1939 SNCB Type 12 steam locomotive - photo

[Altair]

1939 NMBS/SNCB Type 12 steam locomotive from Belgium.




Previously:

1859 steam locomotive of the viceroy of Egypt - photo
World's fastest steam locomotive - photos
Big Boy locomotive under steam
Geared steam locomotives - video and photo
Locomotive turntable - GIF

[Toolmaker51]

Art meets power of engineering.

[mklotz]

The art deco period (1908-1935) produced some of the most engaging and just plain gorgeous machinery designs. While I still find the overdecoration of the Victorian era occasionally enchanting, the airflow designs of the deco period are the best.

As pure art goes, the art nouveau period is still my favorite but I can't offhand think of many machinery designs that echo that style.

[Toolmaker51]

Up to gaudy Louis XVI I enjoy various styles. It seems the early real lathe posted herein had a degree of style, not overboard. But agreed; nothing shades art deco and iron, deeply stamped badges, and cast brass selector plates. The sweeping lines are easiest to clean too!
Victorian decorative motifs are sometimes OK on machinery, but excess decoration sells crummy products. You don't see that on Kearney's, Cleereman's, P&W's, Monarch, South Bend, Niagara, Gorton, Cincinnati. . .
Edsel; awash with googaws.