoVeccia 7 місяців тому

I agree 100%. This is a very inspiring episode. Usually we see history falling apart. Here it's being restored.

@emmettwilmot8336 7 місяців тому

@@solarwarden1894alright gramps go back to bed

@emmettwilmot8336 7 місяців тому

@@solarwarden1894 Woburn has a lower crime rate (property, violent, and murder) than the rest of the country by a long shot lol, you should try being happy about something

@itsTomate 7 місяців тому

I want a directors cut of Alex’s ramblings. It’s so amazing listening to someone who A) knows what they’re talking about and B) very passionate about what knowledge they have. This is a big moment in his life and you can feel it in this

@jenniferwagner4595 7 місяців тому

Yeah, I wanted to listen to Alex talk about this engine as well. I was disappointed when we cut away.

@itsTomate 7 місяців тому

Why can’t oil and steam mix 😭

@michaelfiber4324 7 місяців тому

I want to listen to everything he wants to talk about.

@mattkrier5856 7 місяців тому

@@itsTomate The oil and water (which are both incompressible individually) will mix to form an emulsion which is compressible and won't have the film strength to protect and lubricate the bearings and other parts that contact each other. These parts are kept from touching each other by a film of oil between them which saves them from most of the wear that would happen if they were allowed to touch. If water is mixed with the oil it might boil when compressed, which would displace the oil and allow the parts to scrape each other instead of riding on that film of oil. I have no experience with steam engines, but this is my best guess at what he was going to say.

@cmcb7230 7 місяців тому

He’s a character that’s for sure. Good guy though.

@snyderhaus 5 місяців тому

THAT man, is a National Treasure.

@NappaAbridged 2 місяці тому

It's funny because he slightly Sounds like Nicholas Cage

@DG-kr8pt 25 днів тому

He stole the steam whistle!??! Will find out where he took that from, shouldnt be hard since he gave enough clues!

@Melior_Traiano 20 днів тому

@@DG-kr8pt Have fun making yourself look like a clown.

@wintersbattleofbands1144 4 місяці тому

Acknowledging Alex's hard work is the real gift here. Best video you've ever done, by far. THIS is what UKposts should be all about.

@thomasmaxam8771 2 місяці тому

Agreed, this was a perfect presentation.

@mattwietlispach7606 7 місяців тому

Alex is like one of those very rare teachers you would have in high school who TRULY loved what he was teaching and loved getting the students stoked up about whatever it was. You want to share his passion. I can only imagine how awesome all those huge derelict power plants you guys toured when they were operational like this.

@namegoeshere2805 7 місяців тому

That was the only type of teacher whose class I didn’t sleep through

@Xbox360Supersnake23 7 місяців тому

Me and my wife said the same thing. A teacher that doesn't just teach but inspires.

@Cec9e13 7 місяців тому

My son's HVAC/electrical teacher reminds me of him in a small way; our "fifteen minute" parent teacher conference ran over half an hour because he loves talking about his subject and students, and I was loving listening.

@timgelder4263 6 місяців тому

Stunning everything about this us incredible

@servopie 7 місяців тому

We must protect Alex at all costs. What a humble soul.

@JB-yb4wn 7 місяців тому

He's what's known as a "living treasure".

@AEKarnes 6 місяців тому

I appreciate and welcome that, you'd be surprised how many people are working against me and would like to see me fail because of how I go about things and how I don't sugarcoat anything.

@turkeyssr 6 місяців тому

@@AEKarnes I wish I had better words other than "keep it up" to encourage you. I can't believe this exists and I can't emphasize adequately how important this piece of history is.

@AEKarnes 6 місяців тому

@@turkeyssr It is also sanctuary to me.

@leexgx 4 місяці тому

and not publicly broadcast that he stole stuff at 1am in the morning :) must admit this was a very different view of a steam engine been ran and funny how they had kept this place super secret just to make sure it never got scrapped

@markhall7257 5 місяців тому

Never expected to spend over an hour watching about a steam engine on a Sunday afternoon, nevermind getting teared eyed over it. Alex is an absolutely treasure such passion combined with the excellent videography as always from the Proper People just hit me right in the feels. Absolutely beautiful

@AEKarnes 5 місяців тому

I am glad my work continues to have that effect on people.

@longshot197036 3 місяці тому

Completely agree....!

@kaischwab1239 17 днів тому

Couldn't agree more. Me and my son loved to spend our time together on this video. Just lovely and beautiful. A BIG thanks to all contributing to this video and the engine.

@classydays43 3 місяці тому

I think my favourite part was the story of the little kid who came to the station who was so obsessed with steam engines that he kindly asked Alex if he could work on it a little, and after he had approval, had done work that Alex was in the middle of getting around to. It's moments like that that bring life to someone with so much passion, to meet someone as like-minded and to see that what your life means will live on. Alex articulated that and everything else with amazing conviction.

@c117ls7 7 місяців тому

Absolutely incredible. It really hit home when Alex talked about the 12 year old that wanted to help. Also the part where he said "We need to re-learn a few things". That may be the truest thing ever said.

