Loud, Obnoxious, Steam-powered Geek-Dreams on Wheels

Not always detailed in brass, but nearly always surrounded by clouds of noxious steam (which adds to the mystery), these Victorian monster transports could seat many passengers in (dubious) style - but more importantly, they were not confined to rails and could go anywhere. Today, you can rent them for your next romantic outing, but don't forget to supply your date with good goggles.




(image credit: ImageStudio)

First, One Modern Example

This bus took 10 years to build: Sentinel Typhoo is made from various tractor parts and powered by 100 horse power locomotive steam engine. This is already more than a tractor, less than a train, and exactly a bus - a moving, "breathing" hybrid machine.








(images credit: lord-k)


Steam Bus History Highlights
(based on material provided by Lord_K)

Perhaps the first in the noble line of steam transportation was this 1853 Dudgeon Steam Wagon:



London Railroad employed steam buses to bring passengers to its stations:
(Torquay and Staffordshire, 1904-1907)