Here there be pictures of the 'Real Thing' from my own collection that I consider to be of particular modelling use, to inspire (illustrating interesting prototypes) or to inform (such as observations of well-used machinery to aid in weathering models), etc.
I have put some 'odds' on this page that don't fit elsewhere. For categories of pictures, use the drop-down list from the Prototype Pictures tab.
I have put some 'odds' on this page that don't fit elsewhere. For categories of pictures, use the drop-down list from the Prototype Pictures tab.
Could this be the shortest working railway in the world?
Yes, the entire railway is here in this picture. Its so short that the rest of the track is hidden behind the wagon. Moved by a motorised reel attached to each end, the wagon moves slightly less than its own length to travel from one end of the line to the other.
Its found at the slate mine in Llechwedd, in the top left corner of Wales, which is now a tourist attraction. This railway is used to carry safety helmets for visitors going on tours of the Deep Mine. As each group comes out of the mine exit, they deposit their safety helmets in the wagon, then the wagon runs to its other terminus by the mine entrance for the next group to pick up the helmets and put them on before boarding the underground funicular train (which peeks into the picture at bottom left) to go into the caverns.
I see all sorts of modelling possibilities for this. Perhaps a very large scale (1:6 perhaps) representation as a children's toy. Or a beautifully detailed intricate working diorama inside a glass case as an ornament or artwork. Or, more obviously perhaps, a working scenic feature as part of a larger model railway, to provide added interest. Either way, its bound to be amusing, and I'm sure nobody would believe it unless shown the prototype!
Its found at the slate mine in Llechwedd, in the top left corner of Wales, which is now a tourist attraction. This railway is used to carry safety helmets for visitors going on tours of the Deep Mine. As each group comes out of the mine exit, they deposit their safety helmets in the wagon, then the wagon runs to its other terminus by the mine entrance for the next group to pick up the helmets and put them on before boarding the underground funicular train (which peeks into the picture at bottom left) to go into the caverns.
I see all sorts of modelling possibilities for this. Perhaps a very large scale (1:6 perhaps) representation as a children's toy. Or a beautifully detailed intricate working diorama inside a glass case as an ornament or artwork. Or, more obviously perhaps, a working scenic feature as part of a larger model railway, to provide added interest. Either way, its bound to be amusing, and I'm sure nobody would believe it unless shown the prototype!
An eccentric battery loco
This 2ft gauge machine, built by British Electric Vehicles, is also found at Llechwedd. For sheer oddness it certainly has much merit.
Se, for example, the queer dished wheels which are apparently secured with nuts, the clunky brake linkages, the apparently rather precarious driver's seat, and the metal strip above the wheels that would appear to be intended as some sort of mudguard.
I think this one would work particularly well as a big battery powered model in SE (7/8ths scale) on 45mm gauge track. A G scale power bogie would probably be a suitable chassis and there are few enough bolt and rivet heads to model them all in reasonable time. But modelling the moulded lettering on the wheels would be a real challenge.
Se, for example, the queer dished wheels which are apparently secured with nuts, the clunky brake linkages, the apparently rather precarious driver's seat, and the metal strip above the wheels that would appear to be intended as some sort of mudguard.
I think this one would work particularly well as a big battery powered model in SE (7/8ths scale) on 45mm gauge track. A G scale power bogie would probably be a suitable chassis and there are few enough bolt and rivet heads to model them all in reasonable time. But modelling the moulded lettering on the wheels would be a real challenge.