I guess what I'm trying to say is that these technologies existed but were not widely used - for example road-running steam vehicles in the mid-century, steam tractors for artillery, really powerful steam locomotives in the 19th century. The main reasons they were not used are :-
-1- no purpose in doing so
-2- the vast expense compared to cheaper traditional methods
-3- government legislation regulating them into minor roles
Point -1- can be addressed in a backwards fashion by ploughing money into the development of these technologies, regardless of logic at the time of doing so. Thus, when you have a city full of road steam locomotion, it becomes an end in itself.
Whether the finance is private or government, getting the world you want is going to take substantial investment, especially to reach a level where it develops its own internal logic and becomes self-sustaining
Best Regards
Grey Wolf