Queensland Rail has always excelled in producing some strange rail motors for the 3'6" network that spans the state. The photo shown here would make a perfect backwoods style narrow gauge rail motor due to it's small stature. Sometimes referred to as a rice bubble on wheels this little gem can carry up to 10 people. The photo was taken at the Rosewood Railway Museum.

Robyn

Great little thing. It could easily give some inspiration to go along the narrow gauge line in limited space mode. Nice shot all the same.
Are both ends the same?.

[user=1235]60019Bittern[/user] wrote:

Great little thing. It could easily give some inspiration to go along the narrow gauge line in limited space mode. Nice shot all the same.
Are both ends the same?.
 

This little bug is single ended, the back has the look of someone rather unimpressed if you see what I mean.



Here is another curiosity for you to have a look at, affectionately known as Red Fred this rail motor has a small and rather ungainly looking coach that tags along. I have a model of this unit that I made some time back and I must admit it looks very very backwoods.



Robyn

That little bug reminds me of the old Morris Commercial J94 van. The radiator looks similar. Perhaps that is where the similarity ends. I've emailed the museum for further info on this little creature so I am awaiting with baited breath.

[user=1235]60019Bittern[/user] wrote:

That little bug reminds me of the old Morris Commercial J94 van. The radiator looks similar. Perhaps that is where the similarity ends. I've emailed the museum for further info on this little creature so I am awaiting with baited breath.

If you are after drawings I may have some information in my archive collection.

Robyn

Yes please Robyn. That would be really useful. Thanks.

[user=1235]60019Bittern[/user] wrote:

Yes please Robyn. That would be really useful. Thanks.

I have searched through my archive of over 2500 drawings of QR rolling stock and would you believe there is not one drawing of this elusive little creature. I have found a reference to it that describes it as an Inspection Car which is based on a ford V8 petrol engine. It seats seven, weighs 4.6t and there was only ever one built. It has a length of 19'10" so that helps a bit. If you don't mind waiting for a while I will draw this up when I can get up to the museum and get some measurements. I wouldn't mind doing a model of this myself and I may cast them and make a small fleet for my future On30 Garden Layout.

Robyn

Thanks Robyn, that would be really good of you. It does look an interesting little beastie, sort of cute really. Many thanks.

The "bug" looks like a Renault Ice Cream van ……………….:roll::roll:

"Red Fred" looks more like he means business. :thumbs

With the suspension it had I would think it must be Mr. Whippy.

[user=6]Petermac[/user] wrote:

The "bug" looks like a Renault Ice Cream van ……………….:roll::roll:

"Red Fred" looks more like he means business. :thumbs

Here is the information on the bug…I am not too sure I would like to be a passenger at that speed in this little thing on any Queensland track especially in the 1930's.

Not good on the stomach then after a heavy night. I bet it was fun though. It looks like I will have a go at one sometime in the future, just to see how it goes.  

A photo of the driver's station, I have marked the important parts.

Robyn

I like the "important" parts - the brick and the tucker box. thumbs:thumbs

I also note that 1930's "small print speak" was in action - "a maximum speed of 60 mph, depending on track condition"   That means she'd probably do around 20 to 30 mph ………………..:hmm

[user=1235]60019Bittern[/user] wrote:

Thanks Robyn, that would be really good of you. It does look an interesting little beastie, sort of cute really. Many thanks.


  

I have made a start on the drawing for you, this is the side and both are the same, I will PM you once the artwork is completed. I admit that I am not particularly good at tech drawing so please forgive my rather rudimentary attempts. I still need to do the front and the back. Do you think this is ok or do I need more detail? The funny little bit at the front and back is supposed to be the bumper bars. I am hoping that if I send the drawings and the photos it will help you to figure out what I am trying to portray in the drawings.
P.S. The drawings is On30 1/4" to the foot and the model will be approx. 125mm x 60mm ( 5" x 2 3/8" in the old money)

Robyn

Thanks a lot RobynT. I Think I can make a basic start once time allows. I certainly like the interior shot of the cab and the comments concerning the layout. No doubt the 'tucker bag' had a can or bottle or two of the amber liquid. Once again, many thanks.