Reverend Captain Flint has seen many things in his travels around the world, and many things that should be dead. From the horrors of the undead catacombs of Paris, to the mysterious goliaths of deepest Africa, to the cold steely hull of a pirate Airship invading the Antartic, one must always be prepared with the proper armament. Luckily, he had commissioned and worked with Mr. Nikola Tesla, one electric rifle.

The Tesla Electric Rifle

The Tesla Electric Rifle is a rifle which fires charged electrical bolts, similar in behavior to standard gunpowder bullets. Is is not a ray gun, as it shoots visible micro-charges of electricity, and not electrical arcs or mysterious rays. These electrical bullets can be scaled in both lethality and range to serve a wide variety of uses. Through means of a portable Tesla battery/capacitor, enormous amounts of electric energy can be focused and sent in a shaped charge, bringing down a foe, great terrible lizard, or the flammable gas bag of an enemy ship.

Use and Operation.

Similar to the electric bullets of Cpt. Nemo, the Tesla Electric Rifle is a weapon of the modern age. While the inner workings remain a mystery, the basic concept is known. A battery/capacitor about the size of a small candlestick is hung from the belt of the operator. Two electrodes are present, to which the alligator clip terminals of the rifles’ input wires attach. The wires feed to terminals on the right side of the rifle, where the electricity is internally stored and processed through miniaturized electrical connections embedded inside the device.  Two miniature Tesla coil banks are mounted externally, near the rear brass peep sight and electrics. When fired, energy is sent coursing through two wires, stabilized by a rare earth magnet, and gaining the desired charge and lethality through windings over various material and components. The wires then proceed to a copper cooled anode and cathode.

Through not easily understood means, the internal electrics, anode and cathode work in harmony to create shaped charges of electrical bolts. The rifle can store enough energy for several charges after a disconnect from the power source. The bolts are focused down a half inch diameter brass tube at great velocity, and then expelled with alarming accuracy into whatever target they are aimed at, conductive or otherwise. Each bolt-bullet is like a small, highly focused lightning strike, sending full power of the strike into a very small area. The anodizing and scorch marks at the end of the barrel are a testament to this.

Public Display!

Let it be known the Steampunk Rifle will be on display, carried on the person of one Reverend Captain Samuel Flint of the RLGEMS at the World Steam Expo in Dearborn MI, this last weekend of May, 2011.

Building the Rifle.

The Tesla Electric Rifle began as a prop rifle for the inaugural Teslacon. I needed a good solid weapon, and I’m a big fan of Tesla lore and DIY. I didn’t want to mod an existing weapon or plastic NERF blaster, I wanted something hefty, something wooden and brass, and something that looked like it meant business.

A friend gave me her old parade rifle stock, and it was a fabulous platform to work with. My original intention was to sand the white paint off and dye the wood, but I am pleased with the worn, painted look, though I may update it if time allows.

The brass sights and underbarrel winding rods are from a brass toilet seat hinge, purchased at Menards (I drove all over the city trying to remember where I got the first one). The copper parts are simple pipe straps, tarnishing comes from use and age. Various brass screws, washers and pegs hold everything together.

The Tesla coils are simple steel fender washers alternating with small locking washers, and the bold is threaded right into the stock. The brass rod is from a small candlestick. The trigger guard is a drawer pull, with a shelf peg and brass washer set inside, sheepishly, window putty.

Tesla Rifle Receiver

At the business end of the gun, I’ve used a small brass candlestick rod with threads at either end. One end is epoxied into a threaded hole, and the other is capped with a steel cap nut. The barrel is from a 1/2″ dia. brass pipe from American Science and Surplus. A threaded rod was screwed into the end of the stock, drilled through a candlestick cup. The brass rod is held in place via two washers and nuts forming a bushing. The brazing at the end was from simply holding it over a gas stoce and quenching. An old faux leather purse was scrapped to provide material for the cheek rest.