@DougDingus 7 місяців тому

I agree and was writing about young people finding themselves attracted to old technology. There are lessons to be re-learned and it will be these people finding them and helping the rest of us to better understand our tech heritage and what it all can mean for us going forward.

@tomahzo 7 місяців тому

Considering how some tech development works today where we are literally reinventing stuff and making it measurably and qualitatively WORSE than before, I think it's important to realize that old tech is not necessarily worse. There were smart people back then just like there is today and you can absolutely learn from how things were solved back then and make things better today. It's very important that this is not lost to time. It's a question of solving problems given a current set of constraints. Old tech might not fit today's constraints (such as when it comes to emissions, effective energy efficiency, scalability and opportunities for control integration used for saving energy) but just gaining a detailed understanding of how they solved the problems back then can make you solve the same problems even better today. If you detach yourself too much from history and just rely on standing on the shoulders of giants and get a too filtered view of past advancements you will lose some of the understanding and with every generation it will just get worse. The only way to truly move forwards and improve is to have at least SOME people in the loop that truly has a detailed understanding of the inner workings of this old tech from beginning to end. This video gives me a bit of hope :).

@3UZFE 7 місяців тому

The fact is this machine could last 1000 years maintained correctly, our modern machines couldn't do that, they are too complicated in the way they operate and many parts have to be thrown out when they go wrong or reach the end of their life cycle.

@MrMike-fn4hi 7 місяців тому

The enthusiasm Alex exhibits borders on obsession. We need more people in this world like him and the team. Alex is as much a treasure as this pump house. I admire his drive and dedication to do whatever it takes to preserve this plant. We need more preservation of history! We are far too dismissive of older technology. As a plant engineer I am shocked they received approvals to do this. My hats off to the City for allowing the preservation and restoration. Thank you for bringing this to us!

@Xxken101xX 7 місяців тому

I literally just said the same thing before I saw your comment. We need more people like this in our world.

@blackbirdgaming8147 7 місяців тому

Too bad Alex is a mentally ill egomaniac. He does not deserve any form of praise whatsoever.

@jwalster9412 7 місяців тому

I could listen to this guy rambling for hours. He just has that energy.

@adaml2023 7 місяців тому

Definitely an Asperbers kind of thing....and I'm glad people who can obsess on details like this are out there. Extremely beneficial to the human race- men like him keep society functional

@cobrag0318 7 місяців тому

@@adaml2023 I was thinking the same thing, or autism itself. Somewhere on the spectrum. You get a sense of it in how he talks. Hesitated to observe it for fear of being called down for even noticing. However, I think it is a part of what makes him so brilliant here. He definitely has a gift both in his understanding and his ability to explain everything. And his understanding of it all hasn't spoiled his amazement in the least, much like how understanding how a magic trick works often spoils the amazement going forward. "Jesus Christ, this thing is awesome!", says it all right there. Whatever his place may be on the spectrum, he's definitely found his place there. Both him, and his engine are amazing.

@workhardlivefree3818 2 місяці тому

I'm a Millwright at a chemical plant here in Chemical Valley, and we still use 3 steam turbines producing 1600 HP, that were cast in 1938, in our Service Water Pumphouse. Sadly the fly wieght govenors were converted to air actuated and it has an electronic Woodward Governor, but it still has the exact same ambiance as what I'm seeing here. Our steam still comes from the boilers from the Power house and it has been a privilege over the last 15 years of my 33 year career to overhaul and maintain those turbines. We have recip steam pumps, smaller skinner and copco turbines but the ones we have in our Service Water Pumphouse are by far the greatest. I get the same awe and pride as this man has when I'm working on them

@brianlrrover3633 2 місяці тому

Alex definitely has a touch of tism I love Alex. Genius man

@1marcelfilms 29 днів тому

Just a touch???

@TroyOnymous 7 місяців тому

Alex is a prime example of a guy like many of us who seems to have been born in the wrong era, but he's made the best of it by bringing this beautiful engine back to life through hard work and dedication so that the next generation has a working example of how things used to be. Fantastic filming by the Proper People on this too, the shots captured and story told here are magnificent.

@westtell4 7 місяців тому

Born to late to explore the earth... To early to explore the universe

@lukefisher7176 7 місяців тому

@@westtell4 Settle for the solar system then!

@johntriplett4470 7 місяців тому

Well said

@ericwilliams538 7 місяців тому

@@westtell4I often say the exact same thing. I love seeing old machinery like the steam pump in the video. I also love the leaps and bounds that up and coming private space agencies are making with advancements in rocket technologies...

@togowack 7 місяців тому

We are born in the right era. We didn't build those machines either. But we will have to build new ones much like them. Just people aren't used to thinking big and breaking the rules (laws).

@daltxn 7 місяців тому

Being an engineer, this brought a tear to my eye to see the labor of love and care and attention to detail. Cheers, Alex.

@CanadianCivilDefenceMuseum 7 місяців тому

Same here! So impressed! Keep up the great work Alex!

@davewhiting3296 4 місяці тому

Hats off to A. E. Karnes (Alex) and everyone who has contributed and continues to contribute to running this fabulous machine. Their passion is unmatched. Thanks to The Proper People for the video. Great job.

