The World in 1895

[Drofgod969]

Kommy, verry nice on the historys of other contrys in the time frame of Bonbon. JohnnyPsycho also verry nice on the guns that where used and made around 1895.
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yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. that's why it is called the present.
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Some weep, some cry, some make couches fly. - Katmir
Let me stand behind you in times of peace, let me stand infront of you in times of war, let me stand beside you as a equall, as a friend.

[Aaron_Thom]

Don't you just love history Its cool too hear about what went on back then. No matter where and when, History shows us where we came from. Also what mistakes we made so that we wont repeat them again, hopefully.
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[Drofgod969]

acuraly ya i do. my favrit time in hestory is the middle ages. man my spelling is bad .
_________________
yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. that's why it is called the present.
quoted by master Oogway off kong fu panda
Some weep, some cry, some make couches fly. - Katmir
Let me stand behind you in times of peace, let me stand infront of you in times of war, let me stand beside you as a equall, as a friend.

[sexymanz]

lol Don't worry about spelling TOO much... mine is sorta off here and there too...
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I guess im not really going to be a member anytime soon... so please members of BonBon... please help me out with my character discriptions so that way maybe one day a artist here can put a pic of my character on a forum... i would love to see that happen one day... (anyone please?)

[Cole Blacke]

Since they haven't been mentioned under this topic yet, I suppose I'll go ahead and throw in my two cents on railroads. I understand that railroads are not everyone's interest, so I'll try to be brief.
Locomotives:
steam locomotives are classified by wheel arrangement. For example, a locomotive with four pilot ( front) wheels, four driving wheels, and no trailing (rear) wheels, would be known as a 4-4-0. Trailing wheels were added as locomotives became larger, and needed more support for the weight of the larger firebox (furnace). When this happened, a 4-4-0 became a 4-4-2, and so on. The common ( American) locomotives of the victorian period are pictured in the links below. They are, in order, a 4-4-0, 4-6-0, and, one of the common freight locomotives, a 2-8-0. The typical "cruising" speeds of high-wheeled passenger locos ( 4-4-0, 4-6-0) was typically between 60 -80 mph.( sometimes reaching 100 mph.), with heavy freight locomotives (2-6-0, 2-8-0) lugging hefty, high-tonnage loads, at a modest 30 - 45 mph.
http://www.northeast.railfan.net/images/sf0123.jpg
http://www.ncngrrmuseum.org/pb/images/img440844b31744c2a52.JPG
http://www.catskillarchive.com/rrextra/ea020800.jpg
The cars directly behind locomotives are known as "tenders", and carry the locomotive's fuel supply ( either coal or wood ), and water, and locomotives cannot operate without it. However, some locomotives carried the fuel in a bunker behind the cab, and water in either a tank that straddled the boiler ( "saddle" tank), or separate tanks on each side of the boiler ( side tanks). These steamers are simply referred to as tank engines. Unlike conventional locomotives that used a tender, tank engines had a limited range due to the limited fuel and water supply, and were used exclusively for switching cars, or hauling trains for very short distances. Examples of each are given in the links below.
http://michpics.files.wordpress.com/2007/11/topping-off.jpg
http://web.telia.com/~u85436044/30inch/pix/yslno1.jpg
At this period, engineers were assigned to a single locomotive rather than multiple ones, so engineers technically "owned" their locomotives. It was not uncommon for engineers to fabricate custom parts for them, including gold-plated or custom-tuned whistles, mural-painted headlights, bells, and gold or nickel-plated throttles. Sometimes, an engineer who enjoyed hunting might display antlers on top of the headlight, as this gentleman did: http://www.livingsteam.com/images-logos/antlers-front.jpg
It was also common for engineers to name their "lokies", giving them names like "Annie", or "Margaret". As a result of this somewhat "personal" relationship with the locomotives, ( and this still holds true today) trainmen referred to steamers as "her" or "she". Another reason for this, as anyone who has worked around steam locomotives, traction engines, etc., can tell you, is that steam engines seem to be alive, like great fire-breathing dragons. Each one seems to have its own "personality", and, like a lady, you must be sure to " treat her right", and with respect , or things can go awry very quickly. "Sweet talk", of course, was dispensed liberally upon locomotives that steamed well and were smooth runners, and locomotives that were poor steamers and wobbled and jolted frequently while running, were referred to by engine crews in the same way that they might refer to a woman of ill-repute. Unfortunately for these locomotives, the slander would usually give way to assault ( there is one account of an engineer becoming so furious with his locomotive, which had stalled on a hill, that he dismounted from the cab, walked up onto a hillside over the locomotive, and began pelting the old kettle with rocks, sticks, and anything in reach.), and as a result, some were in the maintenance shop more frequently than they should have been.
I suppose that's quite enough for one sitting, I hope there were no boredom-related fatalities.

