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Italy Calling
Topic Started: 6 Oct 2006, 08:58 AM (339 Views)
ilvaporista
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Hi to all,

I am Adrian Parker living near Turin in Northern Italy. A passionate NG and miniature railway fan. Now in Italy for over 10 years but I do go back to the UK every now and again.

Apart from HO, O, G, G1 etc I have a 2.5" loco, 4 3.5" locos in various states from working to under contruction, 1 5" Hunlset almost finished, 3 battery electric locos,
7 1/4" I have two Hunslets under construction plus a convertible 5/7.25" battery electric.

Running line is a temporary track that runs to about 100 feet.

I am collecting bits to build a 2' loco, so far I am at wheels and various bits of steel. It will be a cross between an O&K and a Sweet Pea.

I also have the gears and steelwork for a Shay in 15". That one is definately a long term project

I do my own laser cutting and also do this and CAD work for others. Latest project is a 7 1/4" battery loco to be assembled in a week. Other items are bogies, signals and various lineside accessories.

If I don't sell the farmhouse it will get a 7 1/4" railway round it when finances permit.

Workshop facilities have been acquired over the years being vary carefull with the pennies. What I can't buy I build or invent other ways of doing.

All this is done on a very tightly controlled family budget which means progress can be slow at times. We have three boys who delight in finding dad fresh challenges. The eldest wants to start a Sweet Pea for which I have done him a complete set of steel parts.

After building a go-kart from an old scooter the next one up is a mock cockpit from a Boeing 737 - 200 so they can practise flying skills. Coupled to R/C cars, sailing dinghies etc there is always a face at the door with the dad can you fix this look which again makes progress difficult!

Miniature lines here are still quite rare apart from the seaside rides on 100ft ovals. There is a public line in the park in central Milan but most other are private lines on private property. Several 5" and 7 1/4" lines are being built plus there are some plans about larger gauges but progress is very slow. Fiabilandia near Rimini has a 60 cm line which uses 2 O&K locos which have has diesel engines mounted in the firebox and boiler (destroying them in the process).

I am around at most of the steam events in Italy so if you over here on holiday I can let you know if there is any activity.
Adrian Parker
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peterbryant
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Hi Adrian

Welcome to the forums! It is interesting to hear about your projects. Could you maybe post some pictures of your locos and railway? :D

Thanks
Peter
Peter Bryant
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ilvaporista
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I keep meaning to sit down and update my web site with the latest projects but time never seems to be on my side!!

Plus it is all in Italian so I need to add note in Engliush as well.
Adrian Parker
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