It is impossible (or desirable) to recreate  full size everything that was clay related in Purbeck for every period, so to capture young and old minds and educate, the Museum has a couple of working models. One (Norden in the 1960's shown above) is resident in the Foreman's Office (although as you can see from the schedule below it does go out and about). 
The other model shown below is of Eldon's Siding as it was in the 1930's. On the right can be seen the Swanage branch and to the left of that is the 3' 9" gauge railway system on which "Tiny" and "Thames" ran. You will also see that horses were also used up until the second world war.

Both models are full of small details that amuse and entertain.  Their purpose is to catch your attention and enable all ages to learn in the most pleasant and enjoyable way.

Swanage Railway was very well represented at Eastleigh 100 with M7, Manston, and Eddystone. However the Eldon's Sidings Model also drew a small crowd.

© Richard Bentley 2009

During the weekend of 2nd and 3rd May 2009 Peter Hollins had the pleasure of placing his model of the ex Norden Ruston on the real thing at the Old Kiln Light Railway

Please note that the last Norden Mine closed in 1999 and not in the 1960s