Trainspotting for kids

Continuing what he's done best his whole life - using his hands - Lu Juming has carved a niche for himself building miniature steam-engine driven trains in Shanghai.

In his 10-sq-m studio, the 55-year-old retiree makes everything from scratch except for the manometer, a type of pressure gauge.

With goods in short supply back in the 1960s, Chinese would often make their own furniture, toys and clothes. Lu elected to do the same - with models and transistor radios.

This year he made it into the Shanghai Guinness Book of World Records for making the world's smallest rice popper, the size of a small child's fist.

"Now my grandson demands popped rice every time he visits," he said, laughing.

Lu took various jobs after leaving high school, casting molded components before working as a miller, carpenter and home decorator.

In the 1980s, he rediscovered his love for trains. After seeing a picture taken in a British park showing tourists riding miniature steam trains he decided to give it a go. After countless failures, Lu managed to get a train up-and-running one summer evening back in 2000.

"The neighbors all came over to watch and take rides," he said.

He has since made several more and even sold a few of them. In a recent visit to Guangzhou and Shijiazhuang, he put on an exhibition to help promote next year's World Expo 2010 Shanghai China.

But Lu said he is saddened to see model shops disappearing these days as children focus more on academic success at the expense of such hobbies. In a bid to counter this, he shared his favorite passtime with youngsters on International Children's Day last week at the Shanghai Aerospace Enthusiasts Center. As he laid tracks at the center and took children for rides, China Daily Shanghai Star Weekend reporter Cao Li caught up with him to find out more about his unique hobby.

Q: When did you first become interested in trains?

A: I have loved trains ever since I was a young boy. I used to sneak into train stations and spend hours pouring over the latest models while dreaming of the day I would be able to make my own.

Q: What is it about trains that sparked your interest?

A: I have always been amazed by steam engines because they propelled the Industrial Revolution.

Q: What is the most rewarding thing about making these miniature steam engines?

A: I love seeing children laugh while they ride my little steam engines. When they are happy, I am also happiest. It just makes it all worthwhile.

Q: How long does it take to make one of your trains and what's involved?

A: It takes about five years and requires at least five skills to make a train. I cut and mold every piece by hand. The total set, with a locomotive and five tenders, weighs about 70 kg.

Q: How many passengers can they handle?

A: Twenty people including the driver - and each one can be 200 pounds or heavier. Their weight doesn't really matter.

Q: What are you working on now?

A: A vintage car with a steam engine.

Q: What is your ultimate dream?

A: To have a park where I and other enthusiasts can drive trains and give kids free rides.

(China Daily 06/06/2009 page14)