When I heard about this weekend's activity in Mystic, I immediately thought of my dad. As an ex-construction man and civil engineer, my father is obsessed with all things mechanical. I imagine the simple words “engine exposition” being music to his ears and — SNAP! — I’ve lost him in thoughts of whirring pistons and turbochargers.

However, the people at the Antique Marine Engine Exposition in Mystic this weekend have one step up on my dad; they put their dreams into reality and actually collect the engines. For the 27th year, Mystic Seaport Museum will bring together these metal works — full-size engines, miniature engines, diesel, steam, electric, and, honestly, the engine possibilities here are endless. This machinery heaven will feature roughly 300 engines in total that date back to the 1800s.

Sometimes, our modern technology is just not that exciting to look at, but take a blast to the past and witness an engine marvel that is coated in brass and in history.

Antique Marine Engine Exposition, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, Mystic Seaport Museum, 75 Greenmanville Ave., Mystic; Mystic Seaport Museum admission $28.95 adults, $26.95 seniors ages 65 and up, $18.95 ages 4-14, free for ages 3 and under; (860) 572-0711.