@scottcol23 3 місяці тому

I'm speechless. This machine is beautiful. I love how Alex described the building as a living organism. It truly is. This engine is blessed to have a caretaker like Alex. Someone that understands and speaks its language. These old engines talk to you, all you have to do is listen. It incredible. I like thinking about when this would have been state of the art. How proud the engineers were of it. And the fact that it was saved from the war. Thank you for showing her to us. I worked on a steam powered paddlewheel riverboat called the Natchez. Its based out of New Orleans. It currently uses diesel electric steam generators to feed the engines. She has two tandem-compound steam engines. Each produces over 1600 horsepower. The were built in 1925. The crown jewel is the steam operated 32 note calliope.

@AEKarnes 3 місяці тому

I am glad you enjoyed what I had to offer. I took a ride on the Natchez. I was interested to see the engine was fitted with Young valve gear. I'd not really think of the port and starboard engines as seperate from eachother but because the Young gear relies on cross-linkage between the two from each crosshead they are I think one engine by definition

@bradsutton2746 7 місяців тому

The way Alex takes long pauses while thinking of the proper way to explain something shows how serious he is about educating everybody about this. It's impressive.

@Kaiser0929 5 місяців тому

Yes! No ums, no uhs, no filler. Just a pause, and then a perfectly worded explanation like he's reading it from an incredibly interesting book. Except HE'S that book. What a cool, unique dude.

@JeffBolen 7 місяців тому

I just turned 70. My Dad was a high pressure steam engineer. He taught me to run various steam engines and plants. I loved this video. I wish more people would appreciate our history.

@zerolatitude2923 7 місяців тому

67 here and a boiler inspector..... like you love this show.

@togowack 7 місяців тому

Yes they were always technicians maintenance and operators, but we did not build these massive machines, and its ludicrous to think it all got built within a couple decades by a few over worked illiterate farmers. We inherited it and THEY melted most of it down to get us off wireless and onto centralized.

@LoneWanderer905 7 місяців тому

We all appreciate it. We don't talk about it much as it isn't an easy subject to drive a conversation into if you get what I mean haha, but I hope you know we all do.

@DMcLain88 4 місяці тому

I have been watching Proper People for some time, and I must say that this episode was one of my absolute favorites. You can clearly see the spirit and passion that Alex has for all of these things, and it absolutely translated well, even on film. I could feel his joy as he shared, showed, and explained every last detail. Please tell him thank you. In the end, when he said, "I sure hope it's a hit with everyone." It absolute was a hit.

@georgewolf7063 3 місяці тому

Look, Alex! See the beautiful thing you have done. And now a lamp will light in so many others and fill their hearts with the same light.

@lloydboyette4815 7 місяців тому

Alex is so passionate when he talks about this living, breathing, creature. What a gorgeous reminder of what America is capable of.

@yippdogg9250 7 місяців тому

Couldn't have said it better myself, this was beautiful.

@SCARSOFEUROPE 7 місяців тому

You know this steam engine is from Europa right?

@kj4ilk 7 місяців тому

still somewhat is but not like her glory days nope nope most of the stuff in the American home isn't made here anymore not 100% anyway

@n1k0n_ 7 місяців тому

Here here!

@grilablitznet3574 7 місяців тому

Great video. I’ve seen and heard steam engine farm tractors at county fair type events, but this engine is so much bigger than that. I don’t remember hearing Alex mention the horsepower though.

@timstacy8034 7 місяців тому

I don’t know what I’m impressed with the most the engine or with Alex.. He is the perfect example of why everyone needs to find their passion in life. I’m even more impressed by how he said it wasn’t about him but how he was thinking ahead in case society may need to revert back to this technology… By far the best documentary I’ve seen in a long time!

@3UZFE 7 місяців тому

While unlikely, in the event of an 'EMP' the only energy source that would still work without electronics are these type of steam engines. Steam in all it's forms is still a very important resource, the average person doesn't understand it's still the means of which most electrical power is produced around the world.

@Diesel8290 7 місяців тому

An old mechanical diesel engine would still run, or an ordinary petrol engine with coil ignition and carburettor injection

@somethingelse9228 3 місяці тому

@@Diesel8290 Good luck getting crude oil and refining it after civilization collapses

@Diesel8290 3 місяці тому

@@somethingelse9228 don’t need crude oil to run an old diesel engine. Petrol engines can run on alcohol or gas. We need to think outside the box when things eventually go tits up 😎

@andrewallen9993 22 дні тому

@@3UZFE my1964 stick shift mercedes w110 200d filled with sunflower oil or any other type of vegetable oil and push started would most definitely run.

@ericboudville5671 3 місяці тому

This is the greatest one hour on youtube! Alex is an old soul and absolute mastermind. Cinematography and Alex's explanation throughout is class. Can we just acknowledge how beautiful Alex's engineering sketches are? He's an artist, engineer and educator.

