GLENN BALL DESIGNS
Australian Robilt Toy Trains
Glenn has drawn these O-gauge trains using examples borrowed from several generous collectors.
The drawings are created in full size directly on the computer in Macromedia (now Adobe) Freehand for Macintosh, so no 'original' hard copy drawings exist. Prints are made on an Epson Stylus Photo R1800 8-cartridge inkjet printer using glossy photo-quality paper for the best results. The generous collectors mentioned above consider the prints to be 'superb'.
Number 1. The first Robilt clockwork O-gauge 2-4-0 loco and tender, circa 1946. The sheet-brass train was produced in several colours.
Number 3. Robilt clockwork O-gauge 0-4-0 loco and tender, circa 1950. The sheet-brass train was produced in several colours. The boiler was shortened, the firebox removed and a speed governor fitted forward of the stop-start lever in the side of the boiler.
Glenn started drawing the trains in 2003 when he rediscovered his old Australian Robilt 2-4-0 clockwork set while cleaning out his garage.The original train, given to him for his 6th birthday in 1948, was in very poor shape in 2003, so to relive the old days the drawing was done. The result was so good he decided to draw every model he could lay his hands on. As well as the Robilt range, Glenn has started on other Australian brands, such as Ferris, Maurlyn and Scorpion. Also, O-gauge Hornby is being added to his collection.
Number 2. version Robilt clockwork O-gauge 2-4-0 loco and tender, circa 1948. This is Glenn's old train.
The sheet-brass train was produced in several colours.
Number 4. Robilt clockwork O-gauge 0-4-0 loco and tender, circa 1952. The sheet-steel train was produced in several colours. The cab height was lowered, the speed governor moved to the inside of the cab along with a forward-reverse lever.
Number 5. Robilt clockwork O-gauge 0-4-0 loco and tender, circa 1952. Later models were produced mostly in black. Variations occurred in the connecting rods.
Number 6. Robilt electric O-gauge 0-6-0 loco and tender, circa 1952. The standard 0-4-0 body was fitted with an electric motor and 0-6-0 arrangement, borrowed from the electric version of the Spirit of Progress.
Number 7. Clockwork version of the 4-6-2 Spirit of Progress, Matthew Flinders. Circa 1950.
Glenn has produced over 50 drawings in the Robilt range, including tankers, coaches, open trucks
and timber trucks. There are still several variations to be drawn before the range is complete.