EDIT: While on the topic of locomotives, I just thought that I would share a couple of examples that were used by Italian railways during the Victorian period.

This is a prime example of the power that would most likely be located at the head of a passenger train bound for Bon-Bon. It was built in 1892, by the Baden company of Prussia. Unlike the majority of steamers, the cylinders of this locomotive were located inside of the frame, and powered the lead driving wheel axle. Power was transmitted to the second driving wheel via the main rods located on the outside. Though somewhat unusual, this design was immensely popular in Europe during the Victorian era. http://www.worldrailfans.org/Articles/Europe/GermanSteamImages/Baden/IIc.jpg
However, many European railways, including those of Italy, used locomotives of both British and, more rarely, American, import. An example of a British locomotive would be the stunning "City of Truro", which, in my opinion, is one of the most beautiful steam locomotives still in existence today. ( Although the "City of Truro" was not built until 1903, locomotives of its class were already in production by 1893.). It also features the inside-cylinder design, and was built by the Swindon Works of the Great Western Railway.
http://www.freefoto.com/images/36/04/36_04_1---GWR-City-4-4-0-3440-City-of-Truro_web.jpg

[Cole Blacke]

Apologies, it seems that I've made a double-post.

[JohnnyPsycho]

*pumps his arm in the air, immitating a train whistle* WOO-WOO!!

That's some great information, Cole. Thanks! I used to have a train-set as a kid, and I wish folks would take the option of travelling by train more often (especially in the U.S., where we often depend more on our Interstates and freeways). There's just something real fun and relaxing about going cross-country by train.
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Johnny's Fanfics (including Sureshot! A Bon Bon Tale)

Johnny's backstory
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[Cole Blacke]

[JohnnyPsycho]

We've got something in common... I've never fired a gun before, yet my fursona's a gunslinger/trick-shootist.
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Johnny's Fanfics (including Sureshot! A Bon Bon Tale)

Johnny's backstory
Johnny, Mark II (Project Aten character)

[Cole Blacke]

Definition of irony. I've always wanted to take an overnight or transcontinental train trip, but I never have. Unfortunately, Amtrak is slowly getting rid of their transcontinental runs. Fortunately, tourist railroads are still around to remind us what train travel is all about...enjoying your trip.
And it doesn't matter that you've never fired a gun, Johnny. You clearly know what you are talking about, and I feel as if I was lectured to by a museum curator (albleit one that didn't make me fall asleep) on the subject. I was surprised that you also knew about the "Katy".

[Marauder]

Ya'll ever happen up around my neck of the woods Johnny I'd be glad to cure that little ironic situation up for you.
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I carry a gun because a cop is too heavy.

[Cole Blacke]

This is just a list and brief description of some of the basic jobs one could obtain on the railroad:
On the trains:
Engineer: Responsible for "running" the locomotive, and also doubles as a mechanic when trouble arises. The engineer must listen to the sounds of the locomotive, and closely inspect its actions, in order to ensure safe and efficient operation. The engineer must also be aware of the train's environment, and be prepared to make an emergency stop at all times. Although some were naturally adept for pulling the throttle, the job typically required years of experience to perfect.
Fireman: Maintains the steam pressure in the boiler of the locomotive. He not only adds fuel, but also keeps the water in the boiler at the correct level. Too much water, and the boiler will become water-logged and be slow to generate steam....too little, and the boiler could explode. The fireman works in tandem with the engineer; generally, when the engineer needs steam, the fireman should have already planned on producing it.
Conductor: Though he may not run the locomotive, the conductor is actually the one in charge of the train. He gives the orders to the crew, and is responsible for the train's movements. Of course, he also takes tickets.
Brakeman: As the name implies, the brakeman works the individual handbrakes on the cars to maintain a safe speed on steep grades in the event that the air-brakes may need additional support. The brakeman also uncouples and connects cars, and throws switches.
Baggage Master: Only found on passenger trains. The baggage master rode in the baggage car with the luggage to ensure safe transport, and also kept a log as to what items were along for the journey.

