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Dec. 11, 1925. Washington, D.C. "J.N. Swartzell with miniature railroad." Finally we see the man behind the trains. National Photo glass negative. View full size.
The item in his right hand is a pattern (likely made from wood) for the locomotive boiler. Note the round extensions sticking out either end. These are "core prints" that locate a inner piece of the mold that makes a hollow part when cast. More than likely the locomotive boiler was cast in brass or bronze in a sand mold.
The more I see of this fellow and his work the curiouser and curiouser
become. I'd love to see his machine shop and I wonder if he cast parts
himself before machining.
To judge from the spatters on his shirt, it looks like it was raining when the picture was taken. If so, Mr. Swartzell is probably looking a little uncomfortable because he wants to get his engines back indoors where it is dry.
Can't have those locomotives running over your neckwear.
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