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

[@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.

[@vladimirorodrigues]

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.

[@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!

[@laurensa.1803]

I can listen for hours to this guy.

[@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

[@City_Pige0n]

I know a guy who roasts coffee with an old school roaster in PA. Damiani coffee roasters, his waypoint espresso blend is the best coffee I’ve ever tasted. He reminds me of Alex, very passionate about what he does down to the smallest detail and his depth of knowledge is amazing. I love learning from people like this

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@brianlrrover3633]

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

[@1marcelfilms]

Just a touch???

[@Eman-vp5wk]

You guys are idiots... what is it with you people and your obsession with calling everything "autism"?

[@xaviert.123]

I'm really glad that someone else picked up on that!

[@SatelliteController27]

so what? why even bring that up?

[@xaviert.123]

@@SatelliteController27 Why not? Perhaps the original poster has Autism as well, and is happy to see someone else on the spectrum who has a passion for his job.

[@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.

[@ronaldhamblin4615]

Alex thank you for sharing this wonderful pice of history with us kind regards to you all😊

[@thedallastexan]

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!

[@BradinSiouxCity]

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

[@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

[@SOMeDoOD1992]

If it ain't broke, slightly update it 😆

[@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.

[@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).

[@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.

[@nikfs5620]

The little breaks he takes while talking just to catch his breath. It’s like he’s holding himself back from explaining everything at once. I love people like this.

[@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.

[@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.

[@kimmer6]

@@zerolatitude2923 My dad was a Hartford Steam Boiler Inspector from the 50's to the 80's. He helped get Disneyland in Anaheim up and running in the 1950's. He was a Machinist Mate on an Attack Transport during WWII and practically lived in the engine room. The ship was built in Germany in 1908 years before the Titanic keel was laid. It hit a mine up near Alaska which knocked out both steam engines. The Captain put him in charge of robbing parts and making packings to get back underway on one engine. He succeeded. 6 knots....They were under radio silence on their way back to Bremerton, Washington. Along the way, they were bombed by a PBY Catalina flying boat, mistaking then for a Japanese transport. The bombs missed. He loved steam engines and understood them very well. In his war photo albums is a commendation letter naming him and thanking him for emergency repairs to the ship. It was signed by The Secretary of Defense, James Forrestal. I stood on my dad's shoulders and installed and serviced gas turbines and steam turbines all around the world on land and on US Navy vessels. I am on the West Coast, otherwise I would be hanging out with Alex in this Water Works. I collect and restore kerosene lanterns, too, and have about 130 of them. Cheers! Class of 71???

[@juniorfio1196]

The guy who directed the tour is a wealth of knowledge. May nothing wrong happens to this gentlemen.

[@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.

[@WillFinch-k4j]

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

[@samuellourenco1050]

The way he talks. Very correct.

[@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.

[@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 :).

[@tayyabibx]

this deserves national heritage protection. And should be preserved and maintained (preferably by people like Alex who prefer to follow their passion over money).

[@damnyankeex1]

Preservation yes but it should never fall under the control of the government via the US Park Service. It would never run as it is now. They will ruin it.

[@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

[@bospodd]

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.

[@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.

[@Robmacdiesel]

I’m an architect and public works director. This is the best KZbin video I have seen in a long time. Alex is awesome and I absolutely love his personal drawings. I would pay money to visit this museum. Great video!

[@AEKarnes]

Rob, Alex here Id love to talk to you. Have you got any steam engines surviving in your public works dept?

[@Robmacdiesel]

@ unfortunately no. I was the Public Works Director for NAS Meridian and Diego Garcia. They do have a steam museum in Meridian, MS and they light them all off once a year for the public.

[@AEKarnes]

@@Robmacdiesel Interesting!

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@classicaudioadventures]

This documentary is positively spellbinding, and Alex's passion and incredible knowledge illuminate the film in ways I can't describe. "Jesus Christ, this thing is awesome!" This is pure joy.

[@savageoldman]

"Jesus Christ, this thing is awesome!" that was by far my favorite part, you cant "not" feel the love he has for this equipment in that very moment

[@tomahzo]

100%. I get tears in my eyes just thinking about it. I can't even remember the last time that happened.@@savageoldman

[@tapijtklopper]

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]

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]

@@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.

[@annym.8170]

Alex is one of the most amazing and talented human beings on earth.

[@AEKarnes]

Thank you but I would argue the people I learned from and those they learned from are instead

[@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

[@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.

[@uh3what]

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

[@mbox30____]

exactly love it!!!

[@toqxqo]

Alex represents all the positive aspects of humanity. It is because of people like him that I believe in the good in us.

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@BigCool95]

This was absolutely the most beautiful thing i have ever seen in my life. If there are tours/demonstrations available i will make it to one. i am fortunate to live just outside the city of Philadelphia, PA, a city with such rich history that is being so lost each day as buildings get demolished or vandalised. this is amazing. i cant thank Alex and the people responsible for this enough.

[@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.

