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

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 KZbin @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

[@TheProperPeople]

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]

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

[@AnotherOtherMan-alive]

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]

Just simply WOW.

[@vladrodrig]

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]

Outstanding! Thank you for sharing this with us.

[@cthriftfl]

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]

right?

[@Jacobsparks]

We need more history preservation, not another podcast

[@Michael-gh1tj]

His Yt channel is named aekarnes

[@Mck6]

@@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]

@@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.

[@mattwietlispach7606]

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]

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

[@Xbox360Supersnake23]

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

[@Cec9e13]

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]

Stunning everything about this us incredible

[@vazk-thret]

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]

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 🤷‍♀️

[@cardboardboxification]

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

[@zacharykoplin6543]

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]

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]

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

[@member57]

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

[@DG-kr8pt]

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

[@member57]

@@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]

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

[@goosenotmaverick1156]

​@@ISometimesAgree I like this phrase, "tactically acquired" I'm proud of dude for doing what he had to, to save that piece of history.

[@DEADPEDAL]

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

[@gc4644]

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

[@rebeccabrink723]

Couldn't agree more! His expertise is amazing

[@salland12]

His drawings are awesome to.

[@zxggwrt]

A proper person indeed!

[@aaron_nichols]

Indeed :)

[@itsTomate]

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]

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

[@itsTomate]

Why can’t oil and steam mix 😭

[@michaelfiber4324]

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

[@mattkrier5856]

@@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]

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

[@wintersbattleofbands1144]

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

[@thomasmaxam8771]

Agreed, this was a perfect presentation.

[@markhall7257]

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]

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

[@longshot197036]

Completely agree....!

[@kaischwab1239]

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.

[@servopie]

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

[@JB-yb4wn]

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

[@AEKarnes]

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]

@@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]

@@turkeyssr It is also sanctuary to me.

[@leexgx]

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

[@kentslocum]

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]

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

[@lesliespeaker668]

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]

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

[@emmettwilmot8336]

@@solarwarden1894alright gramps go back to bed

[@emmettwilmot8336]

@@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

[@classydays43]

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.

[@workhardlivefree3818]

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

[@bradsutton2746]

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]

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.

[@goosenotmaverick1156]

You can tell he REALLY cares about the information he's sharing. Thoughtful and well put together answers and responses. What a gem of a man

[@daltxn]

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]

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

[@brianlrrover3633]

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

[@1marcelfilms]

Just a touch???

[@davewhiting3296]

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.

[@TroyOnymous]

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]

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

[@lukefisher7176]

@@westtell4 Settle for the solar system then!

[@johntriplett4470]

Well said

[@ericwilliams538]

​@@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]

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).

[@MrMike-fn4hi]

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!

[@SkumleBones]

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

[@blackbirdgaming8147]

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

[@jwalster9412]

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

[@adaml2023]

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]

@@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.

[@scottcol23]

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]

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

[@x_LadySerene_x]

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.

[@c117ls7]

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]

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]

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]

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.

[@JeffBolen]

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]

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

[@togowack]

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]

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.

[@SpeZi-tr6gr]

That guy is a 1000 times more serious about his hobby than all people I know are about their work. Amazing.

[@georgewolf7063]

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.

[@olliebeatz1043]

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]

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

[@Methadone4Life]

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

[@fonkbadonk5370]

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.

[@ericboudville5671]

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]

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.

[@brenstratters2026]

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

[@nathansmith1085]

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]

yessss

[@Chaackaviationandtrainvideos]

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]

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

[@tekvax01]

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]

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

[@paulk8io445]

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

[@timstacy8034]

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]

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]

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

[@somethingelse9228]

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

[@Diesel8290]

@@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]

@@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.

[@jamesmaxwell4447]

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]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hoLOoWdtep1paNk

[@laurabarnes3077]

My thought. Old soul.

[@dantekania7212]

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

[@wes7839]

@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]

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

[@darrynf66]

I don't comment on many KZbin 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!

[@Prometheus203]

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.

[@mr.theengie9010]

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.

[@button-puncher]

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.

[@martinda7446]

I recently lost my friend Jim. What Alex is to steam engines, Jim was to esp. RADAR and associated things. His flat was a RADAR museum. He was a walking encyclopaedia and could tell you anything in astonishing detail - inc. music, current affairs, .His dad was engineering emeritus prof of Brunel. He too is still an extraordinary character. I miss Jim. Thanks Alex for being Alex.

[@strassenbahntk]

So sorry. Thanks for sharing.

[@AEKarnes]

You are welcome, and I'd have loved to have met Jim. I wonder if he knew my friend Bill Konrad...

[@lloydboyette4815]

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

[@yippdogg9250]

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

[@SCARSOFEUROPE]

You know this steam engine is from Europa right?

[@kj4ilk]

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_]

Here here!

[@grilablitznet3574]

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.

[@kellyscars]

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]

This is my exact thought!

[@octane2099]

Alex is scary smart

[@HandFromCoffin]

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]

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

[@samuellourenco1050]

The way he talks. Very correct.

[@SilverAura]

I'm literally crying for the Alexs' enthusiasm towards the end as he's seeing it in such a new and beautiful light.

[@DidntSay]

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.

[@alexbenner549]

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]

Touching is a very good word for it :).

[@tracythorn2918]

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.

