Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-05-12
HIS ILLUSTRATION SHOWS THE STRANGE ENGINE


toys, constructed only to amuse children,
and with no intention of ever being put
into practical service. whereas this little
affair was built for Mr.. Chesney in
order that he might reach any desired
portion Of his estate as rapidly, and with
The least personal exertion, as pohsble.
The engine itself is a perfect model OF
the Great Northern Express locomotive,
such as daily take the fastest trains in
England up and down the length Of the
island Having a gauge Of only is
inches, this mechanical pigmy has cylln-
ders but inches in diameter. while the
driving wheels are 20 inches in diameter,
or about the size of an ordinary bicycle
wheel. The tender and single coach
which go to make up the rest Of this
unique train are Of corresponding size,
and the whole affair resembles some in
yentor's working model more than any
thing built for practical use. The idea
or a private steam railroad OF this sort
was suggested By lady visiting at the
Chesneys' home. who was one OF parry
to whom Mr.. Chesney was showing some
of the natural beauties of his grounds.
The ladies became fatigued by their long
walk ana one Of them in a spirit OF jest
remarked TO her host, "Oh. MIR. Chesney,
this would be delightful If we only could
charter a small railroad train to carry
us about, instead OF having to undergo
this trouble OF walking" To this Mr..
Chesney replied, "Well, ladies', l ASSURE
you that the next time you honor my
home with your presence YOU shall have
an engine and railway coach at your dis
posaL"
Nothing more was thought Of the mat
ter by the majority Of those present, but
when the East guest had departed the
rich owner thought over the suggestion.
The more ne thought the more he liked It.
and he finally determined to build rail-
road OF his own. Having been for the
greater part of his life connected with
the iron and steel trade he knew the
possibilities OF the plan, and after two or
three conferences with one of the Leading
locomotive builders in England he gave
an order which was as unique for its
unusual provision as for its actual pur-
port.
me order was in effect that the en-
eineers should lay out through the ex-
tenslye park and grounds of Taneworth
Hall a perfectly surveyed and graded
railroad bed and upon IT should be laid
The tiny rails for the smallest railway
train In the world. This was TO be done,
however. without in any way disfgur-
ing the natural beauty OF the grounds
and wherever possible the road was 10
be made an ornament rather than any
thing else to the place. Mir. Chesney
was i'm the beginning assured by the
builders that the rolling stock would
be ornamental az well as practical. and
having satisfied himself on that score
gave orders 10 20 ahead with the work.
only stipulating that landscape gardeners
should follow closely upon the neeis OF
the engineers and workmen over the
roadbed Of this miniature Great North
ern.
The railroad has but recently been
completed. and the original polish IL
not vet dim on the brass work o. TIE NJ
tie locomotive. If on the one hand the
road is the shortest railway In the woriu
in actual use for carrying passengers
il is equally true that ii Is one oil the
most thoroughly equipped and most
picturesque lines in existence. the rails'
of the line. IS inches apart, are lald on
sIeepers of oak, which are modes OF ea-
actness for uniformity or size and
weight. The rails themselves "eish put
3 hounds to the foot, and are so smai
that they are hardly noticeable as they
wind in and out. over hill ana da4e,
through the park and gardens. Perhaps
the most interesting feature OF the whole
AFFAIR is the little engine. which Is as
compete 10 the ieNot So'N
the giant express from wnich IL WAS
modelled. The forward truck OF the en-
CINE rides upon four R-inch wheeIs,
while a wee headlight, hardly bigger
than a good sized bicycle lamp deco
rates the front OF the smokestack
CARRYING CAPACITY.
The so-.nch driving wheels are placed
one on either side OF the boiler, while
one Pinch wheel on either side OF the
miniature cab supports that portion Of
the engine. TIE tender is 90 inches long,
while the single passenger COACH which
completes the train. Is iiAe an opser'a-
ton car-open on all sides. There are
seats for six persons. This with the
engineer. who IS also the fireman, gives
the train a carrying capacity OF per-
sons. Notwithstanding the small size
M the engine and train its speed ca
nacitv Ia far from small. The engine
weighs $500 pounds. and with load or
Is tons behind Il could make y miles an
hour on fairly level roadoed. AS
only one car Is attached no dimculty Is
exoerienced in making the steep grades
over and about which the rails wind
II was the writer's privilege short
time ago to take journey over this
most unique and tiny railroad In the
world. and the trip was one succession
OF surprise and pleasure. The start was
made from the round-house. which Is
ia fact part OF the conservatory at
the end of ore OF the long. low wings Of
he original Tanesworth Hall.
Mr. Chesuev often digpenses with the