Tesla Electric Steampunk Rifle Wiring

The wires come from various old headphones purchased on eBay. They were arranged to give the impression of implied circuitry; they feed into two points, and the branching wires feed from these points to the other various odds and ends on the rifle, terminating into two steel tips (original to the wires), seemingly plugged into the anode and cathode at the working end.

The main feeding wires with alligator clips come from a fantastic lineman’s rotary handset I picked up for $12 at an antique store. Red and black with two mean clips, they shout business (and tuck nicely under the cheek rest).

Building the Power Source.

Tesla Battery-Capacitor Power Source

The power source came to be when I realized the rifle had to get its juice from somewhere. Unsuitable for attachment to the rifle, a large tube like candlestick was used as a base. Two sturdy brass candlestick cups were added in place at the bottom of the device with window putty. Sandwiched inbetween the cups are two more old wires, feeding up to the terminals at top, which are door stopper posts. A few hose clamps and odd hooks and catches hold everything together. The result is the capacitor battery bank, which has a surprising heft to it, thanks to the brass candlestick parts. The device is inconspicuous and can be hung from the belt or used as a sidearm when it may be inappropriate to wield a large rifle (museums, parks, day care, bars).

Future Plans.

I may varnish the wood and make the trigger more secure. I am a huge fan of working devices and originally intended to make it at the least light up, but this proved too costly and time consuming, I’m satisfied as is. I recently purchased a new stock from an old crossbow at  Lost Eras antique shop in Rogers Park, Chicago. I’m currently in the sketching stages with this one, as its larger and very unique.

With a mechanical arm, typewriter key beard, and fanciful monocle on a real wooden hat, Steampunk Santa greeted guests and provided cheer to hundreds at the year’s end Clockwork Christmas! Fancy dressed patrons, steampunk angels, and fortune tellers from miles around poured through the doors with much jollity and gaiety at Exit this December.

Patrons were treated to fanciful sights and sounds until 4 o’clock in the morning. Ammunition presented a hot and amazing fire breathing, angle grinding show, showering the audience with sparks and pleasure.

Ammunition aflame, courtesy W. Dezoma

If fire, noise and sparks failed to amuse, one could have one’s fortune read by the lovely Snow Queen. Fortune telling via Tarot rekindled our love with the victorian parlour.

The Enchanting Medium, the Snow Queen, courtesy Glitter Guts

Strange holiday music from The White City Rippers echoed in the chamber as the sounds of Theremin and Concertina filled the air.

The White City Rippers, courtesy Glitter Guts

Many thanks to KL Kenzie for her fabulous collection of booked acts and the rest of the RLGEMS for their unbridled steampunkery patriotism!

The RLGEMS, courtesy Glitter Guts

For more photos of the lively steampunk crowd, please visit Glitter Guts!

A happy, steamy new year to all! Stay tuned to SteampunkChicago.com, as we have more events in the works, such as an outing to the Field Museum in January, and a massive gathering of eccentric talent in February!

Cheers!

So Tesla-Con I has come and gone and all in all, the people really enjoyed it!  From panels on character development, taxidermy, tiny top hats and (of course) airships to the delightful tea room (and its lovely view) to the wonderful special guests to various investors, luminaries and members of the ship’s crew (RIP – Henri Grebelle, Lady Grebelle, MacMurry and The Duke of Buckingham) falling dead – it really was quite a weekend.

TeslaCon was represented by several outstanding groups, people, and event planners. The Airship Archon, the Imperial Anti-Piracy Squadron, Cherie Priest, Mark Donnelly! Truly, friendly faces, fantastic dress and creative weaponry and gadgets were at every corner.

The opening ceremonies began the murder mystery right away, with a character dropping dead from a poisoned drink — and continued through the night with a poison gas bomb in the engine room. Throughout the three days,  the actors remained in elaborate character —  sometimes even two or three — and encouraged the other guests to dig deep for clues and come rushing to every scene. A dark and somber eulogy (which apparently the dead speak at) was even delivered for one of the killed crew members. An old-timey seance delivered even more clues, and some real intrigue. The mystery concluded at a Steampunk Gun Show, as bait to draw out the real killer! People were excited and engaged throughout the convention.

