Russian Enthusiast Builds his own Mini-Railway

A miniature steam train runs across a bridge on Pavel Chilin's personal railway in Ulyanovka village outside St. Petersburg, Russia Sunday, July 19, 2020. (AP)
A miniature steam train runs across a bridge on Pavel Chilin's personal railway in Ulyanovka village outside St. Petersburg, Russia Sunday, July 19, 2020. (AP)
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Russian Enthusiast Builds his own Mini-Railway

A miniature steam train runs across a bridge on Pavel Chilin's personal railway in Ulyanovka village outside St. Petersburg, Russia Sunday, July 19, 2020. (AP)
A miniature steam train runs across a bridge on Pavel Chilin's personal railway in Ulyanovka village outside St. Petersburg, Russia Sunday, July 19, 2020. (AP)

It took the 62-year-old electrical engineer more than 10 years to build a 350-meter (383-yard)-long narrow-gauge railway twisting through the grounds of his steads about 50 kilometers (some 30 miles) outside St. Petersburg. It has various branches, dead ends, circuit loops and even three bridges.

The design of his steam train is based on a classic example from the early 20th century. Chilin built it with the help of a few other enthusiasts and railway fans, and some neighbors who brought him metal parts and other materials.

"I´ve been excited about railways and trains since my childhood and always wanted to have my own one," Chilin said. "Finally, I my dream came true."

His railway quickly became a hit with both adults and children, who are eager to test the train and enjoy a slow journey.

One of the visitors, 9-year-old Alexei Lebedintsev, was delighted to find that the train was "like a real one."

"It was very interesting for me to try this train because I also want to become an engineer," he said.

Chilin said it took him a lot of resolve and determination to complete the project.

"Another little secret is to switch off your computer and a smartphone for a while in order to be able to concentrate on one important thing," Chilin said.

He said he and his friends are now busy building a steamboat and are also planning to make a steam plane.



Venus Williams to Get New Barbie as Part of Inspiring Women Collection 

Venus Williams. (Getty Images / AFP)
Venus Williams. (Getty Images / AFP)
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Venus Williams to Get New Barbie as Part of Inspiring Women Collection 

Venus Williams. (Getty Images / AFP)
Venus Williams. (Getty Images / AFP)

Venus Williams has a new Barbie, this one part of the dollmaker's Inspiring Women collection.

Williams' doll, to be released Friday, will celebrate the tennis great and pay equity champion with a doll wearing the uniform she wore while winning Wimbledon in 2007.

Williams' win for the fifth of her seven grand slam titles was the first time a woman received equal prize money as the men at a top-level tournament.

The doll, suggested to retail for $38, will feature Williams in all white with a green gem necklace, wristband, racket and tennis ball.

Williams also had a Barbie doll released in May 2024 that highlighted nine trailblazing female athletes as part of Barbie's 65th anniversary celebration.