The Wonder Works

The Wonder Works is a new name for what was the Hornby Visitor centre which celebrates well known brands such as Hornby, Airfix, Humbrol, Scalextric, Corgi etc. Associated with the centre is the One:One Collection, a collection of historic locos and rolling stock many of which are owned by other collections, museums and heritage lines. The collection is therefore a fluid collection with artefacts often in storage due to lack of space elsewhere or awaiting a return to operational status at some point. Today there was an open day at the Wonder Works which included access to the generally closed One:One collection which also includes some fabulous scale locos, a couple of buses and even a T55 tank. Here is some of what I saw.

Nao Santa Maria

This is a replica of the ship used by Columbus on his first voyage to the Americas in 1492. It was built less than 10 years ago and is currently on a world tour to promote education and exploration. It was moored in Ramsgate harbour for a few days recently as part of the tour.

Twizel Castle

Twizel (or Twizell) Castle is close to the Scotland/England border not far from Cornhill on Tweed. The structure incorporates part of a medievel tower but is mainly a castle that was commenced in the late 18th century that was to be built as a gothic revival mansion. However, the project was never completed and much of it was demolished around 150 years ago and the stone re-used elsewhere. However, the ruins are still quite impressive and easily accessible although there is a low fence around it and warning signs as the building is a poor state of repair despite its listed status. However, I went for a look recently and here is some of what I saw.

Royal Palace, Amsterdam

We went over to Amsterdam to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary last month and took in the Royal Palace which was apparently the Town Hall originally. It has been upgraded quite impressively. No shots from the outside as ther was a free concert cluttering up the area out front and the rear was decked in scaffolding but here are some shots from the interior.