Garden Railway Forum

Time goes so quickly and it has been far too long since I added to my collection.
My last build of Morgan the Organ was posted in September and for several weeks I waited for inspiration to strike. I do have a few of the Japanese radios in the form of cars, some of which I have already converted to take rail wheels underneath their bonnets, but no progress with a suitable purpose to add to the rear end. Only yesterday I bought a further three such cars on line (special offer!) so it's time I got stuck in.
However, whilst browsing through my various inspirational images of odd-ball locomotives I discovered an image which a member of Warley MRC gave me following a visit to Prague. That was at least 30 years ago and I was known for my special interests even then!
I thought this would be the first part to model ...
so it would look right with the other parts of the chassis...

That's going to be fun ...

Rik

Yes Rik, I'm enjoying the ride.
It is described as a Rail Inspection Car and is part of the National Technical Museum in Prague's collection.
I like quirky, and this has it all.
The driver sits on the single seat facing forward (even that has a leather cushion) with the two upholstered benches facing front and rear. For the return journey it has a drop-down turntable to enable the driver to still face in the direction of travel. But not on mine.

Looks like it’s going to be another interesting build there Peter. Will you be painting it similar to the original one in the first photograph of it.

I like that Peter. Shades of my Austro-Daimler FeldTraktor

How are you going to motorise and control it?

How on earth are you still finding these marvelous machines to model?! Looks ace!

Dr. Bond of the DVLR wrote: ↑Mon Dec 08, 2025 6:18 pm How on earth are you still finding these marvelous machines to model?

As previously mentioned, this particular image was given to me by a colleague at Warley MRC many years ago knowing my interest in the obscure.
From the outset I loved this little car but lacked the skills to model it. The picture remained in my collection but was forgotten for many years. Only now do I feel confident enough to take on such a build.
This is a copy of that initial image given to me all those years ago...
The model is progressing nicely with the main body structure in place and the wonderfully shaped ends carefully formed from brass sheet with strengthening strips soldered at the edges...
In answer to Rod's question about colour, I plan to follow the general overall black with some imaginative highlights.
And for Philip, the motive power is from a small motor and 3D printed gearbox from PDF driving one axle only. It will be R/C (when Phil sends my receivers) with rechargeable battery beneath the seat.
Overall length is 225mm. but the main body is just 140mm.

Loverly model Peter - I do admire well executed models of real prototypes - particularly when they are quirky!

Trevor

The overall body colour is matt black, which looks correct from the original image. The leather upholstery is now dark brown as a contrast against the black, and the engine has a muted green cover and tank...
Although not shown on the original I thought a slatted wooden floor panel would look appropriate at the ends. Again this gives a lift to the otherwise drab black... After painting I added some weathering and slight ageing effects, followed by a light coating of Agrax Earthshade from the Citadel range of acrylics.
The timber grain has really benefitted from this. Finally a light dusting with matt lacquer has given a beautiful finish.
Two figures from David Clavey represent driver and inspector. The driver had to undergo surgery to raise his right leg to fit the floor pedal.
Just awaiting some electrical connectors etc to finish and road-test.

Lovely job Peter.

Really impressive Peter. I just love your work, it’s the best.

Really love the finish you've achieved on the woodwork.
Another fine model!

Rik

I've never seen anything like that. It's amazing what can be found in the world.

And the finish is perfect, I must say.

Thank you all for your positive comments, I'm pleased you like it, especially as I know you are aware of the potential difficulties to overcome when model building from scratch.
There are many odd looking locomotives around the world, each one built for a specific purpose, so unique. The problem arises when trying to convert standard gauge to narrow gauge as there is likely to be something in the way between the wheels. This particular one shows my solution by using smaller diameter wheels placed beneath the upholstered benches whilst retaining the outer mudguards to simulate gauge conversion, just as many others have done in the past.
Always on the lookout for more curiosities.

Fantastic modelling! The leather looks very convincing! Lovely model of an interesting prototype.

Another couple of ideas for you, Peter, from my NZ trip

Rik

Rik, I love the pictures and followed all of your reports with great interest.
The colour image of a tractor conversion illustrates my previous comments about gauge conversion perfectly. However, the black and white image certainly gets the grey matter working overtime.

Here's another view
Rik

And a bit of background info

http://www.trainweb.org/loggingz/dispatch.html

Rik