@hyett1954 5 місяців тому

It's a pleasure to see this steam engine being restored, instead of being abandoned, a change of pace from your usual videos. In the 1970's, when I was an apprentice electrician, I found an old Edison carbon lamp during a renovation of an early 1900's building. I still have it today, and it still works, though I only light it occasionally. I particularly enjoyed the lighting part of the video. Thanks, guys, for introducing us to Alex. His passion is contagious.

@jamesmaxwell4447 7 місяців тому

I can't tell if Alex is just an amazing cosplayer or he is a time traveler and refuses to admit it. Either way, he deserves all the praise as both a resource of knowledge but also an eloquent presenter

@lacossanostra 7 місяців тому

ukposts.info/have/v-deo/iIGcpGpufG5nk6s.html

@laurabarnes3077 7 місяців тому

My thought. Old soul.

@dantekania7212 7 місяців тому

Lol very detailed cosplay… fairly certain he’s on the spectrum

@wes7839 7 місяців тому

@dantekania7212 interesting comment & i'm sure nothing's meant by it (maybe i'm also missing other context), but odd. pretty remarkable presentation & even includes the various "professorial": "Good. Great. Thanks." (just to make the *other* person feel more included/welcome/engaged). so it's pretty odd for thoughts of "on the spectrum" to be coming up. to have a passion for a technology: (be it solar, nuclear, or steam) doesn't seem to fit the bill either. that's the fairytale of what a "man's career" is "supposed to be" if i'm not mistaken. and in a world of increasing complexity & increasing alarmism, a re-examination of tried & true tech doesn't seem out of place. but that's just a 2 piece introspection on the above & internet writ-large, lol

@krockpotbroccoli65 7 місяців тому

@@dantekania7212Absolutely a high functioning autistic. Takes one to know one. They called us specialists back in the day.

@fonkbadonk5370 7 місяців тому

It is absolutely magical to see how Alex literally becomes more and more alive with the engine getting more and more operational. I feel like he IS the engine.

@paulk8io445 5 місяців тому

Alex is a treasure. I have been involved with a heritage site that recently was pillaged and I appreciate his passion.

@Prometheus203 4 місяці тому

Incredible! Many of your videos evoke terrible sadness, the loss of so many historic and incredible things… The echos of powerful and intelligent people forgotten to time. This video is the complete opposite. The site is preserved, the history not forgotten and this young intelligent man is there to honor all that work and history with the science and the story. Alex is a champion, like a knight standing watch over a castle. The world needs many more of him, the people of the past and their contributions need not be forgotten or ignored. I hope for more people like this, I hope you can find and film them. Thank you.

@alexbenner549 7 місяців тому

This is one of your most beautiful posts. As an engineer, I am really happy that this gem was not scrapped but was preserved in working condition. What a chain of fortunate circumstances! And Alex is probably the best thing that could have happened to this machine. His devotion and love for the old steam worker are touching.

@tomahzo 7 місяців тому

Touching is a very good word for it :).

@olliebeatz1043 7 місяців тому

This quickly turned into one of my favorite episodes. I really enjoyed Alex explaining everything in a hyper detailed fashion. The world needs more people like him.

@GutterClown 7 місяців тому

Agree. While The Proper People have their own style, this is a very welcome side quest to that style. The expertise is astounding.

@Methadone4Life 6 місяців тому

The world needs a lot more people like Alex! Great young man.

@button-puncher 5 місяців тому

Alex's passion is breathtaking. His knowledge is unreal. I hope he has a long incredible life restoring these machines and teaching others. WOW...just...WOW. Great work documenting this man and machine.

@loganpe427 5 місяців тому

As a retired engineer myself I want to compliment Alex, the way he narrates, his interest and knowledge of the details is incredible! Very interesting and very well done, thank you! Edit: oh wow, at 1.00 excellent videography of the engine running and the music..... Now that's what I call ASMR! Fantastic gentlemen thank you so much! All the lighting shots at the end were..... you guys really captured the right and true spirit!

@AEKarnes 5 місяців тому

Thank you, fellow engineer!

@kellyscars 6 місяців тому

Alex's passion is unparalleled. I've never seen an old man trapped in a young person's body. This guy has clearly lived past lives before!

@jeffvalentine9947 6 місяців тому

This is my exact thought!

@octane2099 5 місяців тому

Alex is scary smart

@HandFromCoffin 4 місяці тому

That's it! He's the old man I watch who restores steam engines but he's still got the energy and youth to totally geek out on it.

@user-xp7yy3py5o 4 місяці тому

So true thinking exactly the same thing, reincarnation is real.

@samuellourenco1050 4 місяці тому

The way he talks. Very correct.

@Chaackaviationandtrainvideos 7 місяців тому

Hands down one of your best videos! The history, the technology, it’s a living time capsule. Alex is a very knowledgeable and passionate person, that’s what makes it even better. Great job guys!

@zxggwrt 7 місяців тому

This really is one of their best or actually the best! They can visit historic places, modern plants, whatever. I will dig it!

@tekvax01 7 місяців тому

Hear Hear! I've been watching your channel since day one, and this was hands down your best video ever! Please don't stop making content! You both are indeed proper people!

