The Critter

I made this picture months ago and had decided then not to post it due to its relative lack of artistic merit– but now I figured what the heck, it’s kinda neat.

It’s a tiny industrial “critter” engine, made in the early days of internal-combustion locomotive technology (being either gas- or diesel-mechanical). It isn’t based on any one prototype– instead, I thought about what components would make for a “dream find” of a locomotive today. I guess it’s an idealized model.

Basically, it’s exactly the sort of engine I would love to see restored and running on a modern tourist railroad. It’s small, easy to run, yet captures some of the charm of the old-railroad scene– note the steam engine trappings, side rods and spoked wheels. It’s got a bell and a big headlight and a spacious cab. It probably makes a great rattle when it runs. C’mon– what more could you ask for?