[@RwingDsquad]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@goop1354]

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

[@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!

[@brianmarchant3092]

Alex is, without a doubt, a true example of human passion.

[@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.

[@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!”

[@BalticFilms144]

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]

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

[@drzoidberg9758]

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

[@EphemeralProductions]

@@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]

@@EphemeralProductions oh, thanks for clarifying:)

[@andythurlow1614]

Alex's interaction with people is a joy to observe, the film crew, the😅 guy who walked in, the story of James. A perfect example of graciousness 😊

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@ahobimo732]

Alex's vibes are on another level. His focus and intensity is just mesmerizing. People like him are the reason our species is at the top of the food chain.

[@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".

[@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!!!

[@shadowj5639]

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

[@LloydMangel]

Im a great fan of all you do, but as one who has restored many things this film is a masterpiece. WELL DONE!

[@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.

[@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.

[@jasonreed1352]

First The Proper People episode that has me in tears. Thank you so much for sharing this video.

[@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.

[@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.

[@bosiex]

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

[@Melior_Traiano]

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

[@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..

[@Renee_R343]

I expected a simple tour, some history and a demo run from this video. What I got however, was something much, much more and very special. This is probably one of the best videos I've ever seen. The cinematography, the machine, the man, the passion. Unreal. Alex is certainly a man that has found his place in this world. What pushed me over the edge, near the end was Alex and how much this day meant to him. "... We haven't had Christmas since mom got sick... ...to me, this day was like Christmas" You could sense hard times and drowning sadness from this sentence, but also the immense joy this special day gave him. This made me teary. I wish Alex all the best and that he can keep doing, what he so deeply loves, for as long as he want's. I also hope his mom gets better. She clearly means a lot to him. Thank you Michael and Brian for making this video. Thank you Alex for everything you've done for this place and for hundreds of thousands of people around the world.

[@AEKarnes]

I must express profound thanks for what you said, and I have to say you are very perceptive. Right now due to almost nothing I work on being my own, I cannot pick and choose how and when and for how long I run these things the way I wish to, a lot is not ideal. You are welome to come and assist me in my endeavours. Just to let you know, my mother passed away in December, right around Christmas.

[@Renee_R343]

@@AEKarnes Very sad to hear about your mother. May She rest in peace. I'm really not all that perceptive, I just can tell if someone is in a similar situation and mindset as myself. Only that my mother is fine and I still haven't found my place in this world. That is why it made me happy that you've found your passion. Good luck

[@AEKarnes]

@@Renee_R343 I do hope you find your place. You are always welcome at the waterworks

[@kmidura1996]

Alex. Deepest. We are few, yet when quited, understand. In part.

[@30AndHatingIt]

This, sir, was a religious experience to witness, especially the third act when the place came alive at night. I have sworn my allegiance to the founding fathers and greatest generation of this nation, I believe they are the pinnacle of who we were as a people… and when I watched this, all I could think was, what would Ben Franklin’s face look like if you could have taken him out of his time for a night and shared this with him? Though ahead of his time by 50-60 years, his mind still would have been able to grasp the concepts behind everything he was being shown… probably BETTER than the average person today, 200+ years later. I wish I wasn’t so far away in Buffalo, NY. I would love to see this place. Closest I’ve come were the old Great Lakes steam freighters my grandfather commanded. I’m not a drinking man but it felt like a warm scotch or brandy should have been shared by you guys towards the end of the video when everything was lit by lantern. Kudos to you and may better times visit you on the homefront.

[@Gijeff69]

That was AWESOME!!!!!! That’s the most STEAMPUNK THING EVER!!!!! Thanks Alex! As a Modern Professional Mechanic I really appreciate your passion for this!!!

[@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.

[@chrisjohnson6765]

The passion this guy has for this facility is endless. Great to see when people’s passions can join with their efforts in a constructive way.

[@keystonekrawler6242]

I’m a lot like Alex. I’m 42, Autistic, US Army veteran (I worked on the Abrams tank turret) and am VERY VERY detail oriented to the point that I cause folks eyes to glaze over. 😂 I can absolutely relate to Alex and absolutely appreciate him. When he was talking about the rarity of dealing with such a willing local government in a blue state I immediately gave him a salute and looked at my wife and said “God bless this young man, he knows what’s up”. As my late father would say “He’s a gentleman and a scholar and damn it, we need more of them”. I concur. Salute Alex.

[@kimipanda95xx73]

Amazing video, kept me enthusiastic through the whole process, alex should be a teacher to apprentices who want to learn about steam.🎉 🎉

[@nancyneyedly4587]

Thanks! This video need to win some kind of award! I have no prior interest in steam engines but Alex and your cinematography has drawn me into this new world and it has touched me deeply. Just amazing content and so well done, from the passionate story telling to the beautiful shots of a glorious piece of working art. Thank you so much!

[@chuckgross6024]

Totally agree! It deserves to be seen and awarded! Amazing footage of an extraordinary person and his passionate love for that engine and steam

[@keithspillman]

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!!!