In the railroad yard:
Holster: Could be described as the "valet" of the railroad world. Once a locomotive entered the railroad yard, and the crew disembarked from the train, the holster was responsible for running the locomotive into the roundhouse, and, if the locomotive had been on a long run, taking the locomotive down to the service track, where the locomotive would receive fuel and water.
Car repairmen: Also called "car toads", these men were responsible for the repair and general maintenance of rolling stock ( freight cars, passenger cars). Although more elite than "car toads", roundhouse mechanics and apprentices, who worked on locomotives, could be classified in the same category as the car repairmen.
Switchman: In a yard that didn't have a large switch-tower, where men inside would throw long levers called "armstrongs" ( so called because you needed a strong upper-body to be able to move the lever ) to control the track switches scattered throughout the yard via lengths of steel cable, switchmen would dart around the yard, throwing and locking switches as cars were moved into the yard.
Dispatcher: Responsible for determining the paths and movements of trains, and issuing orders to telegraph operators at stations along the line in order to relay operating orders to train crews.
Yardlet: Essentially performed odd jobs around the yard, including work in the maintenance back-shop and roundhouse, and washing-down locomotives and rolling stock.

[wed536]

yah
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-i have been here since 2006
-I love Pleasure Bon Bon
-Also thankyou Vanessa for this wonderful furry comic.
-i wish everyone a great day here at PBB.
~[ECT]~

[Cole Blacke]

What?

[wed536]

cool
_________________
-i have been here since 2006
-I love Pleasure Bon Bon
-Also thankyou Vanessa for this wonderful furry comic.
-i wish everyone a great day here at PBB.
~[ECT]~

[Cole Blacke]

Oh, thanks.

[wed536]

wow
_________________
-i have been here since 2006
-I love Pleasure Bon Bon
-Also thankyou Vanessa for this wonderful furry comic.
-i wish everyone a great day here at PBB.
~[ECT]~

[Leogun Octavious]

Hello all,

This my first post, so I thought "Why not be useful!" so since the good Frau Doctor got the ball rolling with the Austro-Hungarian and British Empires, why not add a bit about the burgining power of Germany during the 1810-70s.

It should first be understood that until 1871 during the Seige of Paris, when Wilhelm the I was crowned "German Emperor", there wasn't a single German country. Instead, for the better part of their history, they were a loose federation of principalities bound together by language and faith. But of course that is ancient history, lets stick to the 1800's shall we?

So, it should be known that for the early part of the 1800's, the French, under Nepolean, had Germany under their thumb till his downfall and the Congress of Vienna in 1814. This was when the first German Confederation was formed which strictly enforced the class system, often at gun point. For the next thirty years, the German Confederation was racked with several revolutions and revolts, often being squashed violently and the leaders put to death. The only revolution that had a chance of success was the March of Revolution in 1848, which not only advocated a single unified country but also that King Fredrick William IV of Prussia to be Emperor. Unfortunatly this failed and the princes once again reinstated their rule.

It was some time after the failure of this revolt, 1862, that neighboring Denmark, a powerful force at this time, was trying to envelope as much of the German states it could into it. Prussia, the strongest German State, which geographically takes up much of north western modern day Poland, declared war on Denmark. With the aid of Austria, Prussia defeated Denmark and forced them to withraw, giving Austria and Prussia two dutchies. Now despite having just defeating a common enemy, Prussia and Austria fought one another over the Dutchy of Holstein in 1866. The Austro-Prussian War lasted less than a year with the Prussians victorious.