@HnRZ 7 місяців тому

Beautiful cinematography on that engine, you guys can be proud. Proper documentary work!

@lmfarms4611 5 місяців тому

To see the sparkle and excitement in Alex's eyes is so beautiful. There aren't many treasures like this in the world of modern machines. And to think that this was hidden for so many years!

@markwilliamson930 5 місяців тому

THIS IS ONE OF THE FINEST MOVIES I HAVE EVER WATCHED, U GUYS SHOULD BE VERY PROUD FOR HELPING PRESERVE AMERICA’S INDUSTRIAL HISTORY. ABSOLUTELY AMAZING. VERY WELL DONE.

@brenstratters2026 7 місяців тому

"I hope this is a big hit with everybody", he said. It certainly is with me!! His enthusiasm is infectious. KEEP IT GOING.

@nathansmith1085 7 місяців тому

I agree 100%. I hope they do a video on his experiences with lighthouses. I could listen to him talk about anything he is passionate about. He seems like such a cool dude.

@elisims9475 7 місяців тому

yessss

@mr.theengie9010 7 місяців тому

Thank you for making this documentary. I'm unbelievably proud that I was there that weekend. It ended far too soon. Alex is truly one of the finest people on the planet. He protects the past and brings it to life. To all who watch this video, spread it far and wide! Help keep these things alive.

@DidntSay 3 місяці тому

This is the most amazing documentary I’ve seen in a very long time. This is what the History Channel should be producing. Thank You So Very Much for Sharing This Masterpiece With Us. No Exaggeration, This is an Exceptionally Professional Piece of Videography! I Sincerely Hope That You All are Substantially Rewarded Financially for Your Hard Work, Such That you Can Continue to Provide Your Viewers with More Content Like This. As Well, Alex is a Treasure as Amazing as the Machines He Loves. I wish there were many more Alex’s in the World.

@wildstar1063 5 місяців тому

Seeing the old steam engine, come back to life is just amazing, and the old lighting and oil lamps to set the mood, made this video a work of art. Alex's dedication, enthusiasm and willingness to share his knowledge of his craft is quite an inspiration.

@a_funyun 7 місяців тому

Good lord, what a video. Alex is phenominal, that man was originally due in the 1800s and accidentally skipped ahead in time today, they don't make em like that anymore... and yet, there he is. His passion literally brought tears to my eyes. Seeing the steam rising as it came to life gave me goosebumps. Absolutely beautiful. Thank you so much for making this and publishing it

@chuckgross6024 7 місяців тому

I felt the exact same! What a rush of emotions

@timkelly2931 7 місяців тому

This absolutely blew my mind. The fact that this Water Works company would let you do this on their property is an absolute anomaly this man Alex is completely underrated. Real Talk fellows on a very personal level I appreciate you showing this video

@MrCinimod93 7 місяців тому

I bet all the guys that are high up in the Waterworks Tinker in their basements at night with something and when they heard Alex enthusiasm and knowledge they all understood that this steam engine had to be running

@AEKarnes 6 місяців тому

It would not have happened if I didn't understand people and wasn't good at diplomacy. It is indeed an anomaly and wouldn't have happened without a gentle finger in the pie so to speak! It took me two years to get permission to work on this engine.

@patricknoveski6409 2 місяці тому

All the world over they gave up on the steam engine in the 30's , 40's, but they are discovering steam again. There is a hands on feeling with a Steam engine. Look at a steam locomotive. People flock to them. Humans throw away great things for thr next gimmick. Love this guy. Thank for this.

@marekeos 4 місяці тому

The man speaks truth. We worship safety, we refuse to take any risks (in the name of absurd levels of safety), and thus we have nothing like this left. We've become pathetic and feckless, we have no appreciation for history or the objects surrounding it and our limited, safety oriented attention spans tell us to "replace" everything that's broken. I admire these folks for keeping this historical pieces in running order. Those who want to, will learn from them. I'll also add that the engine's staircase is a work of art!!

@krudmuphinstudioz 7 місяців тому

What a pleasant surprise, I met this guy many years ago at a live steam train event when I was just a kid. He looks and speaks exactly how i remembered him. His knowledge is unparalleled and it is a real treat to see him flexing his expertise in this lengthy video. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to everything.

@Melior_Traiano 20 днів тому

There are few things I love more than seeing someone who has found his passion and is clearly excelling at it.

@SxVitone 2 місяці тому

I've come back to this video so many times. Alex is a treasure and is one of the people that helped inspire me to follow my dream of a career in engineering. This is so well done and I hope we get another video with Alex eventually.

@AEKarnes 2 місяці тому

Sarah, Im very grateful to hear that. I miss you we should get together soon

@BalticFilms144 7 місяців тому

Alexander dragged me out there to Woburn and I don't regret it at all. That man is like a brother to me and it's an honor to work with him whenever I can. He will not only teach you about machines, but he teaches you what it means to be a good person.

@blackbirdgaming8147 7 місяців тому

“He teaches you what it means to be a good person.” Oh the irony…

@drzoidberg9758 7 місяців тому

@@blackbirdgaming8147you don’t think Alex is a good person?

