Dunkum Dunnies

 

Time for a little research. I bought this book over a decade ago from a small bookstore near the beach in Adelaide. Can you think of anything more Australian that isn't a cliche? 

All I really learn, is that "dunnies" come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Corrugated iron seems to be a popular feature, but then it is across the country. I worry that it would get a little bit toastie in a toilet made of wiggly tin in the outback sun, but I guess you get used to it if this is the only option!

The authors certainly found plenty of variety!

According to Google's AI overview: 

"Dinkum Dunnies is a classic Australian non-fiction book by Douglass Baglin (photographer) and Barbara Mullins (writer/collaborator) that explores and documents the history, culture, and unique character of traditional outdoor toilets (dunnies) across Australia through beautiful photography and text. Published around 1980, it's a nostalgic look at rural life, featuring stunning pictures of flora, fauna, and the outhouses themselves, making it a beloved collector's item for Australian history and photography enthusiasts."

Not bad, but the first edition came out in 1971, and the fifth (which I have) appeared in 1974. A popular book! 

Skip the bus in February's BRM

I know it's been out a few days, but here's a run-down of the Phil stuff in February 2026's British Railway Modelling magazine. 

First up, a whitemetal bus in N gauge, perfect for any bridge on your layout. 

 Next, some 4mm scale modern skips, complete with rubbish. 

The camera has been out, this time for Blackfriars Bridge in P4. 

Followed by Corsham in N gauge.

 BRM is available from all good newsagents, and our online store. 

Saturday Film Club: How to Bake George Stephenson’s 200-year-old Mince Pies

You are probably sick of mince pies by now, but if not, here's how to bake some with a real railway heritage. 

Hellingly Hospital Loco

 

Merry Christmas to me!

My main present is very much a one-off - a Gauge 3 model of the Hellingly Hospital Railway locomotive.  

Readers of Garden Rail, will know from the January issue, that it was scratch built by Jamie Page, a real craftsman. There's nothing 3D printed about this model, it's been cut in brass in the traditional way. OK, the traditional way includes a pantograph cutter, but that's traditional enough for me. 

This was not a model I ever expected to own, but I bagged it from eBay, where I have a watch for all things Hellingly Hospital, for less then a price of a sound-fitted OO diesel. 

While I wasn't complaining, when I drove down to pick the model up, it wasn't going to be entrusted to a courier, I took along some photos of the line. My hope was to prove I was a worthy owner of such an amazing model. There's a lot of work in here, and I know I like things I've made to find a good home. 

Sadly, I didn't get to meet Jamie, but I still insisted on showing his wife the photo albums, and expressing my enthusiasm for the prototype.

Back home, my parents decided that this would make a perfect Christmas present, so we did a deal. OK, so I couldn't unwrap it, but who cares? This is a work of art, and I'm proud to be its owner. I'm sure some of you will understand.    

Now, where can I buy a pantograph milling machine, and where would I put it?  

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to all the readers of this blog. 

Now, get off the interweb, and go eat the turkey!