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August, 1937
A PANORAMIC NAVAL REVIEW
By W. J. Bassett-Lowke, M.I.Loco.E.
British Models seen at this year's International Exhibition in Paris
In the heart of Paris and on the banks of the river Seine is the
International Exhibition devoted to modern progress in Art and Science.
Both in the British and in the French sections there are models of
interest to ship lovers, and, as much modern development at this
exhibition has been represented by the medium of models, in the article
which follows. I will try to describe just a few of the model wonders of
the exhibition.
In an excellent position near the Pont Jena stands the British
Government Pavilion, designed by the British architect Oliver Hill,
devoted to all that is best in up-to-date British achievement. In the
pavilion are seen models of all kinds, ships, locomotives, aeroplanes,
scenic panoramas, whilst one of the " high-lights " is a shipping
,review" of our merchant fleet, so realistic that as the onlooker gazes,
it is hard indeed to realise that he is not inside a big ocean-going
liner, watching, through his port-hole, the ships at sea.
Modern British Shipping
Those in charge of the British Government Pavilion were anxious that
the progress of modern British shipping should be shown in a novel and
effective manner, and as suitable models were not available from the
various principal shipping companies, it was decided to provide a
combined effort in which all the ships over 20,000 tons, built in Great
Britain during the past ten years and operated by British companies,
should be represented.
Mr. Oliver Hill, in collaboration with Bassett-Lowke, Ltd., the
well-known firm of model-makers, devised the idea of a panoramic review
of this merchant fleet, and the illustrations herewith show the results
of this co-operation.
The exhibit shows the inside plating of a ship and two life-size
side-lights-or portholes as they are more commonly called by the "
landlubber "-beyond which an artistic seascape, painted by Mr. E. W.
Twining, is visible, and across which pass two lines of ocean going
ships. Each vessel is correctly modelled to a scale of 100
ft. to
1 inch and each company is represented by the latest additions to its
fleet.
" Queen Mary "
Among this comprehensive collection of merchant shipping are the
Queen Mary, Britain's largest and fastest ship, the Orient Liner Orion,
noted for its modern interior decoration, and which runs on the mail
service from London to Australia, besides several cruises during the
summer. The new Orient vessel Orcades, which does not make her
maiden voyage until August, is also included. The attractive white
Peninsular and Oriental liner Strathnaver, which is the largest
turbo-electric ship engaged in traffic from London and Southampton, to
India, is a notable model, as is also the single representative of Royal
Mail Lines, Ltd., the Alcantara, originally built as a motor ship, but
since converted to steam turbines, and now the finest British ship
engaged in the Southampton-South American service. This ship is also at
times diverted for short pleasure cruises. One cannot fail to notice the
striking lavender hulls and red and black funnels of the new Union
Castle liners Stirling Castle and Athlone Castle, which with their
higher speed have brought Cape town much nearer to the home country. The
C.P.R. is represented, among other vessels, by that huge white craft the
Empress of Britain, well known as the largest ship on the Canadian
service and also for her yearly round-the-world cruise. Each of these
companies are also represented by smaller vessels in their fleets,
totalling some twenty-four ships in all.
An interesting feature of the device is that the front line of ships
moves at a slightly faster speed than the row closer to the horizon,
which gives added attraction to the model because it will always present
a different grouping of ships to the watcher. The mechanism installed
for this is electric, the ships being mounted on steel chains running
round sprocket wheels in ball bearings, and is operated by a geared slow
speed electric motor giving reliable and constant propulsion.
This panorama model took nearly three months to complete, and is
fixed in a special niche prepared to receive it, and quite near to it
are models of Britain's latest efforts on land, sea and air.
In the French Section of the exhibition there is quite a new type of
display model of the Normandie in evidence, and as far as ship models
are concerned strikes quite an original note. It is to a scale of 1/2
inch to the foot, measures 8 ft. by 6 ft. overall, and represents the
part of the Normandie below her after funnel. The side of the ship is
modelled in correct relief, and the shell of the hull is cut away in
several places, giving the public a view of a portion of her magnificent
interior.
Directly above the waterline we are introduced to the swimming pool
with its attractive cocktail bar, and the gymnasium on the same deck
close by. On the next deck is the dining saloon, going through three
decks of the ship and without doubt the most imposing and brilliant
public room in any ship on the seas to-day. Above this room are examples
of some suites de luxe, giving accurate modelling of the furniture and
equipment of the apartments in which millionaires, people of title,
diplomats, statesmen and film stars cross the Atlantic Ocean. The
promenade deck is shown in full relief, and beyond can be spied a
portion of the grand salon with its modern furnishings. The attraction
of the model is increased by the method of illumination. Situated at the
base of the model is a Rotary-type device which operates from a motor.