@EphemeralProductions 7 місяців тому

@@drzoidberg9758i think what he means is that if someone needs to be taught to be a good person then there’s no point. lol. If you’re not a good person you can’t really be taught to be.

@drzoidberg9758 7 місяців тому

@@EphemeralProductions oh, thanks for clarifying:)

@LuckyX0182 7 місяців тому

The best Proper People video full stop. Alex has this old soul vibe and seeing how young, knowledgeable, enthusiastic and willing to share his joy he is and these amazing shots and music bring a tear to my eye, this was really special, thank you guys!

@rockyfitzp 5 місяців тому

As having been mechanical for about 60 years myself, I bow to Alex's genius. Him and his engine are treasures.

@hastyone9048 3 місяці тому

AE K is a steam savant. We need more people like him.

@gordonagent7037 7 місяців тому

As a 51 year veteran of power station operation, I truly admire young men like Alex who dedicate their time to saving and operating old steam plant like this. There is something truly magical about living steam being put to work. Excellent video

@n0anime342 7 місяців тому

Alex has such a old soul, he is so humble and proud of what hes been doing. As he turns things on he feels like he gets more and more electric. Such a cool guy and im so happy he had a chance to bring this machine back to life

@darrynf66 10 днів тому

I don't comment on many UKposts videos only because I love so many of them, HOWEVER!! Alex is absolutely the diamonds I look for in life! You don't see this level of passion and understanding much anymore generally in life but even more so about the past. Thanks Proper People for highlighting all the stuff I love but more importantly the humanity of the past epitomised in someone with such obvious passion!

@tracythorn2918 7 місяців тому

I feel like this engine and this building was shuttered up and waiting all that time for Alex, the perfect combination of dedication, determination, passion, and intelligence to bring it all back to life.

@RwingDsquad 7 місяців тому

I really like Alex’s passion. And how he talks. He’s very sure of his words. What an absolutely fantastic video.

@guyanaguy7512 2 місяці тому

This was one of the most captivating videos I have seen on any platform in years. It has been so long since I've come across a video of this length that made me put aside everything and just sit back and indulge in the cinematic masterpiece that this video was. I hope this machine outlives all of us, and that kid that Alex told us about is the next in line to keep this thing running for decades to come. Thank you for showing us a piece of history and bringing fourth the fact that people like Alex still roam this earth.

@bryanford1139 3 місяці тому

Finally! One that isn't dead and decaying. What a work of Art this machine is!! I can't believe it's practically in my back yard. And, BTW, this country was built by men like Alex. Kudos young man. Brilliant mind with a can't quit so I won't fail attitude. Nice to see they're still out there👍

@alib5345 7 місяців тому

That gentleman reminds me of my cousin who renovated old model A cars. He was autistic and brilliant that we need to preserve these types of people to help us remember our past in a world of quick technology.

@nathanh.5373 7 місяців тому

This is a perfect exemple of what industrial heritage preservation should be. This place is a true time capsule, it's a miracle it stayed intact for all those years before these guys bring it's back to life!

@RailPreserver2K 7 місяців тому

What's interesting is all of Europe has this mindset for preservation because they have a ton of preserved and operational steam equipment everywhere for everytype of steam use possible including some of the oldest steam engines still in existence, some of which are even Bolton and Watt designs.

@madmanmechanic8847 3 місяці тому

That man is an old soul . You never find people like that anymore that care about old machinery unless they are way up in age.

@ItsRainingLead 5 місяців тому

I love how Alex and his engine steward the unbound optimism that the best was yet to come.

@ronaldroberts9556 7 місяців тому

Alex is a one-off, his passion, his humility is overwhelming. This is the best I’ve seen on youtube ever. When over the Pond next will certainly visit. Huge respect.

@TheN747 7 місяців тому

I cannot even begin to explain how much I admire Alex’s passion for his trade. It’s pure love! What is even better is how excited he is to share his knowledge and passion with others and there isn’t even a trace of arrogance or snobbery. I could sit and listen to him for hours. He put it perfectly “Jesus Christ this thing is awesome!”

@videoman4323 5 місяців тому

This engine was waiting, held in preservation, waiting for it's rightful curator to be born. This amazing machine was Alex's Excalibur.

@eobet 3 місяці тому

People keeping old things alive is so much better and more positive than watching abandoned and uncared for things. Is there a channel with only content like this?

@uhmwhat2895 6 місяців тому

"machinery should work with it's creator, not for, not at, and certainly not against." beautifully said.

@mbox30____ 2 місяці тому

exactly love it!!!

@Silvertarian 7 місяців тому

Seeing things like this really shows you how the world has lost all passion and character. Alex is a national treasure.

@draggy76 7 місяців тому

Lost passion an character for greed.

@jakelandry5645 5 місяців тому

I would've LOVED to have worked on that project with Alex. That would've been absolutely a once in a lifetime experience!!!!

@Tight--LiNeZ 5 місяців тому

This guy is an absolute technical legend. Some kind of steam-savant. Humbling to watch someone with that much passion. Beyond impressive.

