I agree that it is all about gearing and steam. Wind-up (there's a name that escapes me) mechanisms. I would suggest just telling the story and let the scenery figure itself out, although you have a lot more authors with experience and real published books who may advise differently, I don't know. Thanks for the shout, by the way.
If anybody should be doing this it should be Petra. But what can you expect from Carsiolians? I don't think I would want to challenge either J.B. or Constable Nixon.