Making the "steam engine" was easy. I used a Superman toy that I had bought at Goodwill several months ago. I took the toy and caefully cut off the "ball" with a shaor knife. I then sprayed painted the "steam engine" with bright copper floral spray paint. Looking it over, I was pleaed with the look of the piece. Although it doesn't look jut like a boiler or steam engine, it's close enough for me. In any case, it's got smoke stacks.