@joevk6274 7 місяців тому

I started watching this video intending to skip ahead when it got boring, but it never did. Alex kept me interested the entire way through. I didn't skip a single second. Such a cool and fascinating video, and Alex is such a passionate and intelligent man.

@eily_b 6 місяців тому

Me too. And I was fascinated the complete hour, 17 minutes and 11 seconds.

@trisrush9155 7 місяців тому

Alexander is the greatest modern orator of steam history. He should be in charge of all industrial heritage, as he is absolutely right in everything he says and stands for. I’ve watched him for a very long time, and I could watch him forever. Absolutely brilliant. And, as an old friend of Fred Dibnah, I can tell you that accolade is very well deserved and won. Bravo AEK, bravo…

@kurgan_uk606 7 місяців тому

I thought the same. I'm sure Fred would have talked for years with Alex :-)

@halcyondaystunes 7 місяців тому

I thought of Fred too and wouldn't it be amazing if he was still with us and to have got these two together :)

@eily_b 7 місяців тому

Fred Dibnah, the steeplejack? Everything comes full circle now, I've watched him climbing those stacks on those wonky ladders recently at the BBC Archive.

@kurgan_uk606 7 місяців тому

@@eily_b yes, and his personal hobby, and passion, was an obsession with steam engines. 😊

@togowack 7 місяців тому

He knows many things that are not so. We didn't build these big machines. It was all here and 3 generations ago it was repopulated. They tried to melt it down because if you do the math people will come to an inevitable conclusion that we never could have built these, especially in the numbers we are told inhabited the cities, with illiterate and over worked farmers. Just look at the size of the equipment how would this have been possible during cowboy times? Massive cranes or GIANTS.

@LogicalNiko 3 місяці тому

Wow, I used to live within walking distance of this pump house from 2005 to 2012. I'm glad you got it revived, working, and got open houses. Unfortunately, I moved over half-way across the country in 2016 so it came a little too late for me to come admire it in person.

@Jonathan_Doe_ 5 місяців тому

His knowledge, ability, draftsmanship and ability to communicate concepts is rare in one person.

@allisonlueddecke1967 7 місяців тому

almost a 1 and a half hour viceo😭 we are spoiled

@thavinny9943 7 місяців тому

That whistle sent a shiver down my spine and a tear to my eye. The big bucks of the history channel cannot do something as good as you are doing, congratulations to you and I absolutely love to see passionnante people talking about their passion. Great job.

@davebanach9891 7 місяців тому

Took the words right out of my mouth, the pure passion and joy I felt from watching this video was unlike any other I've seen.

@TheSadButMadLad 7 місяців тому

The big bucks of the history/discovery channels will be more interested in getting good shots and wouldn't understand the passion of Alex nor understand like Brian and Michael what industrial history really is. This passion comes through in spades.

@mostexcellentlordship 5 місяців тому

Alex radiates Engineer energy. It's a special kind of person that's often misunderstood. Their connection with technology is deeply tied to energies commonly associated with art and spirituality. These are not just machines to him. You are witnessing high art in an unconventional medium. Nobody is dancing in tight clothes and there are no abstract paintings in sight, but look beyond the metal and listen what's behind the incessant hissing and sissing. You will hear the whisper of faint melodies. You may get a glimpse at what Alex is seeing and what he wants us to see.

@MikeJones-zt3kb 5 місяців тому

Thanks for sharing an amazing and inspirational post. The young chap and his infectious energy are just so wonderful to see. This plant reminds me of a water pumping station built for a local hospital in 1930 for children from Manchester England with T.B, my father was the engineer who maintained this working equipment until 1985 when modern electrical pumping equipment replaced it. The young chap talks about pride in providing wholesome clean water, something my dad spoke about his entire working life. I would love to share photos and documents I saved of the pumping station before demolition. Mike jones, Abergele, North Wales, UK

@LordSmuggington 7 місяців тому

No UKposts video/documentary is gonna hit me like this one has for a long time. It perfectly encapsulates some complex feelings that can be shared with what most would just consider "a machine".

@shadowj5639 7 місяців тому

Alex is a national treasure... someone like this, you really need on your team if you want things done right.

@joelsarich8902 14 днів тому

I am so happy I found this documentary about this steam engine! I have watched it every day since last Saturday, April. 13th! Not only is the engine a great find, but Alex Karnes is an amazing find as well. His knowledge and passion for this restoration project and beautiful stationary steam engine really makes this documentary come alive! When I was a kid on the 50’s, 60’s, my paternal grandfather was a stationary steam engineer working as floor chief engineer for the Cleveland, OH waterworks Kirtland Pumping Station. At that time, they still operated 4 Holly triple expansion engines that had been installed in 1902 and 1912. Grandpa would allow me to come to work with him to see these beautiful antique engines run! I still dream about them at my age of 76 years old. That was 66 years ago! Lol! Thank you Alex Karnes for awakening this passion in my life. A Shout out to the production team too a very artistic and sensitive production.

