Have you ever wondered how George Stephenson’s steam engine actually worked? Not just from a static schematic or textbook perspective, but actually see it work in a clear, discernible way. Master glassblower Michal Zahradník took up this challenge, and in 2008 created a working model of Stephenson’s steam engine in glass.

From the description on YouTube:

Highlights: * The crankshaft is glass. The piston is glass. The counterweight that makes the wheel spin evenly is glass. Imagine that everything is made out of glass. * There are no sealants used. All is accomplished by a perfectly snug fit. The gap between the piston and its compartment is so small, that the water that condensates from the steam seals it shut! * Notice the elaborate excessive steam exhaust system next to the piston. * The piston is the most arduous part to make due to to extreme level of precision needed. Its parts have to be so accurate that no machinery is of use here. The piston and its cylinder must be hand sanded to perfection, and they are very likely to crack in the process! On average, three out of four crack.