WORKING MODEL.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 283, 28 November 1940, Page 8

WORKING MODEL.

INQUIRY EXHIBIT.

LIMITED EXPRESS ENGINE. Complete to the smallest detail and mounted on its own small section of track, a steam-driven working model of a K engine—the same type of engine as that on the Wellington-Auckland Limited express which was derailed at Mercer on October 28 —was a feature at to-day's sitting of the board of inquiry which is investigating the cause or causes of the accident.

Built by Mr. Frank Roberts, of Kimberley Road, Epsom, the model was invaluable when mechanical technicalities were dealt with during the hearing.

There was no need to be in doubt as t-> what were "leading bogies" or any of those "trade terms" that are so confusing to counsel and layman generally.

The point of interest about Mr. Roberts' model was the fact that it would "really go"—though no demonstration was necessary to-day.

About two feet long, the miuiature replica of the 130-ton K delighted the hearts of railwaymen and -was the subject of much comment and admiration. No detail was missing even to the artificial coal that topped the tender. The interior of the driver's cab was a miracle of ingenuity in model-making, every guage and instrument being faithfully reproduced.

The model was responsible to-day for the clarification of many important points that might otherwise have escaped the attention of the public.