Largest model train set

The world’s largest model train set in Germany beat its own Guinness World Record by adding a large new section based on the country of Monaco.

Miniatur Wunderland, an attraction in Hamburg, Germany, has held the Guinness record for the world’s largest model train set since 2011, when it measured 39,370 feet of track, and it has now beaten its own record by expanding to 51,558 feet, 4.78 inches of track.

The train set’s latest expansion, Monaco Province, is based on landmarks in the full-size version of Monaco. The model already contained sections based on Central Germany, Austria, the United States, Switzerland, Italy, Knuffingen, Hamburg, Scandinavia and Venice.

The Monaco section is still under construction and will be completed by November 2020.

Longest nail extensions

An artist in Florida captured his second Guinness World Record when he created the world’s longest nail extensions, measuring a full four feet in length.

Odilon Ozare, who set his first record in 2018 when his 15-foot, nine-inch tall hat was recognised as the world’s tallest, said his attempt to set the nail extension record was inspired by the talons on his pet bird, a cockatiel named Song Bird.

Ozare said he came up against several obstacles, including the discovery that the acrylic would break under its own weight.

“So, I purchased a tremendous amount of acrylic powder and put on around 30 layers to finally achieve the extra length,” he said.

Holographic ‘ghost ship’ on display

A public art installation in Philadelphia gives new meaning to the phrase “ghost ship” by featuring a hologram of an 18th century ship floating in water.

The Ghost Ship installation, by the Europe-based Biangle Studio, premieres recently off the Race Street Pier in the Delaware River, Philadelphia, US. The installation uses light and water to create the three-dimensional image of an 18th century ship floating in the river.

Visitors are offered the opportunity to listen to recordings of historians and artists discussing the history of the Delaware River while taking in the installation, which will be active 7-10 p.m. until November 3.

Lamborghini created with 3D printer

A Colorado physicist is putting his scientific expertise to a practical purpose — using a 3D printer to build a Lamborghini with his 11-year-old son.

Erie resident Sterling Backus and his son, Xander, started work on their full-size, working model of an Italian supercar — specifically the Lamborghini Aventador — when the boy asked his father if it was possible.

Sterling Backus said his background as a “gear head” has thus far been more helpful than his training as a physicist. The car won’t be a proper Lamborghini, it contains a Corvette V8 engine and various parts procured from a junkyard, including Porsche components, but Backus said it will look like the real thing.

The father and son recently posted a video of the vehicle going for a short drive test. The duo said they hope their project will inspire more kids to get interested in STEM education.

Published in Dawn, Young World, October 12th, 2019