From visuals to audio, no expense was spared in outfitting the airship, er, dresing the hotel. Room placards were printed, period dress restroom signs were hung, and dozens of signs, posters, and art adorned all the hallways.

These were posted throughout the CON - photo by JM Coen

Con-goers were greeted by in character porters and ticket takers while music and ambiance (and the drone of engines) played continually in the background. In the well-staffed (and oh-so-polite) tea room, a window to the clouds presented a majestic view of our flight. Next door, hand selected vendors presented their wares at the ship’s store.  An antique shop even graced the lobby of the airship!

Thanks to Daria Melnikova for the TeslaCon compilation video.

Here are some photos from a variety of people who attended the con.  Next year promises even more elaborate decor and production – we can’t wait (of course we can’t, we’re part of the team) – but we do have a suggestion for next year.

Don’t drink the water (bring your own).

Granted, not a great picture, but this was KL and mine luggage for the weekend.

Opening Ceremonies - And the "take off" of the Explorer II with Captain Dunbar talking all the luminaries and investors ready - photo by JM Coen

And the first murder occurrs! Meanwhile Bobbins reads a note from Lord Proctocus! (As you can see it was all quite theatrical) - Photo by JM Coen

Emporer Justininian talks about the Red Fork Empire - photo by JM Coen

Author Cherie Priest talks at her panel - photo by JM Coen

Captain Anthony LaGrange of the Airship Archon! - Photo by JM Coen

Vourteque, KL and Concordia talk with the Captain after the tragic death of Lady Grebelle - photo by Dave Kaemmerer

KL Kenzie talks during her Taxidermy panel - photo - by JM Coen

Both outfits and costumes were outstanding - photo by JM Coen

A Steampunk Dalek (we were told it was powered by a 9 year old child) - photo by JM Coen

A fight breaks out between the RL&GEMS and the IAPS! - Photo by Jena Watson

The Infamous POKER GAME where McMurry died - photo by Lisa Dousharm

Von Grelle and one of her infamous IAPS members (played by GD Falksen) - photo by Lisa Dousharm

The Lovely Dezomas descending the stairs to the ball - photo by Lisa Dousharm

The Duke and Duchess as the ball... just before tragedy strikes AGAIN - photo by Lisa Dousharm

But fear not - in the end all was well - and the RL&GEMS pose for another great picture

Now to get ready for Tesla-Con II!

The year is 1880. The wealthy, the well-connected, and the thrill-seeking passengers gather in preparation for the launch of the Explorer II, Royal Britannia’s newest and most advanced Airship. But security remains tight (in light of what happened to the Explorer I), and not all is well among the guests . Still excitement remains high as final preparations are made for departure and for what will prove to be an unforgettable experience for all aboard.

This is the setting for Teslacon I, a new kind of steampunk convention taking place this coming weekend at the Radisson Hotel Madison in Madison, Wisconsin. The mad genius behind this event is Eric Larson, otherwise known as Lord Hastings Bobbins. A teacher and designer by trade, Eric had a vision of a fully-immersive convention which would combine the best parts of an interactive murder mystery with those of more traditional gatherings, and pull it all off with all the class and style that Steampunk has to offer.

“I decided TeslaCon would be an immersion convention – a place where the fans can truly express themselves in an environment that’s as close to the period as we can make it in the 21st century. After running close to 20 conventions I wanted something new and very different for this very exciting genre. I truly wanted the destination to be an experience for the members and a get-away for the fans.”

Guests are invited to imagine themselves aboard an actual airship on her maiden voyage across Eastern Europe, and their experience will be enhanced through the use of set dressing and sound effects. There will be panels and classes on everything from costuming to history to weaponry. The full program guide is available online here [PDF].

