Reviews (137)

Dreamflower · 26 May 2007 · Chapter 4: I Knew I Shouldn't Have Let Him Drive!

Oh dear! Merry and Pippin didn't pay a lot of attention to the Rules--and I would bet Sam had something in there not only about how *quickly* the job was done, but how well. This whole tale reminds me of some American folk tales, such as John Henry and Paul Bunyan, and their valiant efforts against mechanization!

Dreamflower · 26 May 2007 · Chapter 3: She's Raring To Go!

I really love Sam's reasoning for accepting the challenge. He knows what good friends they are, and after what they've been through together, no silly competition will drive any wedges between them. Frodo-lad tickles me no end.

Dreamflower · 26 May 2007 · Chapter 2: Are You Sure It's Not Dangerous?

"Of course it's safe!" Merry had to shout over the racket of the crying, shouting and the loud thumping of the engine. "It's a beauty. It's got a superheater header; main steam pipes to the cylinders, blower and ejector exhaust pipes. It's even fitted with a spark arrestor, to say nothing of the drop grate and hopper ashpan." *giggle* Trust Merry to be captivated by the technology! Just imagine what a geek he'd be in today's world!

Grey Wonderer · 26 May 2007 · Chapter 1: The Magnificent Machine

I read this part in the challenge but I decided to enjoy it here again. I love all of the guesses as to what the machine does. ("Does it make something?" Ralf Bolger peered underneath to see if he could find any clues there.) LOL This is a great story idea and very original! I've not seen anything like it and Merry and Pippin would be the very ones to bring in something new.

PIppinfan1988 · 26 May 2007 · Chapter 4: I Knew I Shouldn't Have Let Him Drive!

LOL, maybe they ought to let Matt drive the contraption! I have a sneaking suspicion that the Shire just isn't ready for a Great Steam Vapour Spindle Activated Vegetation Dissection and Lubrication Apparatus, or maybe *it* isn't ready for them. ;-) I love Merry and Pippin, but I think I'm putting my money with Sam this time. Waiting for more... PF

Grey Wonderer · 26 May 2007 · Chapter 4: I Knew I Shouldn't Have Let Him Drive!

(The fleeing hobbits were undoubtedly shrewd in their flight as the Thain's tendency to wave to the crowd and sound the whistle, whilst steering with one hand did little to improve the steam engine's manoeuvrability.) Ah, yes, the wrong cousin is driving! LOL I hope Sam put in a clause about damaged property counting against the big machine. If he did then Pippin's run-in with the hedge will go against them. Just wondering if you were at all inspired to write this thanks to KM and KP and their recent search for spring in your garden? LOL

Grey Wonderer · 26 May 2007 · Chapter 3: She's Raring To Go!

This is priceless! Looks as if Merry and Pippin were counting on an easy win. This proves that you must NEVER underestimate Sam Gamgee. I liked the image of the kids in the tree. I could just imagine all of the little hobbit feet hanging below the branches of the tree while they watched.

Grey Wonderer · 26 May 2007 · Chapter 2: Are You Sure It's Not Dangerous?

I noticed there was more of this posted (Yes!) and so I started reading again with this part. I like it when Pippin makes the machine 'scream again'. It shows that he is still a lad at heart! ("Of course it's safe!" Merry had to shout over the racket of the crying, shouting and the loud thumping of the engine. "It's a beauty. It's got a superheater header; main steam pipes to the cylinders, blower and ejector exhaust pipes. It's even fitted with a spark arrestor, to say nothing of the drop grate and hopper ashpan.") This reminds me of all the men I've ever known talking about their cars and bikes! LOL

PIppinfan1988 · 26 May 2007 · Chapter 3: She's Raring To Go!

If laughter is the best medicine, then I ought to be doing pretty well by the time I finish this story, lol! I'm getting such a kick out of Sam. Pippin and Merry are being such fun -- being their usual selves. This is fantastic!

PIppinfan1988 · 26 May 2007 · Chapter 2: Are You Sure It's Not Dangerous?

Omg...the high-pitched screech and the hobbits running for cover *still* had me rolling! I'm so glad you've continued and posted this wonderful story! And it's no less hilarious than the first read. :-D Off to read the rest of this excellent tale.

PIppinfan1988 · 26 May 2007 · Chapter 1: The Magnificent Machine

ROTFL! The whole scene of the hobbits scratching their curly heads still makes me laugh! "Is it a horseless carriage?" The first time I read this I thought is Llinos introducing the first Middle-earth steam-driven automobile?? Farmer Cotton is too funny! "It's an automated gardening and farming machine." He scanned the expectant faces for some sign of understanding. "That is, you put the water in the boiler here," he indicated the large tank on the underside, "and here," he pointed to the even larger reservoir on the back. ...Merry ignored the interruptions. "Then you put coal in the firebox." He patted the furnace in the centre of the machine. "And that boils the water, then the steam pumps the pistons along the cylinders, which turn the turbines, which drives the engine and makes the wheels go round. The gear attached to the axle is then engaged, causing the spiral-cylindrical blades to spin on a horizontal axis." LOL! Go Merry! He can repair my Jeep anytime. ;-)

shirebound · 26 May 2007 · Chapter 4: I Knew I Shouldn't Have Let Him Drive!

Oh dear, Merry and Pip certainly meant well, don't they? At least they're giving the Shire some much-needed entertainment. I adore the phrase "rising, as Pippin put it, 'at the crack of lunch!'". :)