[@gentlegiants1974]

This guy expresses himself similarly to the way I express myself with relation to my work with heavy horses. Steam and horses worked side by side for over a hundred years. A good partnership.

[@Bluelinechevy82]

The knowledge Alex has is incredible. I could listen to him explain this all day. Super sharp and definitely knows what he's talking about.

[@snyderhaus]

THAT man, is a National Treasure.

[@NappaAbridged]

It's funny because he slightly Sounds like Nicholas Cage

[@DG-kr8pt]

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

[@Melior_Traiano]

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

[@krudmuphinstudioz]

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.

[@markwilliamson930]

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.

[@loganpe427]

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]

Thank you, fellow engineer!

[@RwingDsquad]

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

[@n0anime342]

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

[@cavsh00ter]

I'm planning a trip to see this beautiful piece of our past, THANK YOU FOR DOING THIS

[@hastyone9048]

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

[@timkelly2931]

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]

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]

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.

[@LuckyX0182]

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!

[@torbenhellborn3175]

. . and into the movie at 20 minutes . . please do NOT forget to thank Alex for his determined contribution . . its more than excellent its marvelous

[@cawfeedawg]

Alex is a national treasure as much as his Engine. Remarkable!

[@a_funyun]

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]

I felt the exact same! What a rush of emotions

[@goop1354]

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

[@SxVitone]

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]

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

[@joelsarich8902]

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.

[@nathanh.5373]

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]

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.

[@TheN747]

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!”

[@Mijehake]

Truly so happy to see passionate people caring for such beautiful technology. GoMass

[@madedfly]

thank you, Alex

[@ronaldroberts9556]

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.

[@dopeman420]

Brings you back to à simpler time...I could sleep well in that building listening to that engine run all night. What a treat...times sure have changed...for the worse...

[@thavinny9943]

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]

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]

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.

[@Melior_Traiano]

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

[@guyanaguy7512]

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.

[@joevk6274]

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]

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

[@adriansdigitalbasement]

I got really emotional at the end Our current world of disposable everything is so far removed from how machines were made back then. Alex's passion for this magnificent machine is inspiring and I am so glad he was able to make it live again. Thank you for making this wonderful documentary!

[@DeadReckon]

I think the fact that you've taken computers left for dead in conditions that should've killed them, and yet you managed to resurrect them, despite having complex integrated circuits, that just shows how much the way we build things has changed in the past forty odd years or so. It's sad, really, we live in a disposable era, and sure that was starting in the era of machines you're excited about, but they were still repairable.

[@Itsruben21]

Im certain this will come back but for nostalgia along with "old" electronics

[@Neesmo]

i read this comment as i was only about half way through and didnt think much of it, but as i started to get a bit emotional towards the very end I remembered and had to come back to agree. Very powerful to take in

[@My_Op]

Hi Adrian, nice to see you here 🙂

[@Gantradies]

@@DeadReckon it... makes you think about, how much of the last half century's "progress" really has been, and how much is, ultimately waste..

[@mbalentine781]

Hats off to the men who protected, preserved, & hid this treasure through the years. Great video & camera work, but capturing Alex's passion is just wonderful. Love the modular cast iron stairs. Like sailing, you become one with the machine.

[@AudioFileZ]

Those people at that ITER fusion plant should have just funded Alex to build it. This young man understands energy. Seriously, I'm amazed at the way these things were built. Built for the ages to work continuously and not fail. To think this young man has such a spectacular understanding of this system is simply amazing.

[@AEKarnes]

To think I also have not found a reliable income using my understanding, either! Thank you though.

[@LordSmuggington]

No KZbin 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".

[@allisonlueddecke1967]

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

[@marekeos]

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!!

[@nickthelick]

Impressed with Alex working on that lighthouse in the Bahamas! Nice!

[@shadowj5639]

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

[@Produkt_R]

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.

[@patricknoveski6409]

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.

[@Sebrof3]

I’m 7 mins into this video and I already LOVE that Alex dude! He is the guy you want to have in every plant that has old machinery in it from a bygone era! The quirky genius...He’s a superintendents dream come true. Back to the video I go.

[@bosiex]

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

[@robevans8555]

Alex is the perfect person to look after this. What a great engine, thanks for sharing

[@camutk]

You guys have found a rare individual. He’s awesome. The steam was cool, and the passion from Alex topped it.

[@uhmwhat2895]

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

[@mbox30____]

exactly love it!!!

[@dougtaylor7724]

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!!!

[@apachem2a3]

This man and this machine are a national treasure!!!

[@rockyfitzp]

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

[@alib5345]

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.

[@gordonagent7037]

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

[@Shadow6a]

This man understands things to a degree he has spent a lifetime just wondering and learning how and why things work. I'm such a nerd I'd just listen and help cuz I'm that drawn in.

[@LogicalNiko]

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.

[@Silvertarian]

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

[@draggy76]

Lost passion an character for greed.

[@trisrush9155]

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]

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

[@halcyondaystunes]

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]

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]

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

[@togowack]

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.

[@ItsRainingLead]

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

[@bryanford1139]

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👍

[@Cornish_Co]

Until today I've never had a video give me goosebumps more than once. Seeing that incredible machine in operation and the passion Alex has for it is awe inspiring.

[@Dangineering]

Words can’t describe how happy I am that so many other people felt the same thing I did as I watched this video.