@YamiSpyro2011 4 місяці тому

Alex has such a voice that matches the tech he is showing off He is so happy to tell people of what he has and restored

@goop1354 7 місяців тому

Absolutly love to see these old once people filled buildings preserved and stuck in time

@dougtaylor7724 7 місяців тому

A hand written journal is the Rosetta Stone of the entire operation. Amazing to find a man that had such pride he documented everything to give us an amazing view of day to day operations. To think this engine escaped being scrapped and lives once again, apparently no worse for wear. It is very satisfying to see you men with such joy and pride bringing this machine back to life. Great video guys!!!

@TheJnat 5 місяців тому

I definitely want to hear more of Alex, and that steam engine is almost like a grandfather or a great-grandfather waiting for kids to settle around to tell them about the wonderous days of antiquity, Alex is the voice and interpreter of this engine. How I wish I could I could sit in front of this wise machine of old, and listen to its endless stories, lulling me to sleep, using stories of purity, innocence and ingenuity.

@nowthisis2stupid Місяць тому

This was absolutely surreal. Alex, is from another time. He infects you with his zeal, and love for what he does. I am absolutely thrilled to have met him, and see his work.

@AEKarnes Місяць тому

I am grateful to have met you too, hope all is well.

@Produkt_R 7 місяців тому

This is hands down one of the best video's I've ever seen. The way this video is created is amazing. Alex is buzzing with energy, what a delight to watch such an enthusiastic guy absolutely loving what he is doing. The fact that they managed to keep it so well hidden is absolutely what saved all of this.

@bosiex 7 місяців тому

What an amazing person Alex is, a true gem and such a great ambassador for steam. We absolutely need more like him.

@G-Man-kc2nm 4 місяці тому

They are watching and listening! From the original designer to the machinist that cast and fit the parts. The old original operators are standing by with oil cans in hand and a incredibly tuned ear. Alex not only saved this engineering wonder, he pumped the life back into the spirits of the men that worked with the engine in the past! Amazing!

@scratchdog2216 5 місяців тому

I love Alex. I can understand and follow everything he says but can't speak as quickly or clearly. He is a well balanced teacher.

@tapijtklopper 6 місяців тому

I seldomly write comments but this is just amazing. Alex is a joy to listen to and his passion is contagious. I'd rather go visit this than any of the big tourist attractions in the states. Well done Alex, truly spectacular.

@AEKarnes 6 місяців тому

If that is how you feel then I have succeeded in my mission. It is my goal to take interest away from the tourist attractions and put it into what is thoughtful and authentic. Thank you very, very much!

@Gantradies 4 місяці тому

@@AEKarnes we can absolutely feel both your genuine passion, and how knowledgeable you are in the subject both- you very strongly remind me of my favorite teachers in primary and high school, and i genuinely mean that as a compliment- well read, have a lot of practical knowledge, and your words are ANYTHING but dry.

@killingtimeitself 7 місяців тому

if those documents aren't archived public record already i would highly advise someone to get on top of that as soon as possible, those records are some of the most fascinating parts of these historical things. edit: i could listen to this man talk for HOURS about this engine.

@jwalster9412 7 місяців тому

Dude, it's been an hour and I want more.

@killingtimeitself 7 місяців тому

@@jwalster9412 for real, if he had a youtube channel about this kinda of stuff i would watch everything on it. People with this level of knowledge on this kind of stuff are an absolute treat.

@tomahzo 7 місяців тому

YES! Should've commented about it but I hope more people point it out! Those documents appear to be priceless historical artifacts so they really need to be looked after and scanned in high resolution. I was actually a bit concerned when I looked at his oily fingers but oddly enough the pages looked fairly clean at least ;D.

@killingtimeitself 7 місяців тому

@@tomahzo With how guarded it's been over the years i'd be surprised if they haven't already, but if they haven't im sure there would be a local group willing to do so at any moment given the nature of the documents.

@kaliek5281 6 днів тому

Dear lord I could listen to Alex talk for hours. His passion and detail is just...contagious

@barrobby1 11 днів тому

Gentlemen, you “REALLY” need to consider doing a 1 hour long video of this machine/people running with the music background as was done in a few times in the video. This would be a great meditation video shot at dusk and include the natural oil lighting effect.

@keithspillman 7 місяців тому

I recently retired as an industrial maintenance manager working with high speed/high tech machinery in many different forms. However, these old machines fascinate me MUCH more than anything a computer can design these days. These bits of history were designed by people with slide rules and imagination.....and they speak through the noises they make. GREAT video!!!

@mattagnew206 7 місяців тому

You should see if there is a local model engineers club!

@3UZFE 7 місяців тому

Totally agree, while modern electronics and hardware is efficient, it's boring. These machines have an immense sense of occasion about them, they could work for 1000 years if maintained. While there is a lot to them, each individual component is not complex and can be maintained, repaired and cared for by someone with the passion for it. The fact machines like this can do so much work, free of electronics & electricity is remarkable, simplicity at it's best.

@togowack 7 місяців тому

Yes, however, we didn't build these machines, what we call antique is actually space age. If you go 1000 years into our tech future this is how you would build. It was built during the time of the giants and ancient ones. We are just the latest repopulation assigned to run whats left of it. And we will end up abandoning computers before long.