MODEL ENGINES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26773, 17 May 1948, Page 6

MODEL ENGINES

EXCELLENT DISPLAY GREAT INTEREST TAKEN Kettle Park was a small boys’ paradise on Saturday afternoon when the exhibition of the Otago Model Engineering Society was opened. The model locomotives, which displayed a surprising turn of speed as they puffed along the narrow gauge track, had an endless crowd of admirers, and the exhibits in the clubroom were almost as popular. Juvenile necks were craned and small fingers pointed unceasingly as mechanically-minded young enthusiasts gazel longingly at the models with admiration and envy.

The display, was, however not merely a mecca for children. Some magnificent examples of the craftsman’s skill were on exhibition, each model being a scale reproduction of the real article. The locomotives were particularly interesting, and a comprehensive range covered models from modern streamlined engines down to a reproduction of the famous “ Josephine.” The youthful observation was chiefly confined to the excellence of the finished article; the more mature mind was amazed at the intricacy of the models and the countless hours of patient work which had been put into their construction.

Great interest was taken in four petrol-driven speedboats, all of them less than 30 inches in length. The models are said to have attained remarkable speeds during trials on the Otago Harbour. Model aircraft engines surrounded a 15in model of a racing car. which is driven by a tiny petrol engine. It, too, is said to have some outstanding speed performances to its credit. Traction engines, lathes, steam engines, model ships and donkey engines were all included in the display, some of the models coming from as far afield as Christchurch and Invercargill. The large crowd which attended on Saturday afternoon indicated the keen interest, of the public. Further opportunities of seeing the models will be afforded throughout this week, when the display 1 will be open each night from 7 to 10 o’clock.