Dead Media Beat: Steampunk Unboxing: Difference Engine Arrives in Silicon Valley

(((From WIRED Gadget Lab, who are really on top of this event. Twelve photos! An extensive on-scene narrative!)))

https://www.wired.com/gadgets/miscellaneous/multimedia/2008/04/gallery_babbage"

Link: Steampunk Unboxing: Difference Engine Arrives in Silicon Valley .

"Now, thanks to Microsoft multimillionaire Nathan Myhrvold, a second Difference Engine has been built and delivered to the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, California, where trained docents will turn its brass handle to crank out the calculations Babbage dreamed of automating.

Left: The engine, built over a 3½-year period by engineers at London's Science Museum, will open May 10, and stay in the museum in Mountain View for one year – after which it will take up residence in Myhrvold's living room....

(((My favorite part:)))

"CORROSION

"Despite the team's precautions, the engine suffered from corrosion during its air trip.

"There's loads and loads of corrosion," a disappointed Horton said. "It should be bright as a pin." Instead, the formerly shiny steel parts appeared dull and even discolored in spots.

"Swade seemed sanguine about the problems, which appeared to be mostly cosmetic. A few bolts shook loose during transit, he said, but the machine was not significantly damaged...."