[@mhagnew]

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

[@3UZFE]

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]

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.

[@bmused55]

The passion Alex has is amazing. That is an old, reincarnated soul from the days of steam, make no mistake.

[@sethhuffman6252]

I'm one to never comment on KZbin (this is the 3rd time ever) But I wanted to say thanks for sharing this with us. This was amazing to see. Alex's Passion is not one you see often and it gives me much joy as an engineer to see the work preserved. The old world wasn't perfect but it had soul and I think people like Alex keep that soul alive. Thank you.

[@TheHylianBatman]

I love Alex so much. He's clearly deeply aware, not just of the history that surrounds him, but the role it played in the lives of the people it was in, and the role he plays in the history of the place now. People like that are few and far between. I could listen to him talk for ages. I loved that bit, "You're not getting your filthy mitts on my steam engine"!

[@thomasdurant7907]

Alex is a true Renaissance man, he not only appreciates the machine for it's mechanical beauty, but also recognizes the long forgotten, simple, important function that it served for society. This context is hard to convey, rare to find and generally lost to time as we continue the march of technological "progression."

[@Mike-lk4fq]

That machinery is a work of art, bless the men that saved it years ago and thank you for restoring it and getting it running again

[@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...

[@moif_velocita]

I had such a friend. Oleg. He was amazing. It's been 12 years since he passed now and I still miss him terribly

[@martinda7446]

@@moif_velocita Lets raise our glasses to Oleg and James.🍷🍷

[@AEKarnes]

@@moif_velocita I am very sorry to hear...

[@taistith8115]

Alex is an amazing example of someone doing exactly what they're created to do...every fiber of his being resonates with his task. Love it. And the cinematography at 59:51 is breathtaking. Well done, guys.

[@aden117]

Alex is definitely someone I’d definitely want have in a group when the world end.

[@montef]

Alex is definitely someone I d definitely like to have in my current group of friends. But also in the apocalypse. ;)

[@lajams4]

That's what I was thinking.

[@FordsRule427]

Absolutely love how passionate this guy is for machinery and a time that he wasn’t around for we need more people like him that want to preserve the past

[@edwardwolsieffer6125]

Without a doubt, this one episode was by far your greatest piece of work that I feel you two have ever produced. Alex is a rare and dying breed, that is extremely knowledgeable in all aspects of this subject, and completely devoted to what he has a high level of respect for. This video was one of a kind with how it brought you back to the 1870s, and put you in the room, and made you a living part of the activity that took place back then. Well done!

[@Mooseknucklefarms]

We need an Alex in every town. I’d love to see so many of these old factories and buildings be on display for people to learn instead of demolishing everything.

[@DieselGateFox]

We need an Alex in every household!😅

[@Warp2090]

yeah lol@@DieselGateFox

[@Warp2090]

We need old factories in use in some cases it would be better XD

[@jorgealves8319]

Alex's passion and dedication is incredibly contagious. This video is an absolute gem, full of positive vibes. Well done guys!

[@vannygun]

He is an such an ambassador to steam and preserving history! It's rare when you can feel someone's passion through a video. Watching his eyes light up as the video progresses. Such an absolutely amazing job of bringing it back to life and caring for it. I hope he reads these comments and sees that his passion for this project is very much felt and appreciated!

[@Enforcer83]

Beautiful. I even started to get a little teary eyed. I agree with everyone else Alex is a wealth of knowledge about the history and workings of old steam engines and what he knows needs to be preserved.

[@jonathan198627]

What an absolute gem of a man and I hope James is being put under this man's wing to help turn him into his own version.

[@scottanderson9596]

Dude was so serious in the beginning and you could see the enthusiasm when the steam was filling the cold headers and condensing... like blood flowing into the veins! His interest in the history and willingness to put his own money into making it work was inspiring! The town could make tours and let him run the place as a museum and people would come from all over! Nice video, too!

[@Hayley_.z]

As a person with ASD I wonder if Alex is on the spectrum and this is his special interest? I personally get super deeply hyper fixated on my special interests and I really relate to him. He’s so beautifully educated in this and how he explains it is so captivating. Could listen to him for hours haha. He seems like a real beautiful soul. What a good episode you guys, keep up the amazing work 💛

[@Diamonddavej]

Check out the article: Hanover student’s artwork gains national recognition

[@EphemeralProductions]

I really honestly thought the same thing. lol. I also have Asperger’s

[@sccarguy8242]

100% my thoughts after watching him…. Absolutely a fantastic way to turn what could be a curse into a gift.

[@hardrays]

yes, he too has the shining.

[@Diamonddavej]

@@hardrays he has the knack... kzbin.info/www/bejne/nWnZeZudnZuig5I

[@kerry2368]

Alex is a genius. I thoroughly enjoyed this video. It is so good to see something so unique live and working.

[@psilocybinstudios9281]

I absolutely loved Alex. His passion. Humanity at its purest.