Thursday, 21 December 2023

From Ruins to Rails

Sorting the remains
In the wake of the Great Brick Shortage of 2020, the world stood on the precipice of a supply collapse. Cities crumbled, and decay weighed heavily on the shoulders of once-majestic buildings. To add to the woes, a frightening virus loomed over humanity. But amid the chaos, a glimmer of resilience emerged.

As the dust settled and people surveyed the wreckage, a newfound ingenuity took root. Communities came together to salvage what remained, turning the debris of fallen structures into a resource for rebirth. Two truckloads of rubble, collected from the remnants of the once towering buildings, became a symbol of hope.

In the midst of this recovery, a kind-hearted man with a big bucket on his digger volunteered to help load the rubble onto trucks. His generosity and willingness to contribute turned a daunting cleanup task into a communal effort. The rubble, once a symbol of destruction, now held the promise of renewal. 

The community had a vision – a railway that would connect different parts of the land, going from Dad's shed to the top house. The railway, steep, winding, and spiraling, would be a testament to human resilience and creativity, especially since traditional switch-backs were no longer an option with the scarcity of inches & misunderstood management.

An unnammed man with a digger & big bucket, known for his helpful nature, loaded the trucks with care, understanding the importance of each brick and piece of debris. The old bricks, once part of grand structures that defined the cityscape, were destined for a new purpose – to lay the foundation for the ambitious railway project.

As construction began, the town buzzed with activity. People from all walks of life joined forces to rebuild, transforming the discarded remnants of the past into a path towards the future. The railway, rising from the rubble, wound its way up the steep incline, defying the challenges imposed by the shortage of bricks.

Finally, at the top of the railway, a breathtaking view awaited. The once-devastated landscape now showcased the beauty of resilience. From Dad's shed to the top house, the spiraling railway not only connected different parts of the town but also symbolized the community's triumph over adversity.

Standing at the summit, one could absorb the entire panorama, including the distant Main Highway 1. The old bricks, once witness to the collapse of the past, now played a vital role in shaping the future. The town had not just survived; it had evolved, demonstrating that even in the face of scarcity and decay, human ingenuity could carve a path to renewal and breathtaking vistas.

Used adult sized Lego

In this preliminary proposal, note the elevation profile of the planned path, highlighted in light blue at the bottom. The line to the top of the railway demonstrates a consistent grade, ensuring a smooth and uniform ascent. 

Silver Fern

Things have been rather busy in the last month, I ended up getting my hands on a 7.25" gauge silver fern that appeared on trademe. The ...