Steam clock, vancouver

[gottagoacruzn]

Hi guys, will be goin to Alaska in Sept, an haven't seen the steam clock yet, was wonderin before gettin on the ship, could one run over to see the clock? Any suggestions? Thanks.

[gregma60]

22 minutes ago, gottagoacruzn said:

Hi guys, will be goin to Alaska in Sept, an haven't seen the steam clock yet, was wonderin before gettin on the ship, could one run over to see the clock? Any suggestions? Thanks.

We are also planning on seeing the steam clock before our august sailing.  According to google maps, it's an 8 or so minute walk.  About a half mile.

 

-gregma

[Northern Aurora]

We have seen the clock.  Would be easy to drop off luggage to the porters before walking over to view it.

[WaggesAZ]

Super easy to walk and maybe even stop for fish n chips before you board!  We stayed at the Pan Pacific and the totem poles inside are quite beautiful, and if you have the time to see Stanley Park, it is totally worth it too.  We really enjoyed our time in Vancouver pre cruise but sadly won't be spending any time there after we disembark this trip.  Enjoy your trip!!

 

[cruiseryyc]

Can never understand why the steam clock is such a draw - but to each their own!  

[gregma60]

35 minutes ago, cruiseryyc said:

Can never understand why the steam clock is such a draw - but to each their own!  

Few reasons for me.

 

1.  It's one of only 7 steam powered clocks in the world.

2.  It's engineering is fascinating.

3.  Same reason people love seeing steam powered train engines.

 

-gregma

[lobsternight]

Yes very easy walk, great idea by @Northern Aurora to drop off luggage first. See the clock and wander around Gastown for a bit. Lots of great restaurants to grab a snack or a meal

[gottagoacruzn]

Would be gettin in Vancouver, the day of the cruise, an don't think would have much time, other than seein the clock, then run back to get on the ship.

[KYBOB]

There is a good restaurant across the street from the clock where you can get a drink or appetizer to what for it to go off called the Water Street Cafe. We went on a Sunday for brunch and they had a very good Eggs Benedict with crab cakes special. 

[gottagoacruzn]

Hey KyBob, my sister an her family live in Lexington, you live anywhere near there?

[Kathscof]

On 3/26/2023 at 1:30 PM, gregma60 said:

Few reasons for me.

 

1.  It's one of only 7 steam powered clocks in the world.

2.  It's engineering is fascinating.

3.  Same reason people love seeing steam powered train engines.

 

-gregma

 

but it would actually be WAY more enjoyable if the "action" didn't last less than 10-15 seconds haha

[KYBOB]

21 hours ago, gottagoacruzn said:

Hey KyBob, my sister an her family live in Lexington, you live anywhere near there?

Yes, we live in south Woodford County close to the river. Near Troy and Nonesuch. 

[gottagoacruzn]

Hey, been through Nonesuch.

[gottagoacruzn]

Just now, gottagoacruzn said:

Hey, been through Nonesuch.

Not much there.

[gottagoacruzn]

Hey Kybob, do you bleed blue, you a wildcat fan? Ya been over to Keenland, & the horsepark? Been there done that.

[Giggleypuff]

On 3/26/2023 at 10:30 AM, gregma60 said:

Few reasons for me.

 

1.  It's one of only 7 steam powered clocks in the world.

2.  It's engineering is fascinating.

3.  Same reason people love seeing steam powered train engines.

 

-gregma

It’s actually not steam powered. It’s been electric since the mid 80’s. 

[gregma60]

1 hour ago, Giggleypuff said:

It’s actually not steam powered. It’s been electric since the mid 80’s. 

Gee, thanks for bursting THAT bubble!  LOL

 

-gregma

[em-sk]

7 hours ago, gregma60 said:

Gee, thanks for bursting THAT bubble!  LOL

 

-gregma

 

It steam driven sort of.  The clock mechanism is driven by wind up weights.  The wind up weights are lifted by steam.

 

The steam then comes from underground steam lines from the central district heating plant that is use to provide heat to many of the buildings in downtown Vancouver.

[Giggleypuff]

“The Gastown steam clock was built in 1977. While it was once a fully fledged steam clock, it was converted to run off of an electric motor in the 1980s, originally intended to only serve as a backup.”

 

https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/gastown-steam-clock-fixed

[Giggleypuff]

“Saunders admits the clock uses two electric motors — one to wind it up and another to ventilate it. He says it did once use a steam-powered motor, but it only lasted 10 years before breaking down.

He says steam does prompt the clock's signature whistle.”

 

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/revered-and-reviled-the-gastown-steam-clock-turns-40-1.4299839

[gottagoacruzn]

Oh gee, the motor only lasted 10 yrs, what a shame!!!