On the other side of the world

What if the world was flat and the downside was peopled by inverted humans seeking pleasure in such strange things as model railroads going backwards, on wide tracks surrounded by big modern houses nicely buffed and shining in an artificial sun - what if?

In such a world there could surely be a big cold storage capable of handling frozen fish, vegetables and meats, but no one would ever use it. There would also be a small door and window in the little office (with windows in great need of a hosing) where the boss, A. Larsson would reside in a cloud of Cortez-cigarettes behind his dark heavy oak table. Green is the colour of the doors and the leather furnishing on the office chair, green the faces of the visitors not accostumed to the thick smoke inside!

Possibly there will come a time and a place for this nice little railway building, perhaps close to the sea and with a siding or two enabling the little people in knickers and hat loading and unloading goods on the railway - who knows?

Lift me up!

What comes up, must come down. In a world of ever changing needs and deeds, even the not so very well equipped local metal work shop must listen to the demands of costumers and try to shine in front of business prospects. The Hilding and Co was facing a very embarrasing situation indeed, when it became clear that the railway´s new future aquisition, a Z4p, was not going to be completed within the workshop, but outside it. The framework, engine block and chassis could all be housed inside, but the final assembly was going to take place outside since there was no rails in the shop, and the final loco was going to be too heavy for any available crane to lift anyway.

Fast (or as fast as Hilding Brakén understood the deal was about to collapse) a simple but strong crane was ordered and put outside the shop. The crane was able to lift as much as 2 500 kilograms, which seemed to be sufficient, and was delivered in spring just before the construction of the loco was beginning.

The photo below shows the crane (of the PECO-brand) as delivered. Since then, a lifting cable has been installed, and the crane has come to good use in a variety of situations. The most widely spread event was when Mr. Brakén remarried the widow Bröster, and his (not so very clean and modern) underwear was hoisted to the air in some sort of practical joke performed by some of the workers.

The PECO crane as delivered - a fine example of robust mechanics!