I have seen some small models, but this train set has to be the smallest I have ever seen.
About five times the width of a ballpoint pen tip, this set comes complete with mountains, tunnel, and trees. David Smith created this tiny train set completely from styrene as an N scale layout in Z scale. Check out the video after the jump.
The Intricacies of Miniature Train Sets
Creating miniature train sets is an art form that requires immense precision and patience. The smallest details, such as the trees, mountains, and tunnels, must be meticulously crafted to scale. David Smith’s creation is a testament to this dedication. The train set, being about five times the width of a ballpoint pen tip, showcases the incredible skill involved in miniaturization. The use of styrene, a versatile plastic material, allows for detailed and durable models. This material is often chosen by model makers for its ease of use and ability to hold fine details.
Smith’s train set is not just a static display; it is a fully functional model. The train moves through the tiny landscape, navigating tunnels and passing by miniature trees and mountains. This level of functionality in such a small scale is a remarkable achievement. The motorized mechanism that powers the train is ingeniously hidden beneath the layout, ensuring that the visual appeal of the miniature world is not compromised.
The Engineering Behind the World’s Smallest Train Set
The engineering challenges involved in creating such a small, yet functional, train set are significant. Smith’s process involved carefully inserting the train-shaped tubing into its oval slot and bonding the layout to a styrene support block. This support block was then bonded to a mounting plate attached to the motor. The iterative process of fitting and sanding ensured that the support block was at the exact right height, allowing the train to move smoothly.
The mounting plate was made relatively large to provide a convenient means of attaching the mechanism to the layout under the building. This thoughtful design ensures that the train set remains stable and functional, even at such a small scale. The attention to detail in both the aesthetic and functional aspects of the train set is what makes Smith’s creation truly remarkable.
“After carefully inserting the train-shaped tubing into its oval slot, I bonded the layout to a styrene support block that was in turn bonded to a mounting plate attached to the motor. This was an iterative process that involved fitting and sanding and fitting and sanding until the support block was exactly the right height. The mounting plate was made relatively large to provide a convenient means of attaching the mechanism to the layout under the building.”
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