First the swimming pool and gymnasium are lit up, then the dining
saloon, followed by the suite of rooms on the next deck, the promenade
deck and grand salon, and finally the flood-lighting of the funnel
itself. For a few moments the whole model is a blaze of light, then a
sudden darkness and the lighting operation is repeated.
August, 1937
Important Notice
BOND'S
NEW ADDRESS, COMMENCING SEPTEMBER, WILL BE 357 EUSTON ROAD
BALSA MODEL AEROPLANES REAL FLYERS
We are offering the finest American. Kits of parts ever put on the
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PRICE 10d. Postage 3d.
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PRICE 2/- Postage 6d.
Send for Bond's General Catalogue, price 6d.
BOND'S OF EUSTON ROAD LTD. 254 Euston Road, London, N.W.1
'Phone: Euston 3780 Established 1887
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ACCESSORIES OF EVERY DESCRIPTION.
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Let us have an enquiry for your next Locomotive, Coaches or Wagons.
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Our Catalogue, by post 4d., gives full particulars of Locos.,
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'NORMAC' HANDBOOK CATALOGUE 1937
Describing the LARGEST RANGE of MODEL AIRCRAFT MATERIALS and
ACCESSORIES at NEW LOW PRICES. W e prefer to offer our QUALITY SUPPLIES
at these prices so that all ARRO MODELLISTS may benefit, rather than
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Send 4d. In stamps and see for yourselves how you can obtain the most
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DON'T HESITATE-BEND NOW I
'NORMAO' HANDBOOK and CATALOGUE, 4d. Post free.
NORTHERN MODEL AIRCRAFT COMPANY 37a, FOUNTAIN STREET, MANCHESTER, 2
August, 1937
SOME NOTABLE MINIATURE RAILWAYS
By E. BEAL
The Kerr Miniature Railway, at Arbroath, which is, perhaps, one of
the most complete of such systems in existence.
Mr. Matthew Kerr oiling up on the passenger - carrying line.
The vogue of the diminutive passenger hauling railway is rapidly
spreading; but the interesting lay-out to be described is a strong
competitor for the first place in one respect - its gauge is only 7.1/4
in., yet it regularly hauls in the summer months train-loads of anything
from twelve to fifteen passengers over a main line 200 yards in length.
The Kerr Miniature Railway, as it is called, built and owned by Mr.
Matthew Kerr, a young man of very decisive railway enthusiasm, is
situated at Arbroath, and is not the least of the amenities provided to
give pleasure to the public who may visit that enterprising Scottish
resort. The little line itself is perhaps one of the most complete of
such systems in existence. Every characteristic to be found in real
practice is installed to perfection. Indeed, the photograph which shows
a view of one of the stations, purposely denuded of all human figures,
is extremely deceptive and convincing, and would for a long time keep
the tyro guessing as to whether it were a real or a model lay-out.
Footbridges, turntables, an engine shed, a complete and correctly
operating signal system, and properly spaced trackside telegraph poles
conspire to give the tiny trains their precisely correct
environment.
A diagram of the stations on the Kerr miniature railway
A Single Main Line
The general arrangement is that of a single main line, running
closely alongside the London & North Eastern main line to Aberdeen.
There are two passenger stations, West Links, from which the departure
is made, and Crosswell, the " distant " terminus. At each of these
termini there is a 9-ft. working turntable.
Normally the trains leave the West Links departure platform with the
locomotive running in approved style funnel foremost. On arrival at
Crosswell, the engine is run off and turned, and the return journey is
made to the arrival platform at West Links. The latter station, the
larger of the two, is provided with a timber footbridge of adequate
working capacity, an engine shed, with ample space under cover for
cleaning, inspecting, and storing the locomotive. The, capacity of this
shed can, in fact, be increased without structural alterations so as to
accommodate two engines at a later date. Coaling and watering facilities
are also provided at this point, the water being supplied from an
automatic tank which appears in some of the illustrations. There is
proper provision for the ingress and exit of passengers at West Links
station, the wa y out being arranged behind the turntable and separate
from all operative tracks. At West Links, also, there is a most
interesting working signal cabin, provided with a 12-lever frame, and so
small in its proportions as to be capable of accommodating only the most
diminutive of operators.
At the other station, Crosswell, there is a second cabin with a frame
of eight working levers, and the two cabins are connected with bells and
telephones. Here also there is a second 9-ft. turntable. The passenger
platforms are properly raised to the height of the carriage decks.
