Steam Engine!

Only a model, but what a beautifully made one! And in steam, too.

There is this quite elaborate scale railway in our local park, with a complex track system, points, signals and interlocks. The engines are capable of pulling a good number (maybe up to 30) adults and children.

Many of the engines have been built by their owners, to a VERY high standard. It turns out that a former colleague of mine, a very distinguished scientist, is one such craftsman. Every little bit lovingly built using a lathe and milling machine that he has installed in his garage'

I put a photograph of another engine on TwitPic. Interestingly enough, these engines make the right smell for real steam engines. I suppose that it's the mixture of steam and oil and coal smoke.