Skip to content

← Explore mechanics.im

steam.mechanics.im

How it works
Before Watt
James Watt
Locomotives
Turbines
Experiments
Play
Shop

Game

Steam Engines Quiz

Ten questions at a time from a bank of 40. Each answer links to its source.

Useless’s engine-shed notes: full steam, half an eraser

Trevithick’s schoolmaster called him “disobedient, slow and obstinate”. I have been called all three by a pencil. I took it as a compliment.

— U. (tap me for another)

Thanks for visiting. Keep the fire in and the steam up.

The engines

How a steam engine works
Hero, Papin, Savery & Newcomen
James Watt & Boulton
Locomotives & Rocket
Turbines & steamboats
No-heat experiments
Timeline

Odds & ends

The big facts page
Myths vs facts
FAQ
Games
Useless’s engine-shed notes

Helping

Shop: printables, books & kit
Support the site
Sources
Picture credits

The network

More mechanics at mechanics.im
About the network

steam.mechanics.im is part of the ReallyByte network, run by REALLYBYTE, based in the Isle of Man. Facts are checked against Encyclopaedia Britannica, NASA Glenn Research Center’s Beginner’s Guide and the Science Museum Group blog, listed on the sources page (checked 31 Oct 2026). The diagrams, the animated engine and the games are our own; old engravings, paintings and photos are public domain, credited. Not affiliated with or endorsed by Britannica, NASA or the Science Museum Group. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. No cookies; privacy-friendly visit counts via GoatCounter. Privacy | Contact

Visitors to this page