Wheels but not tyres - The real thing

[Alan T]

Inspired by Curmudgeon, here is my archive shot, from my birthday outing last February to 'Steam', the Great Western Railway museum in the buildings of Swindon Railway Works (1843-1986).

Brunel, the remarkable and innovative engineer, was kind enough to pose with me. His diminutive size belies his giant stature in many aspects of pioneering engineering design. The 8-foot driving wheels are from 'Lord of the Isles', which ran from 1851 past the works from London to Bristol on the world's first high-speed railway, with 7 foot gauge.

Note that he needs a plinth plus a very tall hat to improve his standing, in the manner of President Sarkozy at the recent D-Day commemoration, or when accompanied by his tall beautiful wife, and HRH Prince Charles (the current 'Lord of the Isles', by conquest at Culloden) when he posed with the late Princess Diana.

See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GWR_Iron_Duke_Class ;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isambard_Kingdom_Brunel

My brother took the shot with my camera, so I was the director, if not the photographer.

[mike_1]

I like this photo, Alan. What a wheel!

Seeing you standing next to the "mannequin" makes this seem like it might be a scene from The Twilight Zone.

Mike

[Mugmar]

That's a big wheel!! Great shot.

[selvin]

Alan,
That wheel almost looks as if it came from a penny-farthing bicycle.
Nice details and clever composition.
Aloha