Rocket in 009: basic structure primed...

The beauty of working in styrene rather than 3D print and etch is the speed at which you can turn an idea into a reality... 

Last week this was just an idea, now I have a nearly scale model of 'Rocket' from Cliffe Hill! This Bagnall saddle/pannier tank is built around the Tomix Percy, the wheelbase is too long, but as with most 009 it's a compromise, the saddle tank is Percy, the panniers and smokebox are scratch built, along with the cab, which the prototype didn't have but is necessary to hide the motor.

It's turned out to be quite a diminutive machine and I've managed to get it a similar size to my other 'small' stock - making the possibility of an 009 project rear it's head again.

The next step will be to fit the window spectacles, couplings and smokebox door dart when they arrive from RT Models - and then I can get some colour on it. The question is what colour though... prototype was a red/brown lined red, but I might do it the same colour as the Bagnall IST. We'll see, whatever, it will need works plates and an (as yet undecided) name.

It will be great to see it progress, it's been fun doing a little 'side' project, a bit like Russell, away from the 006.5 and custom model making commercial activity. More soon...