Guests also include author Cherie Priest, designers Samantha Re, Megan Maude and Heather Luca, the fabricators of Outland Armor, and musical guests Scarring Party, Eli August and Water Street Bridge. The crew of the Airship Archon and the Penny Dreadfuls will be in attendance, and members of the RLGEMS and the Imperial AntiPiracy Squadron will be taking the parts of characters in the scenario.

This is the maiden voyage for Teslacon, although plans are already underway for “Teslacon II – 20,000 Leagues Under The Aether” and “Teslacon III – The Great Expanse: Occidental-Oriental”. Memberships as well as day-passes are still available, and although the primary hotel is sold out the AmericInn Madison West next door still has rooms available at the convention rate.

Want to hear and see something extraordinary and decadent tonight, Friday, August 6th for the low price of only $5?  Then bring yourselves, dressed to the nines (or tens!), to Darkroom in Chicago at 2210 West Chicago Avenue and experience not only the sights and sounds of  THE GYPSY NOMADS and the elegant and sensual dancing of MAE THE BELLY DANCER but also experience the fine creation of the Extra-Ordinary Aural Fusionoscope & Amplification Machine operated by our most esteemed and qualified steampunk DJ’s (including myself!).

Please RSVP to our Facebook Event:  ”Gypsies & Steam”!

Update:

Picked up by the BoingBoing!

Yes, our contraption qualifies as a There I fixed it!

Advanced Technology Blog!

So to begin the journey:  roughly six to eight months ago (or perhaps longer?),  I was enjoying some lychee royale champagne when my good friend Heaven Malone approached me.  We got onto the subject of Steampunk, inventing and all that fun stuff when he mentioned, “You know Lord Baron (okay, so he actually just called me Joe), you should make a Steampunk DJ set up.”

For those of you who do not know, I have actually made a living at various points in my life as a DJ.  Thus, fusing DJing and Steampunkery seemed not only natural, but warranted.  Therefore,  I set out to create a Steampunk DJ rig, and sadly, failed.  The truth was that I did not really have the tools, knowledge or, well, the skill to undertake something like this on my own.

Enter the good inventor Evad.  With the help of this fine and extraordinarily talented individual, the two of us designed and have successfully built the machine that I had first dreamed of.  Thusly, my always good and possibly wantonly dressed and always finely coiffed personage – I present to you:

THE (extra-ordinary) AURAL FUSIONOSCOPE & AMPLIFICATION MACHINE!!

To clarify what you might be looking at for those who are not familiar with DJ systems – this was originally a Numark CD-Mix 2 which I purchased from my good friend Orvtronixx.  We built a wooden box around it and then got down to the lengthy task of expanding the audio ins & outs from the back of the box.  After much soldering (and gnashing of teeth) we successfully installed a balanced XLR out, three RCA line-ins and a 1/4 in” microphone line in.  We re-routed the main RCA unbalanced master out to a small speaker that is housed just below the vintage cast-iron Phonogram horn to act as the DJs personal monitoring system and re-routed the main mic out into a small microphone housed in the the smaller 1920s Ford car horn (which we repainted in black and copper).

We then took a 1940s radiator, took it apart and housed the transformer in it.  All in all the entire rig is an all in one system; though for large clubs we highly suggest running the XLR outs to the main sound.

We chose this particular rig because we’ve found that what is generally considered steampunk music is most often found on CD or is available via the Internet for download as most of it is made by independent artists who don’t have the funds for full vinyl releases.  With that said – the RCA audio-ins can work both phono and digital – we even included a large bolt for grounding; discovering vinyl turntables are easily plugged into the device for those who prefer to DJ on the good ol’ sound of vinyl.

Now of course you want to see it live and in person!  Then as stated in the beginning of this informational and exciting post, come out tonight as The (extra-ordinary) Aural Fusionoscope & Amplification Machine will be at Gypsies & Steam at Darkroom backing up such (EXTRA-ORDINARY) live acts as THE GYPSY NOMADS and MAE THE BELLY DANCER!

See you then!

The Lord Baron