A general view of the approach to West Links Station.
The 7.1/4 in. gauge miniature passenger line. Note the correct and
operating signalling system.
The Track
The permanent way consists of flat bottom rail, 61/2 lb. per yard,
spiked down to proper sleepers, which are 18 in. long, 4 in. wide and 2
in. in thickness, being spaced at 18-in. centres. The track itself is
ballasted with 3/4 in. granulated stone chips, and of this material
there are no less than 6 tons on the lay-out. There are three working
turnouts to allow for engine movements, etc. Altogether, including
platform tracks and sidings, there are 700 ft. of track.
The locomotive is a scale model Atlantic type (4-4-2) with tender,
and follows Great Central design. It was built by Messrs. Lewes, Shaw,
of Nottingham, and its scale is l.1/2 in. to the foot, or approximately
one eighth full size. It is provided with two injectors and two
water-gauges, and there is a steam brake on the engine itself. The
tender is also furnished with a hand-brake for emergencies. Proper
sanding gear is installed, and the driving wheels are 71/2 in. in
diameter, bogie wheels being 4.1/2 in. Of "coaches" there are four
two-Beaters and two four-Beaters, all being equipped with rigid
four-wheeled under frames. Their seating accommodation is remarkably
comfortable, as the writer can testify from experience.
After a couple of years' running the little railway is proving to be
a sound financial proposition; the stringencies of the first year's
operation have now been fully surmounted. The fare for the return
journey is three pence, for juvenile’s half-price, and in the somewhat
short Scots season it is crowded. The close proximity of the main line
from London to Aberdeen is a decided attraction to railway-minded
visitors, for it is often possible to run literally alongside the
streamlined Golden Eagle and Cock o' the North, a quite thrilling
experience. Passing enginemen are evidently no less thrilled than the
happy passengers of the K.M.R. ; the former invariably lean over the cab
side and give a waving greeting. Not to be forgotten in any description
of the system is the amazing railway staff, itself diminutive. Mr. Kerr
is assisted by six small porters and signalmen, themselves almost true
to the one-eighth-full-size scale-very intelligent and industrious
uniformed boys.
At West Links turntable.
Further Improvements
It is anticipated that this year will see the addition of further
interesting features of civil engineering, including a viaduct, a
tunnel, and a level-crossing, the latter to be worked from one of the
cabins. Upon a dummy siding there are also to be erected a cattle-pen, a
platelayer's hut, and some coal offices.
During the hard winter months, the site being extremely exposed to
the North Sea, the entire equipment is dismantled and stored with the
exception of the tracks and fences. The whole of the constructional
work, designing and engineering of the system is carried out personally
by the owner, this remark applying to the construction of all rolling
stock, signals, and plant. Mr. Kerr is himself a dairy-farmer, but his
heart and soul are bound up with the railway industry.
Altogether a most delightful rendezvous, not only for people of
kindred minds to Mr. Kerr's, but for all members of the general public
who enjoy a thrill, and who appreciate ingenuity and enterprise.
AUGUST 1937
HIGH PRESSURE BRAZED BOILERS –
Spirit fired or solid fuel-scale model or free lance designs
THE MODEL RAILWAY appeals in different ways, but it is the Steam
Locomotive which has the most realism in this hobby, for it is the
nearest approach to the original.
MESSRS. BASSETT-LOWKE have a special department at Northampton for
the building of steam locomotives from " O " gauge to 9I, either to
scale or to the customer's special requirements.
Long experience is essential to get the best results. you for a
special model to your own specification.
DO YOUR MODELS require overhaul? Clockwork, electric, high- or
low-pressure steam, all dealt with by experts.
Our catalogues will help you in every phase of model work
A.12, Model Railways; 8.12, Model Engines & Parts; S.12, Model Ships
& Fittings.
SIXPENCE EACH POST FREE
"00" Gauge Twin Train Folder TT.12 free on receipt of postcard.
BASSETT-LOWKE, LTD.
NORTHAMPTON MANCHESTER: 28, Corporation rest
SCALE "00" GAUGE
Constructional Model Railways offer plenty of scope for the home
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If you are interested or have not seen how wonderfully realistic "00"
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and Inspect the FINEST DISPLAY OF "00 " SCALE MODELS in the COUNTRY
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MAKE SURE OF SUCCESS
Install one of our PETROL ENGINES In your model aeroplane or boat.
The NIPPER 6 c.c. on test stand with Propeller, ready to run, £4.10.0.
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for particulars SETS of Engine Castings, Drawings, and Materials.
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TWICKENHAM, LONDON, S.W.
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Castings and materials 3/3 post paid. ,
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