Some of you may not know of a secret area of my life. Other than the secretly planing to invade a small country (suggestions?).
Growing up I spent a decent amount of time around antique gas and steam engines. As well as other type antiques related to life in North America circa 1800’s to 1950s. The reason for this time spent was that this is my grandparents (Moore’s) and uncle’s hobby. Specifically restoring antiques and displaying them at antique shows. They go beyond the average antique collector at these shows as they make them as interactive as possible for the purpose of education. For example people can pump water, shell corn or move hay bails around.
Glen R. and I (and James H. sometimes) spent many summer days at these shows. These particular experiences have proven to be quite influential in my life. Also I can spot (or hear) a hit and miss engine a mile away. It has been a couple years since I have been able to attend the majority of shows (being in a different country…) and I do miss them.
Two weeks ago there was a private show in Ayr (near Cambridge) and my grandparents and uncle went. I was able to make a quick trip out and took some pictures. This particular collection is very cool. The engines are huge.
Perhaps this year I can make it out to a couple shows.
I have added a few pictures (mostly modified) to a set on my flickr. The other pictures are after the jump.
Notice that this engine is water cooled. The cylinder, grate and steam to the left are part of this cooling system. 
The same engine from the other side. We (or perhaps just I) used to think that older meant less complicated and less skill required. This is completely untrue as you can see the person who designed this engine must have been quite smart as they did it without the support of any CAD, etc.
To give you a sense of the size of these particular engines; this engine’s fly wheel is about 5 feet high. It is massive.
This engine has an early electric generator on it’s back (to the right). It is interesting to see (and contemplate) the transition from pre-electric industry to electric industry.
PAulm
The Most Bestest Blog Ever 
Unfortunately, most “small” countries are in Europe, where a military invasion is likely to be noticed. If you go for one of these, subvert the government first. With a puppet government in place, you can do pretty much anything you want, as long as you take your time, and don’t make any sudden moves. Too fast a grab, and you risk kicking off World War 3. If you’re prepared for that kind of resistance, you’ve no reason to start small. Capture France and get it over with.
If you prefer to annex nations “old school” style, you might get away with taking a Caribbean island or two, or maybe something in the south pacific. In Africa, there’s São Tomé and Príncipe.
For panache though, nothing beats Vatican City. Not only do you get to be the leader of your very own small country, but also a major world religion! Not to mention the pope-mobile!
(Regarding the antiques — as you note, older doesn’t necessarily mean less complicated. It’s just more… user servicable.)
The Vatican City is tempting (notice play on words).
Taking France wouldn’t be much of a challenge…as their favourite outside sport is surrender. As such grants little bragging rights.
What about one of the smaller former eastern block countries? They’re all in turmoil anyway.
Although I really don’t want to piss off Russia. Not that they would be a invasion threat but they would be an assassination threat.
I love the look of old steam machines they all look like someone actually spent some time thinking about it. More than what some things do nowadays.