After the victory of the Prussians, the German Confederation was dissolved and the Northern German Federation, the first semblance of modern day Germany, was formed. Prussia was the primary state with 22 lesser states attached. Until 1871, this was the German nation.

Well I hope you enjoyed the history lesson and it meets to the good Doctor's approval.

[Xebulon]

Very interesting indeed! Thank you for your contribution to the expansion of knowledge.
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[Leogun Octavious]

You are most welcome.

[Tsavo]

[Aaron_Thom]

I like the fact that there are some history enthusists here. I'm always intrested in hearing what other people know about history.
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[JohnnyPsycho]

[Tsavo]

Converting cap and ball into cartridge pistols was quite common. Guns were/are expensive. When the big move away from ball and powder happened not everyone could afford to jump onto one of those sweet Single Action Army Colts. When you make like 50 cents a day, 16-18 bucks is an awful lot to spend on a gun. The SAA wasn't easily available until the army switched its side arm of choice to a double action over the single.
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Somewhere to Help You Sleep

[Chaosengine]

Since my character uses explosives in his mining I'd thought I'd post a few interesting tidbits on the subject.


It is unknown who invented the first explosive black powder. Black powder also known as gunpowder is a mixture of saltpeter (potassium nitrate), sulfur, and charcoal (carbon). It originated in China around the tenth century and was used in fireworks and signals. Black powder is the oldest form of a ballistic propellant and it was used with early muzzle-type firearms. Being a mechanical explosive that is messy, black powder was eventually replaced by cleaner smokeless powder explosives.


In 1831, William Bickford an English leather merchant invented the first safety fuse. Using a safety fuse made black powder explosives more practical and safer.

Nitroglycerin is a chemical explosive that was discovered by Italian chemist Ascanio Sobrero in 1846. Nitroglycerinis a mix of nitric acid and glycerin. Nitroglycerin is a mix of nitric acid, sulphuric acid, and glycerol.

In 1846, Chemist Christian Schonbein discovered nitrocellulose or guncotton when he accidently spilled an acid mixture on a cotton apron and the apron exploded.

In 1863, TNT or Trinitrotoluene was invented by German chemist Joseph Wilbrand. It is considered a high explosive.

In 1865, Albert Nobel invented the blasting cap. The blasting cap provided a safer and dependable means of detonating nitroglycerin.

In 1867, Albert Nobel patented dynamite.

In 1888, Albert Nobel invented a dense smokeless powder explosive called ballistite. In 1889, Sir James Dewar and Sir Frederick Abel invented another smokeless gunpowder called cordite. Cordite was made of of nitroglycerin, guncotton, and a petroleum substance gelatinized by addition of acetone.

Fun Stuff!
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"One night in Bangkok and the world's your oyster.
The bars are temples, but the pearls ain't free...
You'll find a god in every golden cloister,
And if you're lucky then the god's a she..."

[Bestile1]

[Marauder]

Though it's a *really* bad idea. Well-made nitro is unstable. Badly made nitro? hideoudly unstable...
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I carry a gun because a cop is too heavy.

[Bestile1]

but fun! remember kids don't try this at home... at least not in the house

[Aaron_Thom]

Been a little while since I put someting in here. Just wanted to bring up about the battle tactics of the time...

Even though this thread is for late 1800s the sad thing is many nations still fought in block formations, as far as I know. These links are good examples of what I'm talking about. They are from the movie Gettysburg what is knows as Picketts Charge. The Confederate lines so perfect, moving forward believing they would take the day...between 12 thousand marched foward that day...sadly over 7 thousand were killed. Its just shocking how soldiers during this time would just march foward and take the shots, never waivering, holding there ground for as long as they can. It took the World War One to finally get most nations out of the idea of block formations.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZWAmsdGBiE&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GupEJXlNKCE&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-iT0Hmu5bXY&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FiDumCX_Pr8&feature=related

Just thought I put my little knowlage in. If anyone knows anything different about battle tactics during thie time I would LOVE to hear about it
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[Tearlach]