World's smallest working model train set unveiled

Telegraph (UK) ^ | 24 Oct 2009 | staff

[bvw]

The world's smallest working model train set has been unveiled – measuring just 1/8th of an inch by 1/4 of an inch.

At 1-35200 scale to the real thing, the five-carriage train travels around an oval route including ride through a tunnel.

Powered by a standard two-inch-long rotating motor head and carved out of mouldable plastic, the model train cost Mr Smith just over £6 to make.

"To get a sense of scale you have to remember that the River Branch project is being built to the scale of 1-220," Mr Smith added.

"It has taken up two and a half years of my life and is going to be very impressive once it is finished."

[bvw]

Builder Mr. Smith is of Tom's River, NJ.

Also see prior (unofficial) record holder at

http://whiteriverandnorthern.net/

http://www.boingboing.net/2009/10/26/ultraminiature-model.html

[Venturer]

It’s amazing what skill, knowledge and patience can do.

However this guy’s got too much time on his hands. LOL

[dog breath]

I really like things like this, the world needs more people doing eccentric creative things and less time treating each other badly. I vote for more miniature trains and fewer car bombs!

[smokingfrog]

I don’t get it. How does it work?
The motor is 2 inches, but the model is only 1/4 x 1/8 in.

[Richard Kimball]

The motor is probably hidden under the table and turns the train like a turntable on a stereo. That’s my guess.

[bvw]

See the articles and links via the other two links I provided for details of construction.

[2banana]

2.5 years of your life for something that cost $10 to make.

It must be a labor of love.

[Jagermonster]

“It is going to be a model train village inside a model, so it is very postmodern.”

Not postmodern: recursive.

[bluecollarman]

I can't see nothin'

[smokingfrog]

OK Here is a video of how the thing works.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKXYdzH0DKA

I would consider it more of an optical illusion, since the “train” doesn’t roll on a track and doesn’t have its’ own motor/engine.

[GreenLanternCorps]

And I remember people complaining that Z scale was too small..

[bvw]

Well, I’d bet that within the year or so some nanotech research center will come up with a nano-tech model railroad layout. I’d also like to see an actual working cog railway at the scale of Mr. Smith’s.

[shibumi]

Can’t see nothin’?

I see someone in need of a manicure.

[Hot Tabasco]

Hope he keeps the cat out of the basement......

[bluecollarman]

"I see someone in need of a manicure."

True, Some serious nail work needed. I see no choo choo though.

[shibumi]

"There is no choo-choo-."

[freedomlover]

Wow. They spend all that time on putting a train set together and in the money shot they use the hands of a brickmason (is that a forefinger in the back?).

Here's what likely happened: "OK lets get a picture to show how small this is - who has the biggest hands?"